Linen’s surge in popularity is in part related to its connection to Nordic design but it can also be attributed to to its highly natural provenance and feel. Casual, effortless, and soft, it’s a fabric that is increasingly gracing the most stylish of homes as people want their spaces to have that laid back look.

Pros

Eco friendly, in most cases: linen is made from the flax plant that is naturally resistent to disease and pests, meaning that it doesn’t require the use of pesticides, and it uses up to one fourth of the water that cotton does.

Breathable: its natural fibers allow air to circulate throughout, allowing your skin to breathe.

Hypo-allergenic: resistent to mildew and microflora, linen is great for those who are sensitive to allergens.

Easily cleaned: most pieces of furniture in linen allow you to take the cover off. Stick it in the wash or take it to the cleaners to get rid of stains and dirt.

Softer over time: linen is notorious for its comfortable soft feel. As you wash and use it, it will become more supple and soft over time.

Cons

It wrinkles: not necessarily a con to some, the ease with which linen wrinkles make it an undesirable fabric. Its fibers lack elasticity making it prone to creases. Look for a linen blend with synthetic materials for an upholstery that keeps a smoother look.

Not always durable: depending on the thickness of the fibers, linen can be a fabric with a shorter lifespan than other options. The thinner the fabric, the less it will last.

Not very stain resistant: linen will easily absorb spills and dirt. However, as a highly washable fabric, you can also clean it regularly.

Image from “An Organic Modern Home for a Family of 5 in Newport Beach”.

Cotton is a very common upholstery for its versatility and ease of care. The most common is a duck cotton (also known as canvas weave or sailcloth). But it also comes in damask and velvet form.

Pros

It’s breathable: cotton fibers can absorb up to three times its weight in moisture and still not feel damp. That’s why it’s a great option to keep you feeling cool.

Durable and washable: similarly to linen, cotton upholstered furniture comes with removable covers and can be washed at home to remove stains and dirt. For that reason it’s a great option for high-traffic areas like your main sofa.

Resistant to pilling

Cons

Absorbs dyes: while on the one hand it’s great that cotton can absorb dyes — leading to it’s versatility for colors and patterns — it can also mean that any dyes in your pants can transfer over to the upholstery.

Wrinkles: although not as easily creased as linen, cotton can also wrinkle. In some cases, it’s recommendable to find a fabric that is a majority cotton blend with a small percentage of synthetic fabric, to keep its clean shape.

Image from “A Traditional Meets Contemporary Home”.

Velvet is a very popular upholstery for sofas and chairs — its sheen and soft feel make it a very comfortable option for seating. However, not all velvets are the same — how appropriate it is for your specific needs depends on the makeup of the fabric.

The nap of velvet (the direction of its fibers) gives it its sheen. Because of velvet’s two tonality, it gives furniture depth and a luxurious look.

To tell the quality of a velvet, check the backing of the fabric. How densely woven the backing is, the higher the quality.

Silk velvet is the smoothest of all the velvets. Although luxurious, it is a more delicate option, therefore not appropriate for pieces with heavier traffic.

Cotton velvets crush easily, so it’s best to find a velvet that is a cotton blend.

Mohair is at the top of the line when it comes to velvets — made of the fur of Angora goats, it’s very durable, resists dirt and has this illustrious glow that is coveted by so many. The downside of mohair is that it’s very expensive.

Velvets made of cellulose (modal, rayon and viscose) are very soft to the touch and have a deep sheen.

Synthetic velvets made of mostly polyester are very common because they don’t fade or crush. However they lack breathability and that luxuriousness of other velvet options.

Pros

Soft to the touch: there’s nothing like the softness of a velvet upholstered piece of furniture.

They have a lustre: velvet is coveted by many design lovers for the depth that it gives upholstery. The two tonality of it, gives the piece dimension.

Cons

They have to be vacuumed regularly: velvet attracts dust, so it requires regular vacuuming to eliminate any accumulation of dust particles and dirt. If you have a pet, it might not be the best option unless you find a color that is is similar to your pet’s coat.

Difficult to clean: besides the regular vacuuming if you want to clean your velvet sofa or chair, you’ll have to seek a professional. Unlike cotton and linen you can just throw it into the machine to be washed.

Image from “Catherine Kwong’s Minimalist Penthouse”.

Wool is showing up more and more as the fabric of choice for upholstered pieces. No longer is it the rough, scratchy fabric of your grandparents’ sofa. Now, there are great wool upholsteries that have a soft, elegant feel to them.

Pros

Soft and insulating: for those living in colder areas, wool is a great fabric option for their furniture. It naturally traps in heat, making a sofa or chair a cozy place to recline.

Resistant to mold: since it repels moisture, wool is also resistant to allergens and mold. 

Fire resistant: without having to add a top coat or chemical, wool is naturally flame resistant.

Cons

Definitely not an option for warm climates: it’s common sense that for warm or tropical climates, wool isn’t a good option since it traps in heat.

Expensive: as a more expensive option that cotton or linen, upholstered furniture in wool can come with a higher price tag.

Image by Scott Norsworthy, design by Mason Studio.

Vinyl is having a comeback, partially do to its overall improvement. Previously associated with bad ’70s design, vinyl is a great option for those that love leather but want something more durable. Now, it has been improved to look less synthetic and more luxurious.

Pros

The most durable: of all of the fabrics, vinyl is perhaps has the least amount of maintenance and greatest durability. It’s resistant to most cleaning products, making it a great option for high traffic areas such as dining chairs or breakfast buffets. Simply wipe it down with a cloth and your typical cleaning agent and you are ready to go!

Affordability: for those wanting a fabric with a similar look to leather without the price tag, vinyl is a great alternative.

Cons

It’s hard to repair: any crack or hole in vinyl is impossible to repair without being highly noticeable. 

Not good for ventilation: as a synthetic fabric it doesn’t allow the air to circulate around the skin, making it a fabric that can feel sticky or make you sweat.

Image from “A Traditional Meets Contemporary Home”.

Leather is a classic that exudes luxury and gives any piece a masculine touch. Besides the possible ethical issues and affordability, it’s a great option for upholstered pieces.

Pros

The longest shelf life: arguably, leather gets better with time. Where as other fabrics get worse with time, leather gains an attractive patina over time.

Highly durable: while many think that leather is a delicate option, it is highly resistant to most spills and wear. As long as they are treated right away.

Low maintenance: a simple wipe down and an occasional conditioner is all that leather needs to keep its luxurious look over time.

Resists odors: since leather isn’t very absorbent, it resists bad smells.

Cons

Not great for extreme temperatures: in the heat or in the cold, leather isn’t a great option. On the one hand it won’t provide the warmth of a cloth fabric nor allow ventilation during higher temperatures.

The price tag can be high: generally speaking, furniture upholstered in leather come at a higher price. Yes, it lasts longer but you’ll pay more for it.

Image from “A New Old 18th Century Home”.