Choosing upholstery fabric can be a daunting process deciding which fabric will be best for your interior scheme and your lifestyle at home. In this fabric guide we aim to walk you through each type of fabric to provide you with the information to help you make your decision. At Designers Guild we have been creating beautiful fabrics to adorn luxurious homes for over 50 years and so we can help you create that cherished upholstery that will become a feature in your home for many years.
Velvet is a soft, plush fabric with a distinctive pile that gives furniture a rich and inviting look.
Best for: Statement armchairs, sofas, headboards and decorative upholstery pieces.
Benefits: Adds depth, softness and a luxurious finish to upholstered furniture. Works well for creating comfortable, tactile pieces with strong visual impact.
“Velvet brings depth, colour and comfort to the pieces that define a room.”
Best for: Statement armchairs, sofas, headboards and decorative upholstery pieces.
Benefits: Adds depth, softness and a luxurious finish to upholstered furniture. Works well for creating comfortable, tactile pieces with strong visual impact
“Velvet brings depth, colour and comfort to the pieces that define a room.”
Best for: Loose covers, occasional chairs, cushions and relaxed-style sofas.
Benefits: Gives upholstery a fresh, natural look that suits both classic and contemporary interiors.
Ideal for creating a softer, more casual upholstered finish.“Naturally relaxed and beautifully versatile, linen makes everyday upholstery feel effortless.”
Best for: Loose covers, occasional chairs, cushions and relaxed-style sofas.
Benefits: Gives upholstery a fresh, natural look that suits both classic and contemporary interiors.
Ideal for creating a softer, more casual upholstered finish.“Naturally relaxed and beautifully versatile, linen makes everyday upholstery feel effortless.”
Best for: Everyday chairs, cushions, slipcovers and family-friendly upholstered pieces.
Benefits: Offers a comfortable finish for seating used regularly around the home.
Works well across many upholstery styles, from plain and simple to patterned and decorative.“Cotton is an enduring choice—comfortable, adaptable and easy to live with.”
Best for: Everyday chairs, cushions, slipcovers and family-friendly upholstered pieces.
Benefits: Offers a comfortable finish for seating used regularly around the home.
Works well across many upholstery styles, from plain and simple to patterned and decorative.“Cotton is an enduring choice—comfortable, adaptable and easy to live with.”
Best for: Sofas, armchairs, footstools and traditional or country-style upholstery.
Benefits: Adds warmth, texture and structure to upholstered furniture.
Particularly suited to creating durable-looking pieces with a timeless, characterful finish.“Wool and tweed combine tailored texture with the warmth and resilience needed for everyday seating.”
Best for: Sofas, armchairs, footstools and traditional or country-style upholstery.
Benefits: Adds warmth, texture and structure to upholstered furniture.
Particularly suited to creating durable-looking pieces with a timeless, characterful finish.“Wool and tweed combine tailored texture with the warmth and resilience needed for everyday seating.”
Best for: Dining chairs, benches, office chairs and contemporary upholstered pieces.
Benefits: Creates a sleek, modern upholstered finish that is easy to style.
Works especially well on pieces that benefit from a clean-lined, tailored appearance.“Faux leather and suede create a refined, contemporary finish with practical appeal.”
Best for: Dining chairs, benches, office chairs and contemporary upholstered pieces.
Benefits: Creates a sleek, modern upholstered finish that is easy to style.
Works especially well on pieces that benefit from a clean-lined, tailored appearance.“Faux leather and suede create a refined, contemporary finish with practical appeal.”
Best for: Family sofas, dining chairs, kitchen seating and high-use areas of the home.
Benefits: Practical for upholstery in busy homes where furniture is used every day.
Helps upholstered pieces stay looking fresher with less day-to-day worry.“Beautiful upholstery should be enjoyed every day—easy-clean fabrics make that simpler.”
Best for: Family sofas, dining chairs, kitchen seating and high-use areas of the home.
Benefits: Practical for upholstery in busy homes where furniture is used every day.
Helps upholstered pieces stay looking fresher with less day-to-day worry.“Beautiful upholstery should be enjoyed every day—easy-clean fabrics make that simpler.”
Best for: Sofas, armchairs, contract upholstery, family spaces and high-traffic interiors.
Benefits: Ideal for upholstery that needs to withstand frequent sitting, movement and wear.
Offers a practical choice for long-lasting furniture in busy residential or commercial spaces.“Designed for demanding spaces, high-performance fabrics balance lasting strength with considered style.”
Best for: Sofas, armchairs, contract upholstery, family spaces and high-traffic interiors.
Benefits: Ideal for upholstery that needs to withstand frequent sitting, movement and wear.
Offers a practical choice for long-lasting furniture in busy residential or commercial spaces.“Designed for demanding spaces, high-performance fabrics balance lasting strength with considered style.”
Choosing the right upholstery fabric depends on both function and feel. Velvet brings softness, depth and a luxurious finish to statement furniture. Linen and cotton create comfortable, versatile upholstery with a relaxed, natural look. Wools and tweeds add warmth, texture and timeless character to sofas and armchairs. Faux leather and suede provide a sleek, tailored finish for modern seating. Easy clean fabrics are practical for family homes, dining areas and frequently used furniture. High performance fabrics offer lasting durability for busy residential and commercial interiors.
Whether you’re refining a scheme or starting from scratch, our team and trusted stockists are here to help you find the perfect combination of fabric, wallpaper and colour.
Access our full collections, bespoke services and expert support for your projects—designed to help you create exceptional interiors.
