PROS AND CONS OF FABRICS

Pros and Cons of Fabrics for Your Sofa and Chairs

When a customer comes in to customise a sofa or an armchair, one of the questions we frequently get is about the upholstery material. Each type of material, whether it’s fabric, leather or synthetic leather, has its pros and cons. In this article, we’d like to share the pros and cons of fabrics. There are five main points to consider about the material of choice when commissioning customised furniture.

Colour Options

Compared to leather, fabric upholstery comes in a wide range of colours and even patterns. Stripes, florals, polka dot…you name it! With the sheer variety, you can create a whole range of looks with fabric re-upholstery work materials. It’s not the case with leather, where the range of colours is limited.

Durability

Generally, leather lasts longer than fabric upholstery. Fabric materials are also prone to stains, and can wear out and fade over time. Natural fabrics like silk and some cottons are more prone to stains and wear, so consider engineered fabrics when choosing fabric upholstery. These are typically blends, such as polyester with viscose, which can stand up to the demands of everyday use in families with pets and children. If you prefer natural fabrics, materials like linen, velvet and wool are more durable.

Comfort

Consider your lifestyle when choosing fabric upholstery. As mentioned above, wool may be a durable natural fabric, but it may not be suitable for the hot and humid weather in Singapore. Furniture with fabric upholstery are great for Singapore as compared to furniture with leather re-upholstery service. They generally feel cooler than leather. Leather tends to stick to the skin and feel uncomfortable in warm weather. It can also feel slippery over time.

Affordability

Leather furniture tend to be more expensive than those with fabric and synthetic leather. Compared to leather, fabric upholstery is less expensive. That makes it a big plus. Added to that, when your fabric-upholstered furniture come with removable covers, it becomes a practical choice, especially in a climate like Singapore.

Maintenance

Fabric furniture can be hard to clean. They also absorb odours easily. Since they can stain and wear over time, one important consideration is whether the covers are removable. Note that removable covers may not be possible for button-tufted furniture. But where possible, ask for removable covers for your furniture so you can throw the covers in the wash regularly. You’ll also be able to have extra covers made. That way, you can change the look of your living room from time to time.