Modern manufacturers of upholstered furniture offer a lot of options for upholstery materials. Therefore, in the process of choosing a sofa or a headset, it is important to pay serious attention to the quality of the fabric, its practicality, ease of maintenance and aesthetic characteristics. We should not forget that soft furniture will retain its presentable appearance and initial properties, even after years of operation, if the upholstery material is sufficiently dense, wear-resistant and environmentally friendly.
Buyers, especially those who decided to purchase furniture of light colors, which can be contaminated fast, are interested what material they can choose, so that the care of the upholstery was simple and easy. First of all, it is important to decide in what conditions the furniture will be used and in which room to be located. Proper care is the key to keeping beautiful and attractive soft furniture for a long time.
A few decades ago, manufacturers of upholstered furniture used exclusively natural fabrics, now they were completely or partially replaced with synthetic fibers. Such changes in manufacturing technology are aimed at increasing the wear resistance of the upholstery and simplifying the care for it. Applied ornament to a quality fabric should not fade, even if the furniture is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. Another characteristic of high-quality upholstery: it is not permissible if it colors another fabric, when they rub against each other. The durability of the fabric used for furniture upholstery depends on the specific manufacturing technology, the composition of the fibers, the impregnation and the stability of the dye used.
Upholstery materials for the sofa are conventionally divided into natural, artificial and synthetic. The choice of materials used for upholstery furniture is very wide. So, let’s consider them:
· Velveteen (Velvet)
Velveteen and velvet have a characteristic external texture and a smooth underside. This fabric is characterized by a pleasant overflow, and its density depends on the mode of production. The advantage of this material is its durability and it is pleasant to the touch. Most often corduroy or velvet can be found in a one-color version or with a printed pattern (cage, strip). In the event of the appearance of stains and dirt on its surface, they are easily removed by means of special stain remover applied to a napkin.
· Shenyl
The production of shenylwas started in the 18th century in America. A characteristic feature of the shenyl is its unique strength, which is explained by the peculiarities of production, as well as by the presence of artificial fibers in the composition. This fabric is an ideal upholstery for the sofa, besides it is very warm and perfectly cleaned: any kind of dirt from its surface is easy to remove with alcohol or vinegar.
· Flock
Flock is rightly considered one of the most durable, environmentally friendly, reliable, fireproof and also beautiful fabric. According to its external characteristics, the flock resembles traditional velvet. As a rule, its basis consists of cotton and synthetics:35% and 65%, respectively, on which nylon lint is applied, giving the material a pleasant velvety surface. Unconditional dignity of the flock is its ability to withstand of any kind food contamination, traces from paws of domestic animals and other stains. When staining this fabric hypoallergenic dyes are used, so a soft part with such an upholstery can be safely bought if the house has children or people prone to allergic diseases. Currently produced flock, has a special silicone coating that gives the fabric a special softness and makes it very soft and pleasant to the touch.
· Jacquard
Jacquard is a pretty dense, very elegant and quality fabric with a specific type of weaving. The threads used to create this fabric, determine the thickness, as well as the wear resistance. Advantages of this material are:
- Low susceptibility to abrasion and burnout
- Strength
- Ability for many years to remain a juicy color
Nevertheless, the jacquard is somewhat specific: it is quite cold and only suitable for a classic interior. In an apartment where young children or pets are living, soft furniture with Jacquard upholstery is absolutely not suitable, since it is forbidden to subject to wet cleaning. Jacquard fabrics are decorated in different ways: monochrome, decorated with a pattern, with interlacing of gold (silver) threads.
· Tapestry
Tapestry is practically the same jacquard, but it is made from a much larger number of threads. In jacquard they are up to ten, and in this material, up to a hundred. Tapestry belongs to the category of bilateral fabrics. It is known since the 14th century and is the oldest of all kinds of materials. Today, an incredibly wide range of tapestry versions are produced. Wool, cotton and synthetic fibers are used in the manufacturing process, which increase durability. Tapestry is treated with a special impregnation, so that it copes well with various impurities.
· Leather (natural and artificial)
Natural leather is an expensive and very valuable material, made from the skin of cattle, sheep, horses, pigs. The upholstery of this luxurious material perfectly adapts to temperature fluctuations and is extremely comfortable to use. The most expensive among all other types is Italian leather.
An important condition for the preservation of leather furniture all of its original qualities is to maintain the house at an optimum temperature and humidity level. To care of it, it is necessary to use special cleaning agents, apply any abrasive substances and powders is strictly prohibited. If the leather upholstery is accidentally dampened with water, leave it to dry completely in a natural way, and do not resort to the help of a hairdryer. Leather furniture for many years will retain its inherent elasticity, if regularly wipe it with a sponge soaked in stearin.
Artificial leather belongs to the category of high-quality materials. It fully corresponds to modern technologies and fashion trends. The existing methods of applying the ornament make it possible to maximally imitate the natural leather, thus satisfying the most demanding tastes and requests of customers.
Artificial leather is the result of coating polyvinyl chloride on fabric, knitwear, paper, reinforced materials. With minimal external differences from natural leather, leatherette is characterized by higher strength and durability. Upholstery made of artificial leather is soft, elastic, resistant to abrasion and deformation, is distinguished by a huge range of available colors and textures. Its cost is much less than the price of natural leather. It should not be forgotten that the skin substitute is sensitive enough to the effects of high temperature and direct sunlight, because of which the upholstered furniture can not be placed near windows and heating batteries.
In order to choose the right material for the upholstery, the buyer should take into account its strength, naturalness, ease of care, and also to choose a harmonious combination of colors with the existing interior.