What is the Difference Between Upholstery and Fabric

The main difference between upholstery and fabric is that upholstery fabrics are heavier and more durable than other fabrics.

Choosing the right fabric for your home decor or upholstery project is important. While upholstery and regular fabrics may look similar, they serve different purposes and have different properties. So, in this article, we will explore the differences between these fabrics and how to choose the right one for your project.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Upholstery
      – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Fabric
      – Definition, Features, Uses
3. Similarities Between Upholstery and Fabric
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Upholstery and Fabric
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Fabric, Upholstery Fabrics

What is Upholstery

Upholstery refers to the fabric used to cover and pad furniture, including chairs, sofas, and other cushioned pieces. Upholstery not only hides the stuffing and holds it in place but also adds a decorative touch to the furniture. In fact, it can transform furniture and offer comfort and a chance to alter a room’s appearance.

Upholstery fabric needs to be tough to withstand the rigours of daily life, such as the number of times someone will sit on a chair, small children clambering over the arms of chairs, and muddy dogs curling up on the sofa. As a result, this fabric is heavyweight and has a pile or flat weave with woven patterns, not dyed-in patterns. However, thick upholstery fabrics aren’t suitable for clothing or bedding due to their lack of suppleness and softness. You can gauge a fabric’s durability by checking its ‘double rub’ rating. The ‘double rub’ rating measures how durable the fabric is. To get this rating, a  mechanical arm rubs the fabric to see how many rubs it takes to damage it. The higher the number, the stronger the fabric.

Upholstery fabric is made by weaving or knitting different types of fibers like cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, and more into a textile on a loom. You can either use one type of yarn for your upholstery or a combination of yarns.

What is Regular Fabric

Regular fabrics are versatile and commonly used for home decor projects. They come in medium weight and are usually referred to as multipurpose fabrics. You can find regular fabrics in a wide range of patterns and colors, including printed or embroidered designs. They are suitable for various projects such as pillow covers, duvet covers, curtains, tablecloths, and other decorative items.

Additionally, regular fabrics are often less expensive than specialty fabrics. This gives them a great choice for budget-friendly DIY projects.

Similarities Between Upholstery and Fabric

• Both can be made from a variety of materials, including natural and synthetic fibers.
• They are useful in decorating your house.

Difference Between Upholstery and Fabric

Definition

Upholstery refers to the fabric used to cover and pad furniture, including chairs, sofas, and other cushioned pieces, while other fabrics are called regular fabrics or multipurpose fabrics.

Purpose 

Upholstery fabric is designed specifically for furniture coverings, while regular fabrics have a variety of uses, including drapery, pillows, and bedding.

Material

While upholstery fabric is made from heavy-duty materials to withstand wear and tear, regular fabric comes in various weights. But generally, they are lighter and more supple than upholstery fabrics.

Durability

Upholstery fabric is more durable and usually has a higher “double rub” rating than other fabrics.

Patterns  

Moreover, upholstery fabric often has a pile or flat weave and woven patterns, while other fabrics also come in printed with patterns or embroidered.

Conclusion

The main difference between upholstery and fabric is that upholstery fabrics are heavier and more durable than other fabrics. Understanding the differences between the two can help homeowners make informed decisions when choosing fabrics for their furniture and other projects.

Reference:

1. “What is Upholstery Fabric?” Linen Beauty.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Empty Sofa Near Side Table” (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Assorted Color and Pattern Cloths” (CC0) via Pexels