How to Choose the Right Upholstery Fabric
How to Choose the Right Upholstery Fabric: Durability, Rub Count & Real-Life Use
Choosing upholstery fabric is about much more than falling in love with a color or pattern. The right material needs to stand up to everyday living — pets, kids, spills, naps, and everything in between — while still looking beautiful. Understanding durability, rub count, and how your furniture is actually used will help you make a smart, long-lasting investment.
Why Fabric Choice Matters
Your sofa, dining chairs, or headboard are some of the most used pieces in your home. The wrong fabric can quickly show wear, fade, or stretch out of shape. The right one will stay fresh and comfortable for years.
Think of upholstery fabric as a combination of style + performance.
What Is Durability in Upholstery Fabric?
Durability refers to how well a fabric holds up to:
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Daily sitting
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Friction
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Cleaning
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Sunlight
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Pets and children
Some fibers are naturally stronger than others:
Highly durable fibers:
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Polyester
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Nylon
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Olefin
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Acrylic
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Performance blends
Less durable (but beautiful) options:
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Cotton
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Linen
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Silk
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Velvet (depending on construction)
That doesn’t mean delicate fabrics are bad — they’re just better suited for low-traffic areas like formal living rooms or decorative chairs.
Understanding Rub Count (Double Rubs)
Rub count is one of the most important indicators of fabric durability.
It measures how many times a machine can rub the fabric back and forth before it shows wear.
General Rub Count Guidelines
15,000 double rubs
Suitable for light use (accent chairs, decorative pieces)
15,000 – 25,000 double rubs
Medium residential use (bedroom chairs, occasional seating)
25,000 – 40,000 double rubs
Heavy residential use (sofas, family rooms, dining chairs)
40,000+ double rubs
Commercial grade (restaurants, hotel lobbies, high-traffic homes)
If you have kids, pets, or a frequently used sofa, aim for at least 30,000 double rubs.
Match the Fabric to Real Life
Before choosing a fabric, ask yourself:
Who Will Use This Furniture?
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Kids → stain-resistant, easy-clean fabrics
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Pets → tight weaves, no loose texture (to avoid snagging)
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Adults only → more flexibility in delicate materials
How Often Will It Be Used?
High-traffic furniture:
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Family room sofas
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Sectionals
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Dining chairs
→ Performance fabrics, microfiber, leather, or high rub counts
Low-traffic furniture:
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Accent chairs
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Headboards
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Formal living room seating
→ Linen, velvet, cotton blends
Fabric Construction Matters Too
Durability isn’t just about fiber — it’s also about how the fabric is woven.
Tight weaves:
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More resistant to wear
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Better for pets
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Easier to clean
Loose weaves:
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Softer and more textured
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Can snag or stretch over time
The Rise of Performance Fabrics
Performance fabrics have changed the upholstery game. They are designed to be:
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Stain-resistant
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Moisture-repellent
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Fade-resistant
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Easy to clean
Perfect for real homes where life happens.
Many of them look and feel like natural fabrics but perform like synthetics — the best of both worlds.
Don’t Forget Maintenance
Ask yourself:
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Can it be spot cleaned?
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Does it require professional cleaning?
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Will it show lint, pet hair, or dust?
For example:
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Velvet can mark easily
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Linen wrinkles
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Leather develops a patina over time
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Microfiber is very low maintenance
Quick Fabric Selection Guide
For busy family sofas:
Performance fabric, microfiber, polyester blends (30,000+ rub count)
For dining chairs:
Stain-resistant fabric with tight weave
For statement accent chairs:
Velvet, patterned cotton, or linen blends
For pet-friendly homes:
Avoid loose weaves and heavy texture
Final Thoughts
The perfect upholstery fabric isn’t just the one that looks good today — it’s the one that still looks good years from now.
When you balance:
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Durability
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Rub count
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Real-life use
you create furniture that is both beautiful and practical.
Because the best upholstery doesn’t just decorate your home — it supports the way you live in it.
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