Does your furniture look worn out and old but you don’t have enough money to replace it? Then why don’t you think to change its upholstery? It is the only way to revive your old furniture. Nowadays, a lot of fabrics are available in the market to reupholster your furniture. To help you out choosing the right upholstery fabric, we’ve put together a list of some common materials with their pros and cons.

So, let’s move on to explore the benefits and drawbacks of common upholstery fabrics;

Leather Upholstery

Pros of Leather Upholstery

• Leather doesn’t absorb liquid so you can easily clean it by wiping it with a soft cloth.
• The material is easy to maintain, durable and can last for years.
• Leather doesn’t stain easily that is why the material is pet/kid-friendly.
• It can withstand use.
• You can restore its shine by simply polishing or buffing.

Cons of Leather Upholstery

• Leather can become cracked and brittle when exposed to harsh weather conditions. The material is relatively hard. Therefore, it may not be suitable and comfortable like other upholstery fabrics out there.
• Any sharp object such as scissors or knives can damage the leather easily.
• Leather is a bit more expensive than other upholstery fabrics.

Polyester Upholstery

Pros of Polyester Upholstery

• Polyester is soft and one of the most durable upholstery fabrics.
• The material is easy to clean and maintain.
• It is more stain-resistant.
• It dries quickly after washing and doesn’t absorb smells.

Cons of Polyester Upholstery

• The material is flammable.
• Polyester is vulnerable to heat and harsh weather conditions.
• It is not eco-friendly.
• It can absorb perspiration and bodily oils.

Linen Upholstery

Pros of Linen Upholstery

• Unlike polyester, linen upholstery fabric is eco-friendly and relatively sustainable.
• The fabric is easy to clean.
• Due to its softness, linen is one of the most comfortable upholstery fabrics out there.
• Linen is mold and mildew resistant.
• Unlike other upholstery fabrics, linen is quite affordable.

Cons of Linen Upholstery

• Linen can get wrinkles easily so you will need to press it for a smoother look.
• The fabric is less durable and can be damaged easily.
• Linen is not resistant to smells and stains.

Cotton Upholstery

Pros Of Cotton Upholstery

• Cotton can be dyed in any color.
• The fabric is soft and breathable.
• It is washable.
• Cotton is resistant to mildews, abrasions, and pests.

Cons of Cotton Upholstery

• Cotton tends to wrinkle easily as it is less elastic.
• The fabric can absorb stains and spills.
• It is less durable compared to other upholstery fabrics out there.

Wool Upholstery

Pros Of Wool Upholstery

• Wool fabric is durable, comfortable, and hardwearing.
• The fabric is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
• It is resistant to allergens.
• It is resistant to moisture and flames.

Cons of Wool Upholstery

• Wool fabric can only be dry cleaned.
• The material is quite expensive.
• You’ll not find wool in a variety of colors to match your décor.

Of course, there are also other upholstery fabrics available in the market, but we’ve discussed the popular ones. Now that it should be pretty clear which upholstery fabric you should choose for your furniture!