Understanding upholstery materials

Fabric

On average fabrics are around 130 – 140cms wide.

There is a huge selection to choose from including plain; patterns, velvets and felts.

Careful selection is required to suit the application, with technical performance and area of use should drive the fabric selection process.

Fabrics are made from a variety of materials, which might be either natural, man-made, or a mixture of both.

Man-made fabrics such as polyester, are non-absorbent making them prone to staining, are non- degradable and can become shiny over time. Coated polyesters can be made waterproof and bleach proof, making them ideal for healthcare and hospitality sectors. These fabrics tend to be cheaper compared to natural fibres and are used when budget is a significant factor.

Wool based fabrics are naturally produced, renewable, biodegradable, inherently soil hiding, naturally stain resistant, have good stretch and recovery, breathable and flame retardant.  These fabrics are ideal for our more sculptural furniture pieces.

Faux leather

Faux leather is one of several names given to artificial or synthetic leather. Faux leather is made from a fabric base, which is chemically treated with wax, dye, or polyurethane for a colour and texture. Ultimately, it is man-made and exists to give the look and feel of real leather at a lower cost point.

Rolls tend to average around 130-140cms wide.

As these are man-made the surface of the faux leather is perfectly consistent across the surface meaning that cutting economy and wastage is good compared to natural leather.

The colours available are vast with some faux leathers available with printed or embossed effects.

Leather

Genuine leather is a luxurious and completely natural product demanding our very special skills to get the best results. Many features of natural leather make it a desirable material to use and can only enhance the furniture for those who select and use it. Key differentiators are durability, comfort, beauty, breathability, plus suppleness along with natural flame retardancy.   

Each hide is unique and has its own individual characteristics, often with natural scars and growth marks which enhance and differentiate the product. Unlike any other upholstery material, genuine quality leather actually improves with age, gaining beautiful character as time goes on. Our standard hides range from 4.5m2 to 5.5m2 in size.