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
19th Century Austrian Set of Four Antique Biedermeier Walnut Dining Room Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique set of four Austrian dining room chairs made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Walnut, in good condition. The detailed side chairs have...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Alcove Contemporary Linear Sofa With Curved Back
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A sculptural statement piece defined by its architectural silhouette and introspective form. The Alcove Sofa embraces a bold exterior — rectangular and linear — that gently reveals a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
$12,500 / item
Large Orleans Ottoman, Tapiserrie XVII, West Haddon Hall Collection
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Large Orleans ottoman upholstered in Arjumand's World Tapisserie XVII Velvet, which references old Western European tapestries of another time. Artful seaming and pattern placeme...
Category
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Oak, Upholstery, Velvet
Pair of His and Her Lounge Chairs by Guillerme et Chambron in White Oak
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of his (Romeo) and her (Juliette) lounge chairs in white oak by Guillerme and Chambron, for Votre Maison. France circa 1950's
A beautifully restored pair of “Romeo et Juliette” ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
French Patinated Wood Bed Full Size or Double Bed Louis XVI Style, circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French mid-century bed made circa 1900, in the Louis XVI style.
The painting is the original but the bed has been patinated recently to refresh the finishing.
The upholtery is in goo...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
San Rafael Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Rafael Sofa is a generously proportioned sofa that excels in comfort. The plush wide-channel tufted cushions are tailored beautifully to interlock with the expertly crafted ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery