Compare Upholstery Linen Fabric with Other Classic and Contemporary Upholstery Fabrics

One of the most in-demand materials for upholstery is upholstery linen fabric. It is durable, strong, antistatic, smooth and cool to the touch. It has luxurious looks and is appreciated by those of us who love natural materials. Linen fabric comes in varying natural shades, from pale grey to ivory, ecru and tan. It also takes well to dye, making it a popular choice for upholstery. But of course, other upholstery fabrics are also available, so here's how linen compares to these other materials.

What fabrics are used for upholstery?

• Cotton (or cotton blend) upholstery fabric is very popular because of its strength. It feels pleasant on the skin, and is highly absorbent, meaning it takes longer to dry. Staining and wrinkling may also occur.
• Wool has many positive properties. It is soil-, stain- and flame- resistant and has inherent water-repellent properties. If wool does get dirty it must be dry cleaned or cleaned with hot water extraction method. Whilst it is hard-wearing, wool does can feel itchy and uncomfortable, and is prone to moth damage.
• Leather upholstery fabric is expensive but durable and flexible. It is easy to care for – you can clean it with a simple wipe down. However, the fibers of natural leather may break over the time. If exposed to low humidity for long periods, leather may desiccate and irreversibly change its fibrous structure. In this case, special treatments and cleaning procedures are needed.

• Silk is predominantly used for decoration as it is a fragile material and is easily damaged. Using silk for upholstery is not advisable – we recommend upholstery linen fabric instead!
• Made from synthetic fibres, nylon upholstery fabrics are extremely strong. It is soil-resistant and responds well to cleaning. The drawbacks are that it is not very pleasant to touch –  it lacks the feeling of natural material, and can feel sweaty and uncomfortable.
• Acrylic is another durable synthetic material. It is easy to clean and maintain, and doesn't shrink or wrinkle. Thanks to the huge range of colors available, acrylic is highly popular for upholstering furniture in high-traffic areas like the living room.

• Suede is a type of leather that has a napped or brushed finish. It is made from the underside of the skin and therefore has less durability, but is softer than standard leather. Suede is a textured upholstery material – it absorbs liquids quickly and easily becomes dirty.
• Velvet can be made from different kinds of fibres – silk, cotton and even synthetics. It is a woven fabric with evenly distributed cut threads and a short, dense pile. Velvet upholstery fabric is a luxurious choice, often associated with high status. But due to its pile, it's tricky  to clean and usually requires dry cleaning.

What makes linen a great upholstery linen fabric?

Linen has the perfect combination of comfort, sustainability, durability and great looks. It is extremely durable, yet completely natural, which means it will look and feel beautiful for years to come. Because it takes dye effectively, linen fabric comes in a wide range of colors, offering a choice for every interior. It is absorbent but quick to dry and can be machine washed and tumble dried, which makes it an ideal choice for upholstery. We love linen upholstery fabric for all these properties, and best of all for its timeless style and natural charm.

What's your favourite upholstery fabric?