If you opt for a custom model, you get the chance to choose the preferred textile to complement the sofa. Which one is the right one? In this article, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of various upholstery types, their properties and cost and give a step-by-step guide on making the proper decision.
Enzo Textile
Step 1
The kitchen spaces demand that you opt for odour-resistant and easy to care textiles, like flocked upholstery, jacquard or low pile hard-woven velour. Often customers are misguided to favour artificial leather for sofas they place in the kitchen. Indeed, polyvinyl chloride upholstery is moisture-resistant and might be the correct choice. But eco-leather will likely be a failure. The textile features micropores that are breathable and liable to humidity peculiar to the kitchen area. Moisture is hazardous to the bond coat, which results in peeling layers and overall deterioration within some months. Customers with pets should opt for flocked upholstery, while leather, suede and flocked textiles will compliment offices and public areas. Modern technologies make it possible to find wearproof velour and chenille fabric. Here, we switch to Step 2.
Learn about each textile from our blog or consult the salesperson.
Diamond Corner Sofa
Step 2
Consider all textile parameters: composition, wearproof characteristics (Martindale abrasion test), density, fire resistance (if required), pilling resistance, colourfastness.
Composition The modern market features textile with 100 per cent natural fibres. However, the product life can be extended due to the admixture of synthetic materials. Also, many completely synthetic solutions appear to be more durable. Thus, nylon is easy to care for and wrinkle-free. Among the cons, we can mention that nylon is not breathable. Always consider this characteristic when choosing upholstery for daily sleeping. Furthermore, nylon is liable to electrisation.
Almost any contemporary soft furniture upholstery is crafted from 100 per cent polyester. This material is easy to clean, soil resistant and possesses a high level of colourfastness. Still, if you are out of luck to leave an oil blot on the upholstery, it would be hardly possible to remove it. Also, you need to keep in mind that stains are curable when they are “fresh”. Ground-in stains are a challenge even to dry-cleaning.
Avoid loads of water when you try to remove the blot. Favour specific cleaning foam that does not penetrate under the upholstery. After these solutions absorb filth, you are empowered to rub the trace with a wet towel, then with a bare one and let the item dry thoroughly. Never ever use a hairdryer: the reaction malforms synthetic fibres and causes breakage.
Often textile compositions contain viscose. The material is breathable and agreeable to the touch. However, viscose is liable to wrinkles and is not pilling-resistant.
Acryl-containing textiles are attractive but exposed to pilling and feature seams that do not take the load.
Wearproof Characteristics This parameter features the material’s resistance to physical impact (abrasion). The value depends on the number of rub counts. We inspire you to learn more about the Martindale abrasion test in our article here . Quality textiles have at least 8,000 Martindale value index, while antiwear upholstery exceeds 20,000 rubs.
Density This characteristic affects the material’s useful life. High-quality upholstery possesses at least 250 g/m².
Pilling Resistance Some textiles are exposed to pills as time goes by. To level down the unpleasant effect, some manufacturers use specific treatment. Still, it does not eliminate the problem entirely if the item is used daily for a more extended period. Actually, any woven upholstery features pills sooner or later: thus, consider the severity rate. Let us note that the pilling effect is not the material’s flaw but the natural wear and tear result.
Colourfastness If you want to prevent the upholstery dim caused by sunrays, abrasion or wet clean, choose materials that feature at least a 3,5 colourfastness value index. It will be perfect if the textile possesses indexes of 4 or 5.
Step 3
Consider the price. Textile manufacturers offer materials at various prices: from low-cost to high-end alternatives. The higher the quality is, the higher the cost is. However, it doesn’t state that affordable upholstery is off-grade.
Our brand ensures quality control tests to select top-notch textiles, so it is impossible to opt for poor upholstery that will malfunction within a couple of months, as it often happens with mass-market items.
We inspire you to choose the upholstery that you favour visually, which appears to be agreeable to the touch or complements your interior. We welcome you to our Di-Van showrooms and trading venues to help you make the decision.
