Fabrics & Leather

What Makes a Good Upholstery Fabric

Not every fabric is suitable for upholstery. Furnishing-grade textiles need to withstand daily use without pilling, stretching or losing colour. The single most important measure of durability is the Martindale rub test, which simulates the abrasion a fabric receives over years of use. For a dining chair used a few times a day, 15,000 rubs is usually adequate. A family sofa needs at least 25,000 to 30,000 rubs, while commercial seating in a hotel lobby or restaurant should exceed 40,000. Every fabric in our range meets a minimum of 20,000 Martindale rubs, and most exceed 30,000.

Beyond abrasion resistance, look for colourfastness ratings (how well the dye holds up against light and cleaning), pilling resistance, and seam slippage. We list these specifications on every fabric page so you can make an informed choice rather than relying on look and feel alone.

Choosing the Right Fabric Weight

Fabric weight, measured in grams per square metre (GSM), affects how a finished piece looks and feels. Lighter fabrics in the 200 to 350 GSM range work well on occasional chairs, scatter cushions and headboards where the cloth drapes softly over simple frames. Medium-weight fabrics from 350 to 500 GSM are the most versatile, suitable for sofas, armchairs and dining chairs. Heavier cloths above 500 GSM are ideal for deep-buttoned Chesterfields and tightly upholstered pieces where you want a structured, tailored finish.

If you are reupholstering an existing piece, the original fabric weight is a reliable guide. Switching to a significantly heavier or lighter cloth can change the look and may require padding adjustments. If you are unsure, our upholsterers can advise on the best weight for your specific frame.

Natural vs Synthetic Upholstery Fabrics

Natural fibres such as cotton, linen and wool have a rich, authentic texture that many customers prefer. Cotton is breathable and takes dye beautifully, producing deep, vibrant colours. Linen has a relaxed, slightly textured drape that softens with age. Wool is naturally flame-retardant and exceptionally hard-wearing. The trade-off is that pure natural fabrics can be more susceptible to staining and may show wear sooner in high-traffic areas.

Synthetic fibres like polyester, acrylic and polypropylene offer superior stain resistance, UV stability and ease of cleaning. They tend to hold their shape well and resist pilling. Many modern synthetics are engineered to mimic the feel of natural cloth so closely that the difference is hard to detect by touch alone.

In practice, the best upholstery fabrics are often blends. A cotton-polyester mix gives you the soft hand of cotton with the durability of polyester. A wool-nylon blend keeps the warmth and fire resistance of wool while adding strength. We stock pure natural, pure synthetic and blended options so you can choose the right balance for your home and lifestyle.

Order Free Fabric Swatches

Choosing fabric from a screen is a starting point, but nothing replaces seeing and touching the cloth in person. We offer free fabric swatches delivered to your door so you can check the colour, texture and weight against your existing interiors before committing. Simply browse the fabrics below, note the ones you like, and get in touch to request your samples. Most swatches arrive within two to three working days.

Our Fabric Suppliers

We source from established textile houses that supply the contract and residential upholstery trade worldwide. Warwick Fabrics, one of Australia and the UK's largest furnishing fabric suppliers, provides a wide range of performance textiles in contemporary and classic designs. Cristina Marrone specialises in richly textured weaves and velvets popular across European interior design. Designers Guild offers bold prints and colours for statement pieces. We also carry ranges from Ross Fabrics, Fibreguard, and dozens of smaller specialist mills.

If you have a specific fabric in mind from a supplier not listed here, let us know. We can source most commercial upholstery fabrics to order and are happy to work with customer-supplied material where it meets our quality standards.

Fabric vs Leather

Leather is a popular alternative to fabric upholstery, and we stock over 200 leather hides in addition to our fabric range. Full-grain leather develops a patina over time that many people find attractive. It is naturally resistant to dust mites and easy to wipe clean, making it a practical choice for households with pets or allergies. However, leather is generally more expensive per metre than fabric, offers fewer colour and pattern options, and can feel cold in winter or sticky in summer.

Fabric gives you far greater choice in colour, pattern and texture. It is warmer to the touch, available at a wider range of price points, and can be treated with stain-resistant finishes for added practicality. Many customers choose fabric for the living room and leather for a study or dining area. There is no single right answer; it depends on the room, your lifestyle and personal preference. Browse both options below, and if you need help deciding, request a free quote and we will talk you through the options.