Cambric
Cambric is the tightly woven cotton cloth used as a dust cover on the underside of upholstered furniture, providing a clean, professional finish.
Cambric, also known as bottoming cloth or dust cover, is a tightly woven, glazed cotton fabric applied to the underside of upholstered seats and chairs. Its primary purpose is to enclose the construction, preventing dust and debris from falling out and stopping anything from working its way into the upholstery from below. It is the finishing touch that separates professional work from DIY.
The glazed finish on one side of the cambric gives it a slight sheen and makes it resistant to dust penetration. It is traditionally black, though it is also available in white and natural for lighter-coloured furniture or where the underside may be visible. The cloth is lightweight but strong enough to withstand years of use without tearing or sagging.
Fitting cambric neatly requires care. The cloth is cut slightly larger than the base, folded under at the edges for a clean line, and tacked or stapled in place. On pieces with visible legs, a well-fitted cambric panel shows attention to detail and gives customers confidence that the same care was taken throughout the build.