Choosing Upholstery Fabrics

Welcome to our comprehensive upholstery fabric guide. Below, we explain durability (Martindale), fire safety, and the pros/cons of different fibre types, so you can match the right fabric to the right job.

At Simon Philip Interiors, we help you create beautiful, durable furniture with high-quality upholstery fabrics. Use this guide to understand Martindale rub counts, fire retardancy, and material selection — then explore product pages where each fabric’s rating is shown under Details.

Durability

Why Durability Matters

Different furniture pieces see different levels of wear. Matching durability to use-case keeps upholstery looking good for longer and reduces premature replacement.

Martindale

What Is the Martindale Test?

An internationally recognised abrasion test. A fabric sample is rubbed in controlled cycles until wear appears. The result is the Martindale Rub Count — a higher number means greater abrasion resistance.

Quick Picks

Choose by Use-Case

  • Busy family sofa: high rub count.
  • Decorative cushions: lower rub count is fine.
  • Commercial spaces: highest rub counts.

Interpreting Martindale Rub Counts

6,000–9,000
Decorative use — cushions, occasional chairs.
10,000–15,000
Light domestic — sofas, dining chairs.
15,000–30,000
Domestic — high-traffic areas.
30,000+
Commercial — offices, hotels, restaurants.

Tip: check the Details on each fabric product page to see its Martindale rating.

Safety

Fire Safety in Upholstery Fabrics

Ensuring your fabric meets fire safety requirements is essential for peace of mind and compliance. Some fibres have inherent fire-resistant properties; others require additional FR treatment.

What to Know About Fire Retardancy

  • Inherent FR: e.g. wool offers natural resistance.
  • FR Treatment: finishes may be applied to meet standards.
  • Context: domestic and commercial settings can require different levels of compliance.
Material Guide

Types of Upholstery Fabrics

Natural Fabrics

  • Cotton: soft, breathable; ideal for moderate use.
  • Linen: beautiful texture; best in low-traffic areas (creases naturally).
  • Wool: durable and inherently FR; great for domestic and contract use.

Synthetic Fabrics

  • Polyester: resilient, fade-resistant; often blended.
  • Acrylic: wool-like handle; good wear and sunlight resistance.
  • Nylon: extremely tough; boosts durability in blends.

Blends

Combining natural and synthetic fibres balances strength, comfort, handle, and care.

Checklist

Practical Considerations

  • Colour & Pattern: lighter shades show dirt more easily; darker colours can hide marks but may fade with prolonged sunlight.
  • Ease of Maintenance: for families, pets, or high-traffic areas, choose easy-clean and stain-resistant options.
  • Environmental Impact: consider eco-friendly, sustainably sourced, or recycled fibres.
Disclaimer: Always consult a professional upholsterer to ensure your fabric choice is suitable for your specific furniture and meets applicable regulations.