Top 5 Upholstery Fabrics: A Buying Guide Review

Imagine sinking into your favorite armchair, but instead of cozy comfort, you feel scratchy or notice a stain you just cannot remove. Does that sound familiar? Choosing the right fabric for your furniture is a big deal. It protects your investment and sets the whole mood of your room. But oh, the choices! From tough tweed to smooth velvet, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. You worry about spills, fading in the sun, or if the fabric will just wear out too fast.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the key things you need to know about upholstery fabric. You will learn how to match fabric durability to your lifestyle—whether you have playful pets or host fancy dinner parties. By the end, you will feel confident naming the perfect material for your next sofa or chair project.

Ready to transform your furniture from “just okay” to absolutely fabulous? Let’s dive into the wonderful world of upholstery fabrics and find the perfect fit for your home.

Top Upholstery Fabric Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

Marine Vinyl Upholstery Faux Leather: Meneng Black Grain Faux Leather 54"x36" Marine Vinyl Fabric Waterproof Durable for DIY Upholstery Boat Car Sofa

✔Black Marine Vinyl Upholstery Leather - A great choice for looking for a long-lasting, high-quality marine vinyl leather material for upholstery projects.Making it both strong and flexible,resistant to water and UV rays.Does not fade easily and can be maintained for a longer period of time,making it perfect for outdoor use.
★High-quality - Made of high-quality PVC material,black color and classical lichee pattern,clearly textured,with a sense of premium.Knitted backing,more conducive to sewing,making them perfect for any upholstery projects.0.6mm thickness,54"x36".100,000 Double Rubs,UV Protected.Strong abrasion and scratch resistant,soft and waterproof,no pungent smell.
◆Easy to Work - Comfortable and more durable,can be easy to cut and sew with machine,can be cut into different length and patterns according to your actual upholstery projects,save your time.They are also easy to clean and maintain.
❤Widely Applications - Marine vinyl leather is a good choice for outdoor&home decoration,can be applied in furniture re-upholstery,seat and headliner in the car,boat seat,refurnishing sofas,bag sewing crafting and other upholstery projects,will bring you a unique handmade experience.
✉Warm Service - The marine vinyl upholstery fabric leather is folded in the package with a detailed instruction manual,help you removing leather creases.If there are additional custom needs or any quality problems after receiving the products,please feel free to contact us.

Bestseller No. 2

Marine Vinyl Fabric, Upholstery Faux Leather, Outdoor Boat Automotive, DIY and Crafting Pleather - Individual 1 Yard Cut 36"x54" (Black)

🛳 Marine Grade Outdoor Vinyl Fabric - This high-quality marine vinyl is designed to withstand harsh environments, ensuring your boat seats and other outdoor upholstery will last for years to come. It's UV, sunlight, abrasion, and water-resistant, protecting against fading and damage
📏 One Yard Cut - With a width of 54 inches, this marine vinyl fabric is sold as a 1 yard cut, giving you the convenience of having a ready-to-use piece of fabric without needing to order multiple yards. Working on a small craft or a larger boat, this is sure to meet your needs
🛋 Versatile Uses - This fabric is great for a wide range of projects, including boat seats, boat accessories, indoor and outdoor upholstery, headboards, and crafting. It's perfect for adding style and durability to any space
✂️ Easy to Use - This fabric is easy to work with, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice DIYers. It can be easily cut, sewn, glued, or stapled allowing you to complete your project with ease
🇺🇸 Made in the USA - This marine grade outdoor vinyl fabric is proudly made in the USA, ensuring the highest level of quality. Invest in a product you can trust, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing it was made with care

Bestseller No. 3

Waterproof Canvas Fabric by The Yard – 58" 600D Polyester Cordura Fabric – Upholstery Fabric for Indoor Outdoor Chair Cover Cushion Sofa Sewing Patio Sunshade (Black, 1 Yard (58"x 36"))

