If the upholstery of your furniture ever becomes damaged and you don't want to throw that furniture away, you basically have two choices. You can either upholster using the same material, or you can opt for something different. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, but, if the material has been damaged, you might consider looking into alternative materials that will be less likely to suffer the same fate.
If you're looking to reupholster some furniture for increased durability, here are just a few tips you need to follow.
Look for Denser, Heavier Fabrics
One of the most important things you're going to have to look for is a high thread count. This rating will tell you the number of horizontal and vertical threads contained in the fabric per square inch, and you'll want it to be as high as possible if durability is your goal. Heavier fabrics are more durable than lighter ones since they resist dirt, stains, and general wear, while an increase in density ensures that liquid spills remain on the surface instead of seeping in.
Don't Assume Cheaper Equals Worse
During most purchases, paying more tends to get you a product that is more long-lasting. A more expensive car or television, for example, will usually be expected to last longer than cheaper versions. However, this is an approach that you might want to forget about while you're looking for upholstery materials. Though not an absolute rule, most of the more expensive materials, such as silk and satin, are far more delicate than lower-grade, economy-focused ones.
Use Synthetic Fabrics
There are plenty of natural fibres available for upholstery, including linen, cotton, and wool, but manmade fibres are usually better if you're aiming for superior durability. The fact that these fabrics are made through more complex processes means that they can be manufactured to resist damage. Acrylic, for example, is resistant to stains, and it's also far more resistant to fading than natural fabrics. Nylon is a good option, though people often find that its lack of breathability becomes problematic in hotter parts of the country.
Avoid Printed Patterns
Patterns that are printed onto the fabric are going to be worn away quite quickly over extended use. If you aren't sure whether a pattern has been printed, just turn the fabric over; if you notice that one side is more vibrant than the other, the fabric has been printed. If you must use a patterned fabric instead of a plain one, look for woven patterns.
