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Upholstery Fabrics FAQs
Natural fibres such as wool and linen offer strength, resilience and lasting comfort, making them exceptionally well suited to upholstery. When selecting an upholstery fabric, it is important to consider how the finished piece will be used. For frequently used furniture, choose a fabric with a high Martindale rub count for greater durability. For decorative or occasional-use pieces, fabrics with a lower rub count may also be suitable.
Durability is a key consideration when selecting upholstery fabric. Upholstery fabrics should be strong, stable and resistant to wear. The Martindale rub count is a recognised measure of abrasion resistance, with higher ratings indicating greater durability and suitability for high-use furniture.
The Martindale test measures a fabric’s resistance to abrasion by simulating the natural wear that occurs over time. The resulting Martindale rub count helps indicate the fabric's suitability for different upholstery applications.
50,000+ rubs – Severe Contract / Commercial
Suitable for demanding commercial environments, including high-traffic hospitality and public spaces.
30,000–50,000 rubs – Contract / Commercial
Suitable for commercial interiors such as hotels, restaurants and busy public areas.
25,000–30,000 rubs – Heavy Domestic
Suitable for heavily used furniture within the home.
15,000–25,000 rubs – General Domestic
Suitable for everyday residential upholstery.
10,000–15,000 rubs – Light Domestic
Suitable for occasional-use furniture.
Under 10,000 rubs – Decorative
Best suited to cushions, accent pieces and decorative applications.
Fire safety requirements for upholstery fabrics vary depending on the intended application and the country in which the furniture will be used. Residential and commercial projects may be subject to different standards and regulations. Many natural fibres, including wool, have inherent flame-resistant properties. Where additional performance is required, suitable interlinings, treatments or backings may be available to help meet project-specific requirements. We recommend consulting your upholsterer or local regulations before specifying fabric for upholstery.
The amount of fabric required depends on the type and size of the furniture, as well as the design, pattern and repeat of the chosen fabric. Larger pieces, such as sofas, require significantly more fabric than dining chairs or occasional seating. Patterned fabrics may also require additional allowance to achieve correct pattern matching. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend consulting an upholsterer and providing detailed furniture measurements.
Upholstery fabric widths vary depending on the design and fibre composition, although many upholstery fabrics are between 130cm and 150cm wide. The exact width of each fabric is provided on the relevant product page to support accurate planning and fabric calculations.
Our upholstery fabrics are available by the metre, providing flexibility for projects of all sizes. Samples can also be ordered to assess the texture, weight and colour of a fabric in your own space before making a selection.