Upholstery is the process of adding padding, springs, webbing and fabric to furniture, like couches, chairs, and beds. This involves using a variety of materials that are used to make furniture cushioned and comfortable, including foam, cotton, wool, linen, and leather.
Home upholstery services are performed in homes by professional upholsterers whose job it is to replace old, worn-out or damaged furniture with newer, better-quality pieces that are more durable and long-lasting. They also work with customers to help them choose the right fabrics, patterns and colors for their space and lifestyle.
Residential upholstery can be performed in a living room, bedroom, family room, den or other area of the home where people spend time sitting and relaxing. It can include everything from re-covering an old, worn wingback chair to redoing the fabric and upholstery on a sofa, armchair or bed.
Commercial upholstery is used in hotels, restaurants, health and fitness centers, schools, offices, government and religious buildings, and many other places where people need furniture. It includes a wide range of styles and materials, from the simple to the lavish.
Textile science and advanced manufacturing methods have made it possible to create upholstery that is very hardy, resistant to stains and mold, and fade-resistant in sunlight. The most common type of upholstery fabric is polyester. This durable synthetic material is more affordable than most types of natural fabrics, and it withstands mildew, fading, and wrinkling.
Another popular type of upholstery fabric is cotton, which can be used for pillows, slipcovers, and more. This fabric is soft and breathable, but it does require frequent vacuuming to prevent dust from building up in the fibers.
Linen is a natural plant-based fabric that’s often found in high-end furniture. It comes from the flax plant and has a very light, airy feel that gives your furniture a fresh, clean look. However, it can rot in humid weather and isn’t a good choice for families with children or pets.
Polyester is an inexpensive synthetic material that is often used in sofas and chairs because it resists fading, staining, mildew, and wrinkling. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas that get a lot of wear and tear, but it can’t be as luxurious as some other types of natural fabric.
Cotton is a versatile, all-natural fabric that has a natural softness that cannot be replicated by synthetic materials. It can be woven into a variety of fabrics, such as velvet and brocade, and it’s available in a range of weaves.
If you’re looking for a fabric that has a lot of character, but isn’t too expensive, consider chenille. It’s a fluffy, fuzzy material that makes an excellent accent for many types of furniture. It can be machine-washed and is available in a huge range of colors and textures.
You can find a variety of different types of upholstery fabric at almost any sewing or fabric store. You can also buy this heavy-weight fabric online from retailers such as Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby.
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