The fabric you choose is the most visible part of your furniture. It’s not only a representation of your style and a focal point of any room, but it also needs to withstand wear and be comfortable to sit on. To help you choose the right fabric, here are the pros and cons of three materials.

A Guide to Upholstery Fabrics

1. Linen

Linen has a light, airy feel that can integrate well into any room. It's casual enough for the most laid-back family room and formal enough for the stateliest living area. Linen mostly comes from the flax plant, so it's a natural, eco-friendly upholstery option. Unfortunately, linen is prone to wrinkling, and thinner varieties won't be able to withstand much wear.

2. Velvet

Velvet adds an undeniable elegance to a room and instantly upgrades the style of the furniture it covers. The higher the quality of velvet, the more luxurious it will look and feel. Gauge its worth by looking at the back of the swatch; if it's tightly woven, it's high-quality. Velvet has a natural luster and is soft and comfortable. On the downside, it attracts dust and hair and will need regular vacuuming; stains should be removed by a professional.

3. Cotton & Cotton Blends

Cotton is extremely popular and versatile, and it’s highly resistant to fading and wear. It also doesn’t pill easily — a term for a fabric’s propensity to attract small balls of lint. However, cotton is susceptible to wrinkling and doesn't have much protection against stains. These drawbacks can often be avoided by choosing a cotton blend, which mixes the cotton with other fibers to make it more durable and stain-resistant.

Lines Circles & Angles Custom Upholstery & Repair has been offering custom upholstery services to Hamilton County, OH, since 1975. In addition to reupholstering, they provide furniture repair and padding work. They are committed to helping you make your old furniture look like new again. To learn more about their selection, call (513) 984-1074 or visit them online.