【Professional Water-Repellent Fabric】 Features advanced waterproof coating with lotus-effect technology. This 600D cordura canvas fabric (230 GSM, 0.45mm thick) offers exceptional abrasion, UV, and tear resistance for long-lasting durability. "
【Precision Specifications】 58-inch wide fabric by The Yard with 78T density available in multiple yardage options. Perfect for both large and small DIY sewing projects with consistent quality throughout.
【Vibrant Fade-Resistant Colors】 Eco-friendly reactive dyeing process ensures rich, fade-resistant colors. Multiple solid color options available to match various design needs.
【Multi-Purpose Applications】 Ideal for indoor/outdoor use including furniture upholstery, camping gear, backpacks, storage bags, and marine applications. Perfect for DIY projects like patio sets, shade chairs.
【Easy Care & Maintenance】 Requires minimal maintenance with spot cleaning capability. Low water absorption and quick-drying properties ensure lasting beauty with minimal effort.

Bestseller No. 4

House2Home 60 Inch x 3 Yard Upholstery Black Cambric Dust Cover Fabric Replacement for Sofas, Chairs, Full and Queen Box Spring Foundations, Conceals Frame and Staples Inside Furniture

PROFESSIONAL LOOK - Installing a piece of cambric can make the world of difference when it comes to evaluating the quality of a piece of furniture. This is a major reason that new furniture is never retailed without having a piece of dust cloth on the bottom of the furniture. So regardless of whether you are finishing a new sofa or chair, or discover that your bed box spring is in need of a replacement cover, our dust cover will help you achieve the professional look you're looking for
MULTI-PURPOSE FABRIC - In addition to being commonly found on the underside of upholstery pieces and mattress foundations, it can also be used on the back of bed headboards to provide a softer backing and help protect the wall
EXTRA WIDE - At a width of 60 inches and a length of 3 yards, it is large enough to cover the bottoms of most sofas and chairs. It is also the perfect size for full and queen mattress box springs
COMMERCIAL QUALITY - Cambric dust cover is made from a non-woven 100% polypropylene material. This 1.2 oz. per square yard fabric allows for a little bit of stretch to achieve a tight and professional appearance
AFFORDABLE - Let's face it, furniture can be expensive! Nobody wants to replace a couch just because the existing dust cover is all torn up. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars buying a new couch, you can tackle the job yourself for a fraction of the cost

SaleBestseller No. 5

Upholstery 4 in 1 Staple Gun Heavy Duty, with 6000 Staples, Remover, Gloves, Manual Brad Nailer Power Adjustment Stapler Gun for Wood, Upholstery, Carpentry, Decoration DIY Staple Gun

Versatile Fastening Tool - YEAHOME 4-in-1 Staple Gun accepts D-shaped, U-shaped, T-shaped, and Pin Staples. This kit comes with Remover, Gloves， 2000pcs of each 7/16" D-Type and 1/2" U-Type , 1000pcs of each 3/8" T-Type and 5/8" Pin Brad Nails for a wide variety of applications: general DIY repairs, crafting, decorating, upholstery projects, roofing, and more.
Heavy-Duty Staple Gun - Features all chromed-steel construction and a chrome finish to provide strength and durability, and make the staple gun rust-proof. YEAHOME staple guns are assembled toughly so that it can handle the tough load and last as long as you need it!
Power Adjustment - Change the pressure (from low to high) with the screw lever as per the requirement of your home improvement projects and professional construction jobs, to staple in soft as well as hard materials, make your projects easier.
Easy to Use - Steel handle with over-molded grip to help provide comfortable usage and easy operation. Bottom load design and a steel magazine for quick and easy loading. Bonus heavy-duty staple remover and gloves included to remove staples quickly, cleanly and safely.

Bestseller No. 6

Upholstery Cambric Dust Cover Fabric 60 Inch x 3 Yard Replacement Bottom Replacement for Underside of Mattress Box Spring or Foundation, Sofas, Chairs, Conceals Frame and Staples Inside Furniture

Durable Material: Made of high quality non-woven fabrics, designed for furniture backing and dust cover applications, to repair sagging or tearing at the bottom of your box spring
Wide Size: 60 inches wide and 3 yards long, enough to cover the bottom of most sofas and chairs. Suitable for standard full bed and king bed springs. Precise sizing means no guesswork, ensuring a safe fit for your bed
Versatile Fabric: In addition to being commonly used on the bottom of upholstery pieces and mattress bases, it can also be used on the back of bed headboards to provide softer padding and help protect walls
Easy Installation: Replace the old fabric with the non-woven polypropylene fabric roll by simply removing the old material, nailing the new material in place, and trimming away any excess. No professional tools required
Extend Furniture Life: bed box spring replacement cover. This is an affordable solution that avoids expensive replacements. Suitable for upholstery materials, dust cover, non-woven polypropylene rolls, furniture fabrics, or upholstery supplies

