Fabric choice makes or breaks a reupholstery job. The frame might be solid mahogany and the stitching perfect, but pick the wrong material and you'll be back in two years with worn-through seat cushions.
Here's what I walk customers through at the workshop when they're choosing fabric for a chair or dining set.
Martindale Rub Count — The Number That Matters
Every upholstery fabric has a Martindale (or Wyzenbeek) rub rating. It measures how many times the fabric can be rubbed before showing wear. For reference:
- Under 15,000: Decorative use only — cushions, headboards, wall panels. Not for seats.
- 15,000–25,000: Light domestic — occasional chairs, formal dining used weekly.
- 25,000–40,000: General domestic — everyday dining chairs, lounge chairs.
- 40,000+: Heavy domestic or commercial — restaurant seating, family sofas, high-traffic areas.
I've reupholstered restaurant dining sets that need 100,000+ rub counts. A bedroom occasional chair? 20,000 is fine.
Natural vs Synthetic
Natural fibres — cotton, linen, wool — feel great and breathe well. But they stain easier and fade in sun. Synthetics and blends (polyester, acrylic, nylon blends) resist staining and fading better. Most modern upholstery fabrics are blends that balance feel with durability.
For commercial work, I almost always recommend synthetic or heavy blend. For a mid-century armchair in a living room? A quality cotton blend with good rub count works beautifully.
Pattern Matching
Stripes, checks and geometric patterns need alignment across seams — back to seat, arm to arm. This affects how much fabric you need. A bold stripe might require 20–30% more fabric than a plain colour because of pattern matching waste.
That's not a reason to avoid patterns. The striped armchair in our gallery looks sharp because the stripes line up cleanly. It just means ordering enough fabric upfront.
Bring a Sample Home
Never choose fabric under workshop fluorescent lights alone. Take a sample swatch home, lay it on the chair frame, check it in morning light, evening light, against your wall colour. Fabric looks different in every room.
Can You Supply Your Own Fabric?
Yes. Many customers find fabric online or at a textile shop and bring it to us. Just make sure it's rated for upholstery (not curtain weight) and buy enough — we'll tell you the metreage needed based on the piece.
Wondering if your piece is worth the investment? Read when to reupholster vs replace, or view our upholstery services.