How do I choose the right fabric for reupholstering my sofa?
This is hands down the biggest questions we get asked. So let's break it down.
Choosing the right fabric for reupholstering your sofa is one of the most important decisions in the whole process. The fabric you choose affects how long your sofa lasts, how it feels to live with, and its environmental impact.
Whether you’re restoring a vintage piece or updating a well loved family favourite, here’s how to choose a fabric that’s practical, considered, and right for your home.
1. Start With How the Sofa Is Used (be honest).
Before thinking about colour or texture, consider real life:
Is this your main everyday sofa? Or is it in the posh lounge?
Do you have children or pets? Is it a make shift den occasionally? A trampoline perhaps?
Consider the traffic that this sofa is managing.
Choosing a fabric that suits how the sofa is used helps it last longer. If your paying to give it some love you want that to last!
2. Durability = Sustainability
A fabric that wears well won’t need replacing anytime soon. The Martindale rating measures how durable upholstery fabric is:
20,000–25,000: Light domestic use.
25,000–40,000: General domestic use (ideal for most sofas).
40,000+: Heavy domestic or commercial use.
For most homes, aim for at least 25,000 Martindale. This is something we can rung through in your Design Consultation.
3. Consider Using 100% Natural Upholstery Fabrics
If you feel like we do and sustainability is a priority, 100% natural upholstery fabrics are an excellent choice. They’re breathable, biodegradable, and often last longer when properly cared for.
Best Natural Fabrics for Sofas
Wool: Naturally durable, stain-resistant, and flame-resistant. Ideal for everyday sofas.
Cotton: Soft and breathable. Best for medium-use seating or removable covers (often these can be washed on a delicate 30 degree wash!).
Linen: Low-impact to produce and beautifully textured. Best for low-use sofas.
Hemp: Extremely strong and low-impact. Less common but highly sustainable.
Many natural fabrics soften with age rather than wearing out, making them a long term and planet planet friendly option.
4. Are Synthetic Fabrics Bad for Upholstery?
Not always. Synthetic upholstery fabrics can be the right choice in certain situations.
When Synthetic Fabrics Make Sense
Very high-use sofas.
Rental or shared properties.
Tighter budgets.
High-quality synthetic fabrics are often highly durable and stain-resistant. From a sustainability point of view, the most responsible choice is the fabric that keeps the sofa in use for longer, regardless of fibre type.
5. Fire Safety & Fabric Choice
In the UK, upholstery fabrics must meet fire safety regulations.
Wool naturally performs well without chemical treatments.
Other natural fabrics may require fire-retardant interlinings or wool interliners.
We can advise on compliant, lower-impact solutions.
This ensures your sofa is both safe and responsibly made.
6. What Colours Work Best for Upholstery?
Sustainable choices also mean choosing something you’ll love for years:
Mid-tones, textured weaves, and flecks hide wear better. If you’ve got little ones these area great choice!
Natural fibres age gracefully and develop character.
Neutral and earthy tones adapt easily as interiors change. If your someone who changes up their interior style, go neutral on bigger furniture. Then you can add colour, texture and pattern to cushions and blankets.
Final Thoughts
Reupholstering a sofa is already a sustainable choice. Whether you choose 100% natural upholstery fabric or a carefully selected synthetic, the most important thing is choosing a fabric that suits your lifestyle and keeps your sofa in use for years to come.
If you’re looking for advice on reupholstering a sofa in Stockport or Greater Manchester, feel free to get in touch below! I’m always happy to help.
