Whether it’s for your primary residence or your seaside cabin, selecting the perfect furniture is crucial to making your house a home. Before you head to your local furniture store to buy new pieces, you should come up with a budget and consider your lifestyle and fabric preferences. Here’s a brief guide to upholstery fabric types. 

4 Kinds of Upholstery You’ll Find in a Furniture Store 

1. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is typically blended with other types of fabric, such as wool or cotton, to make upholstery. It’s wrinkle and tear-resistant and is relatively inexpensive.

2. Genuine Leather

Leather is one of the most luxurious furniture materials. Genuine leather is a natural material made from animal hide, typically that of a cow. Its durability and longevity match its timeless elegance and sophistication. With proper care, it can last decades. It’s also easy to wipe clean, making it an attractive and practical choice.

3. Polyurethane

Polyurethane (PUL) is a synthetic fabric made of polyester or a polyblend material. It’s waterproof and extremely durable, making it an attractive choice for households with kids or pets. The material can mimic others, such as cotton or leather. In the latter case, it provides a less expensive alternative to genuine leather for those on a budget. However, if you go this route, keep in mind that it doesn’t last as long as real leather and will crack or fade more quickly.

4. Revolution Performance Fabric

Revolution Performance Fabric is made with Olefin yarn. Olefin is a synthetic fiber used for a broad range of applications, including carpets and upholstery, as well as rope and vehicle interiors. It is incredibly durable and resistant to moisture, tearing, sunlight, and stains. Like polyurethane, it’s a fantastic choice for households with pets and young children, as well as any high-traffic area such as a lounge or office reception area. 

Furniture is an investment that will improve your home. The right pieces can significantly enhance comfort as well as style, giving you the perfect balance of practicality and aesthetics. If you’re a Baldwin County resident, stop by Direct Furniture Outlet, a furniture store in Foley, AL. With everything from bedroom furniture and mattresses to patio furniture, they’re the community’s go-to furniture store. Call (251) 989-2300 to speak with a friendly staff member, or visit their website to see their online showroom.