Furniture upholstery fabric for the sofa: how to choose

The first and third categories are inexpensive materials. The price per square meter starts from 350 rubles. But this does not mean at all that the fabrics are of poor quality. It’s just that the technologies for their production have existed for a long time, and the collections are not updated. Among the fabrics of the second and third categories, offered by various consultant sellers, from well-known materials, there were artificial suede, corduroy, chenille, matting.

The next segment – presumably “standard” – is the fourth – sixth category. The price per square meter ranges from 800-1500 rubles. It combines fabrics of various types and compositions. The most famous – velor, flock, jacquard.

A distinctive feature is the presence of full-fledged collections in which the fabric of the main tone is complemented by options that match in color, but contain a pattern or textured dressing. That is, single-color seats, sidewalls, cushions can have differences, due to which the look of upholstered furniture becomes richer.

However, the price of “my” sofa in the fabric of the fourth category jumped to 69 thousand. The difference between the vending flock, soft fluffy synthetics and the original matting, of course, was felt, but not radical. (I must add that the material was selected based on my description of the interior of the room.)

It wasn’t until the salesperson showed off her collection of premium Belgian embossed velor that my imaginary sofa started to play! From a folding family room, both sleeping and guest, it has turned into a luxury item originally from Europe. The combination of the main tone with a pattern of pillows (French lilies of a milky shade on a dark background) gave it a boutique thoroughbredness. And all thanks to the designer collection of the seventh category fabrics worth 2175 rubles / m2. The price of the sofa has increased to 100 thousand rubles.

Without stopping there, I continued my research. Sitting on a similar corner sofa in natural leather (230 thousand rubles) and trying it out in action convenient mechanism “Dolphin”, asked to calculate its cost in fabrics of the second or third category. Together with a kind sales assistant, we chose an artificial suede of a milky color and kept within the same 100 thousand rubles.

Of course, the sofa looked less chic than in Belgian velor, but it had a frame made of natural wood (and beech) and high-quality filler, so the joints were not felt at all in the unfolded state. According to the seller, such a sofa (especially in natural leather) will easily last ten years. In the first case, to my question about the durability of the product, the seller evasively answered that in our time it is customary to change furniture every three years.

I note that the problem of the longevity of the sofa rested on the quality of the frame and polyurethane foam (PPU) filler, but not the upholstery. As a last resort, according to the sellers, the upholstery can be changed. In general, for reasons of hygiene, it is useful to call dry cleaning of furniture on house.

Thinking about which of the sofas for 100 thousand rubles. I would choose (chic on the outside, but economy class or simple on the outside, but high-quality on the inside), I’m afraid, as a frivolous woman, I would prefer the first option. And you?

The tempting invitations of the consultant managers to sit down were not indicative at all. Absolutely all models that we managed to “test” were distinguished by soft elasticity and a comfortable fit.

On the other hand, the lying position, right in his shoes and without a pillow, was not very comfortable in all cases. The difference between sofas from different manufacturers was felt only at the joints and seams. On quality furniture, the spine did not feel the joints at all. The sellers themselves paid attention to this nuance – the effect is achieved through the use of new fillers.

This is not only the latest generation of polyurethane foam – high elasticity and increased wear resistance, but also additional materials. For example, leading manufacturers to increase the comfort and durability of furniture use anti-noise pads that prevent squeaks and protect the upholstery fabric.

It is also important what is hidden under the legs of the sofas. In order to protect the flooring, wheels are placed there.

Having tested in action – to an ache in the back – a dozen mechanisms, you begin to understand that previewing magazines, websites, booklets turned out to be a waste of time. There is a gap between theory and practice of transforming sofas! What movements and to whom are comfortable is determined strictly individually. It’s hard for some to lift, others to bend over. In general, be sure to take the time to practice at the furniture center.  

The editors would like to thank the 8 Marta Furniture Factory, MBTM, KIKA, BOCONCEPT, RELOTTI, MEBELLIERY, Interior Fabrics Studio EXTERIO, IKEA and the KOSTROMAMEBEL furniture factory for help in preparing the material.