Upholstery fabrics for furniture

The fabrics used for upholstery of furniture products perform a number of functions, among which the main ones are:

• protection of the product from exposure to ultraviolet rays;


• protection of upholstery from direct mechanical impact;


• protection against dust and dirt;


• giving the product an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The qualities of upholstery fabrics for furniture

The main qualities of upholstery fabrics are the criteria by which furniture manufacturers and consumers choose from all offered products the one they are ready to purchase:

• strength. The fabric used in the production of furniture must have a dense weave and be able to withstand mechanical damage;


• durability. Upholstery fabric must be resistant to abrasion and adverse environmental influences;


• aesthetic appeal. The texture and color of the fabric should match the overall design of the product;


• Practical. Upholstery fabric should not absorb odors and dirt, should be easy to clean and easy to maintain.

Upholstery fabric is non-electrifying, pleasant to the touch, does not irritate the skin and does not provoke allergic reactions.

Types of upholstery fabrics for furniture

The following fabric names are used for furniture production:

• jacquard. Strong and durable fabrics made from synthetic, cotton or blended fibers on a jacquard loom;


• tapestry. A fabric similar to jacquard, but superior in density. Wear-resistant and durable. Used in the production of luxury furniture;


• Chenille Durable fabric with a pleasant feel. Completely hypoallergenic. Modern chenille is impregnated against dust, moisture and oily liquids;


• flock. Inexpensive practical fabric with fine pile for making furniture of "economy" and "standard" class;


• velor. Soft fabric for upholstery of inexpensive sofas and armchairs;


• matting. Chenille with coarse weaving of thick threads, used to create furniture in a modern and eco-style;


• velvet. Fabric for luxury furniture upholstery. In furniture production, special wear-resistant types of velvet are used;


• genuine leather. Environmentally friendly material with excellent consumer qualities. Used for upholstery of executive class furniture;


• artificial leather. Synthetic leather analogue, impervious to moisture and resistant to mechanical stress;


• arpatek. An improved look of artificial leather, practically indistinguishable from a natural analogue. It is used for the production of "standard +" and "premium" class furniture.

Some manufacturers use faux fur, suede and other innovative fabrics and materials as upholstery.

GOST for upholstery fabrics for furniture

According to the current legislation, all fabrics used in furniture production for upholstery must comply with the standards of GOST 24220-80 “Furniture fabrics. General technical conditions ".

The leather used for these purposes must also comply with the requirements of GOST R 53243-2008 "Leather for furniture. General technical conditions ".

Materials that do not meet the requirements of these standards are released according to the manufacturer's specifications.

You can learn more about new types of upholstery fabrics for furniture at the annual Mebel exhibition, which takes place at the Expocentre Fairgrounds.