Bestseller No. 7

80x57 Inchess Natural Thickened Fabric Premium Linen Liner Multi-Purpose Linen Fiber Material for Gardening Wedding Table Runners Home Party Decorations Christmas (Dark Grey)

[THICKENED FABRIC] The fabric is up to 0.03inch thick and 57inch wide.The back of the fabric is laminated with a layer of thickened, non-slip white fleece, which is hard to the touch. Made of high quality blended fabric, compared with pure cotton our fabric is more wear-resistant, scratch-resistant, wash-resistant, not easy to pilling, and has some waterproof function.
[WASHABLE, REUSABLE FABRIC FOR UNLIMITED USE] Unlike single-use fabrics that end up burdening our planet and your wallet, ours can be washed and reused over and over again with no loss of efficiency.
[MULTIPLE SIZES AVAILABLE TO MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS] We offer 40x57 Inches and 2 yard regular sizes, and if you have special needs, we can also provide you with customized fabric sizes and shapes to fit your different DIY projects.Great for painting, remodeling, renovating, home improvement projects and so much more.
[FABRICS ARE AVAILABLE IN A WIDE RANGE OF COLORS AND HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF USES] Unlike others that only have 2~3 colors, we offer 8 colors and 2 common sizes. Our Linen fabric is lightweight, moisture absorption and heat dissipation, giving people a comfortable feeling. Suitable for the production of home textiles and interior decoration, such as curtains, tablecloths, pillowcases and sofa covers, giving the home environment a natural, simple style, adding a warm atmosphere to the interior space
[EASY TO WORK WITH AND STAIN RESISTANT] Our fabric has unrivaled stain resistance, ensuring worry-free maintenance. It is easy to work with, cut and sew, making it ideal for DIY projects. Fabric is durable and a must-have for all arts and crafts activities.

Bestseller No. 8

Boho Fabric by The Yard Bohemian Wavy Upholstery Fabric Rainbow Embroidered Waves Print Decorative Fabric Geometric Tribal Ethnic Colorful Abstract Polyester Indoor Outdoor Fabric, 1 Yard

Size: 36" 1 yard Width: 59". Each piece equals 1 yard. Each qty is cut in separate pieces as a continuous 1 yard of fabric each.
Material:Polyester,Waterproof Fabric for indoor outdoor use. Machine washable, dryer safe. No Fading
Features of the Fabric: Easy to iron and safe for kids,Ease of manipulation, cutting and gluing without unraveling or creasing.Various style theme design and clear image great for home decoration.
Funny DIY: The DIY craft will develop and improve creativity and imagination, exercise child creativity and hands on skills
Application:Use it for creating chair pads, quilts, cushions covers, table cloth,toss pillow, tote bags or heavy duty travel accessories, patio furniture, boat covers and more. Suitable for your craft project,such as making storage box,purse,shoulder bags,coin bags,key chain,mouse pad. They are also excellent material for making home decorations,such as artificial flowers,tissue boxes,coasters.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Upholstery Fabric

Choosing the right upholstery fabric makes a big difference. It changes how your furniture looks and how long it lasts. This guide will help you pick the best fabric for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for fabric, check these important things:

Durability and Wear Resistance

Rub Count (Double Rubs): This number tells you how strong the fabric is. For light home use, look for at least 15,000 double rubs. For busy homes or commercial spaces, aim for 30,000 or higher. Higher numbers mean the fabric resists wear better.
Pilling Resistance: Pilling means small balls of fiber form on the surface. Good quality fabric resists this well.

Comfort and Feel

Hand (Texture): How does the fabric feel? Is it soft, rough, or smooth? Choose a texture that feels good to touch, especially for items you use often, like sofas.
Drape: This is how the fabric hangs. For cushions, you want a fabric that holds its shape nicely.

