Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How can you tell the quality of upholstery fabric?
1 Answer

To tell the quality of upholstery fabric, first consider what it's made of. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen and silk are often used to produce high-quality fabrics. Some synthetics are also well-made, but quality varies, so conduct some online research to learn about the pros and cons of the specific material. Next, ask the retailer or maker if the fabric has undergone any performance tests and gained any certifications. Scientific tests can be performed to assess how resistant furniture is to staining, fading, pilling and other types of wear and tear. If the fabric has earned certification based on these types of tests, it is generally a good indication that it is quality upholstery. How the fabric is constructed also matters. Those with patterns woven in rather than printed onto them are generally better quality. Reading online reviews can also help you learn more about the quality of upholstery. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of upholstered furniture.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
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Shop for Upholstery Furniture on 1stDibs
French Midcentury Cantilever Chrome Dining Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French midcentury (circa 1970) set of six dining chairs using cantilevered seats on chrome frames, in the manner of designers Willy Rizzo and Giovanni Offredi. The original upholster...
Category
20th Century French Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Sculptural Boucle Dining Chair with Split Pedestal Base - Mondo Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A sculptural blend of form and function, this contemporary dining chair exudes elegance with its soft curves and refined silhouette. Upholstered in a range of heavy textured boucle w...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Baker Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Baker Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Sofa
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Couture Maximalism Style Armchair Offered In COM w/ Lacquered Frame-Jose' Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Rounded lounge chair constructed with a continuous, monolithic frame in high-gloss lacquered wood. The frame forms the arms and base in one uninterrupted element with rounded interna...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet
Barbara Barry Collection for Baker Furniture Oval X-Back Dining Side Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Baker Furniture Oval X-Back Dining Side Chair designed by Barbara Barry. Mahogany stained and cream velvet upholstery. Eight chairs available.
Barbara Barry collection by Baker Fur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Ripple Sofa – Angular Curved Silhouette with Carved Wood Base-Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Ripple sofa draws from the soft rhythm of water and air, vertical lines echoing ripples, pillars and sculpted silence. Its base anchors the form, while the upholstered seat float...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood


