The best upholstery fabric is one that looks good and survives daily use. Sofas, dining chairs, headboards and car seats all take different levels of wear, so the right choice depends on who (and what) will be sitting on it. This guide compares the main upholstery fabrics and explains what to check before you buy.
What makes a good upholstery fabric?
- Durability: heavier, tightly woven fabrics last longer. Where a product lists a Martindale (rub test) score, higher numbers mean better abrasion resistance. Around 15,000 rubs is usually suitable for general domestic seating, and 25,000+ for heavy use.
- Cleanability: wipe-clean fabrics such as faux leather are practical for homes with children or pets.
- Fire safety: furniture for commercial use in the UK usually needs fire-retardant fabric. Look for "fire retardant" or BS EN 1021 in the product details.
- Weight and stretch: fabrics with a little give are easier to pull around curves; very stretchy fabrics are harder to keep smooth.
Faux leather: hard-wearing and wipe clean
Faux leather (vinyl leather) fabric is one of the most practical upholstery choices. It wipes clean, resists spills and suits dining chairs, bar stools, headboards, car interiors and commercial seating. Some of our faux leathers are fire retardant, which makes them suitable for pubs, hotels and restaurants. Quilted and diamond-stitched designs are available for car seats and statement headboards.
Plush velvet: soft, rich and on trend
Plush velvet upholstery fabric gives sofas, armchairs, footstools and headboards a luxurious finish. Its dense pile feels soft and shows off deep colours. It's best for furniture that gets moderate use, and it pairs well with matching velvet curtains and cushions.
Suede and Alcantara-style fabric
Faux suede has a soft, brushed surface that's comfortable to sit on and works well for car door cards, headliners, headboards and accent chairs. Many suedette fabrics don't fray when cut and can be glued in place with textile adhesive, which makes them popular for car trim projects.
Tapestry and brocade: pattern with strength
Tapestry fabric is thick and densely woven, so it copes well with everyday use on armchairs, dining chairs, footstools and cushions. Brocades and damasks add a woven pattern with a slight sheen, ideal for traditional pieces and matching curtains.
Outdoor and wipe-clean options
For garden furniture covers, kitchen seating and craft projects that need to stay dry, oilcloth and PVC fabric and waterproof ripstop are practical choices.
Which upholstery fabric should I choose?
- Family sofa or pet-friendly seating: faux leather or a tightly woven tapestry.
- Statement armchair or headboard: plush velvet or quilted faux leather.
- Dining chairs: faux leather for easy cleaning, or tapestry for pattern.
- Car interiors: faux leather for seats, suede for door cards and trims.
- Pubs, hotels and cafés: fire-retardant faux leather.
How much upholstery fabric do I need?
Measure each panel of the piece (seat, back, arms, sides and any cushions) at its widest and longest points, add around 5–10cm to each measurement for seams and pulling, then work out how the pieces fit across the width of your chosen fabric. Allow extra for pattern matching. As a rough guide, a dining chair seat needs well under a metre, while an armchair or sofa needs considerably more, so measure carefully or ask an upholsterer.
Shop upholstery fabric by the metre
Browse faux leather, plush velvet, suede and tapestry. Every order is cut to length from the roll, and orders placed before 10pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day. Upholsterers and trade buyers can contact us about wholesale rolls.