Maintenance and Care

Cleaning Codes: Always check the tag. “W” means you can clean it with water-based cleaners. “S” means you must use solvent-based cleaners. “X” means professional cleaning only.
Stain Resistance: Some fabrics are treated to resist spills. This is great for families with kids or pets.

Important Materials Matter

The material of the fabric greatly affects its look and lifespan.

Natural Fibers

Cotton: It is soft, breathable, and comfortable. However, pure cotton wrinkles easily and stains can set quickly.
Linen: Linen looks crisp and cool. It wrinkles a lot, which some people like, but it is not the most durable choice for heavy use.
Wool: Wool is very durable and naturally resists stains and fire. It costs more than cotton.

Synthetic Fibers

Polyester: Polyester is strong, fade-resistant, and usually affordable. It dries fast and resists wrinkles well.
Nylon: This is one of the strongest fibers. It handles heavy traffic very well, but it can sometimes look shiny.
Acrylic: This fabric often mimics wool but is easier to clean. It resists fading from the sun.

Blends

Many of the best fabrics are blends (like cotton/polyester). Blends often combine the best features—the softness of cotton with the strength of polyester.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Fabric quality is not just about the fiber; it’s about how it is made.

Quality Boosters

Tight Weave: Tightly woven fabrics (like canvas or twill) last much longer than loosely woven ones (like some open-weave linens). A tight weave prevents snagging.
Colorfastness: High-quality fabrics resist fading when exposed to sunlight. Check if the fabric has a good UV rating if your furniture sits near a sunny window.

Quality Reducers

Loose Weave: If you can easily see through the fabric, it will likely snag or tear sooner.
Low Rub Count: Fabrics below 15,000 double rubs are usually only suitable for decorative pillows or very lightly used chairs.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where the furniture lives before you buy the fabric.

High-Traffic Areas (Living Room Sofas, Family Chairs)

You need maximum durability here. Choose high-rub count synthetics or durable blends (like solution-dyed acrylic or heavy polyester). Stain resistance is a major plus.

Low-Traffic Areas (Guest Rooms, Formal Dining Chairs)

You can choose fabrics based more on looks and comfort here. Softer, less durable materials like velvet or delicate patterns work well because they see less action.

Outdoor Use

Outdoor furniture requires special materials. Look for fabrics specifically labeled for outdoor use, like Sunbrella. These resist moisture, mildew, and sun fading.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Upholstery Fabric

Q: What is the “double rub count” and why is it important?

A: The double rub count measures fabric durability using a machine that rubs the fabric back and forth. A higher number means the fabric lasts longer under heavy use.

Q: Are natural fibers always better than synthetic ones?

A: No. While natural fibers like cotton feel great, synthetics like polyester are often much stronger, resist stains better, and hold color longer.

Q: Which fabric is best for pet owners?

A: Look for tight-weave synthetic fabrics like microfiber or high-performance polyester. They resist scratching and are easier to wipe clean of pet hair.

Q: What does a cleaning code “S” mean?

A: A code “S” means you should only clean the fabric using solvents or dry-cleaning solutions, not water.

Q: How can I stop my new fabric from fading?

A: Choose fabrics labeled as “solution-dyed” or those made of nylon or high-quality acrylic, as these are naturally more resistant to UV rays.

Q: Is velvet a durable choice for a sofa?

A: Modern performance velvets (often made from polyester) are surprisingly durable. Traditional silk or cotton velvets are delicate and best saved for accent pieces.

Q: What is the difference between a print and a solid fabric?

A: A solid fabric has color woven directly into the yarn. A print fabric has the design stamped or printed on top of the finished cloth, which can sometimes wear off faster.

Q: How much fabric do I need to buy?

A: This depends on the furniture size. Always measure the piece and add 10-20% extra for matching patterns and potential mistakes. It is best to consult a professional upholsterer for exact yardage.

Q: What is the most budget-friendly durable fabric?

A: Generally, a polyester or polyester/cotton blend offers the best balance of low cost and good durability for everyday use.

Q: Should I pre-treat or Scotchgard my new fabric?

A: Some fabrics come pre-treated. If yours does not, ask the store if a fabric protector is safe to use. Always test any treatment on a small scrap piece first.