What is the Most Common Type of Cover for Upholstery? A Complete Guide to Furniture Fabrics

When you sink into your favorite sofa after a long day, you’re probably not thinking about what it’s covered with. But the fabric wrapped around your furniture plays a huge role in how it looks, feels, and lasts. Upholstery covers can make or break your furniture experience – affecting everything from comfort and cleaning to how long your pieces will stay looking good. This guide explores the most common upholstery covers and helps you figure out which ones might work best in your home.

Popular Upholstery Cover Materials

The world of upholstery fabrics is surprisingly diverse, with options ranging from natural fibers to high-tech synthetics. Let’s dive into the most common types you’ll encounter when shopping for furniture.

Cotton and Cotton Blends

Cotton is probably the most familiar fabric in our lives, and it’s also one of the most popular choices for furniture covers. Pure cotton is soft, breathable, and natural – three things many people love. It feels nice against your skin and doesn’t get hot or sticky like some synthetic fabrics can.

Cotton comes in countless patterns, colors, and weaves, making it super versatile for different styles of homes. Many manufacturers blend cotton with other fibers to improve durability while keeping its natural feel. Cotton-polyester blends, for example, resist wrinkles and stretching better than pure cotton.

The downside? Cotton stains easily and isn’t naturally stain-resistant. It can also fade in direct sunlight over time. If you have kids or pets, you might want to look for cotton that’s been treated with stain protection or consider a different fabric altogether.

Polyester and Microfiber

Polyester has become the reigning champion of upholstery fabrics in many furniture stores, especially in its microfiber form. This synthetic material offers major advantages: it’s super durable, resistant to wrinkles and fading, and much more affordable than many natural fibers.

Microfiber, a type of polyester with extremely fine fibers, feels surprisingly soft and suede-like. It’s especially popular for families because it resists stains and water, stands up to heavy use, and can be cleaned fairly easily. Many pet owners love microfiber because pet hair doesn’t weave into it the way it does with some other fabrics.

Modern polyesters have come a long way from the scratchy versions of decades past. Today’s versions can mimic the look and feel of more expensive fabrics while offering better durability. The main drawback is that some polyesters can pill (form little fabric balls) over time, and very cheap versions might not feel as breathable as natural fibers.

Leather and Faux Leather

When it comes to luxury upholstery, leather often tops the list. Real leather is made from animal hides (usually cow) that have been treated and dyed. It creates a distinctive, upscale look that many people associate with quality furniture.

True leather is extremely durable and can last for decades if properly cared for. It develops a unique patina over time, often looking better as it ages. Leather is also relatively easy to clean – most spills can be wiped away before they soak in. It doesn’t trap allergens like fabric upholstery can, making it a good choice for people with allergies.

However, leather comes with a steep price tag and requires regular conditioning to prevent cracking and drying. It can also feel cold in winter and sticky in summer, and may scratch easily in homes with cats or dogs.

Faux leather (also called vinyl or leatherette) offers a similar look at a fraction of the cost. Modern faux leathers have become increasingly convincing and durable. They’re typically more resistant to scratches and stains than real leather, but won’t develop the same rich patina over time and generally don’t last as long.

Nylon and Olefin

Nylon is the workhorse of synthetic upholstery fibers. It’s incredibly strong and resistant to wear, making it perfect for high-traffic furniture like family room sofas. Nylon resists pilling and wrinkling better than most other fibers.

You’ll often find nylon blended with other fibers to add strength while maintaining the look and feel of the primary material. Pure nylon can fade in direct sunlight, so many manufacturers add UV protection to nylon upholstery.

Olefin (also called polypropylene) is another synthetic that’s gaining popularity for furniture. It’s stain-resistant, colorfast, and doesn’t absorb moisture, making it great for homes with kids or in humid climates. Many outdoor furniture pieces use olefin because it stands up well to weather and sunlight.

Wool and Natural Fibers

Wool isn’t just for sweaters – it makes excellent upholstery too! This natural fiber is incredibly durable, naturally flame-resistant, and resists wrinkles and dirt. Wool upholstery can last for generations with proper care.

The natural crimp in wool fibers gives it a springy quality that helps furniture maintain its shape. Wool also regulates temperature well, feeling cool in summer and warm in winter. The downside is cost – wool upholstery is significantly more expensive than synthetic options.

Other natural fibers like linen, silk, and hemp appear in specialty or high-end furniture. These materials offer unique textures and environmental benefits but typically require more careful maintenance.

Choosing the Right Upholstery for Your Lifestyle

The “best” upholstery cover really depends on how you live. Here’s a breakdown of what might work for different situations:

For Families with Kids

If sticky fingers and spilled juice are regular occurrences in your home, look for:

• Performance fabrics (specially treated to resist stains)
• Microfiber/polyester
• Leather (if your budget allows)
• Darker colors or patterns that hide stains

Avoid delicate fabrics like silk or light-colored cotton that show every mark.

For Pet Owners

Furry friends bring special challenges to furniture choices:

• Tight-weave fabrics that resist claw damage
• Microfiber (pet hair doesn’t weave into it)
• Leather (easy to wipe fur off, but can scratch)
• Outdoor fabrics (extremely durable)

Stay away from loose weaves that catch claws and delicate fabrics that can’t stand up to an excited dog jumping on the couch.

For Allergy Sufferers

If allergies are a concern:

• Leather or faux leather (doesn’t trap allergens)
• Synthetic fibers that can be easily cleaned
• Removable, washable covers

Natural fibers like cotton can trap dust and allergens unless cleaned regularly.

For Formal Living Spaces

For rooms that see less heavy use:

• Silk
• Velvet
• High-quality cotton or linen
• Fine wool

These materials create an elegant look but might not stand up to daily rough use.

Upholstery Cover Comparison Chart

Here’s a helpful comparison of the most common upholstery materials to guide your furniture decisions:

Material	Durability	Stain Resistance	Comfort	Cost	Best For	Avoid If
Cotton	Medium	Poor (unless treated)	High	Medium	Comfort, natural feel	You have young kids/pets
Polyester/Microfiber	High	Excellent	Medium	Low-Medium	Family rooms, high-use areas	You prefer natural materials
Leather	Very High	Good	Medium (varies by season)	High	Luxury look, allergies, longevity	You have scratchy pets, tight budget
Faux Leather	Medium-High	Excellent	Medium (can feel hot)	Medium	Budget-conscious, easy cleaning	You want the real leather patina
Nylon	Very High	Good	Medium	Medium	High-traffic areas, durability	You want a luxury feel
Wool	Very High	Good	High	High	Comfort, longevity, temperature regulation	You’re on a tight budget
Linen	Low-Medium	Poor	High	Medium-High	Formal spaces, natural look	You have kids or pets
Velvet	Medium	Poor	Very High	Medium-High	Luxury look and feel	You have pets that shed
Performance Fabrics	High	Excellent	Medium-High	Medium-High	Active families, worry-free living	You’re on a very tight budget

Care and Maintenance Tips

Even the most durable upholstery needs proper care to look its best:

1. Vacuum regularly – Weekly vacuuming removes dust and debris before it settles into fibers.
2. Address spills immediately – Blot (don’t rub!) spills as soon as they happen.
3. Follow cleaning codes – Check the manufacturer’s tag for symbols that tell you how to clean:
   • W: Water-based cleaners only
   • S: Solvent-based cleaners only
   • WS: Either water or solvent cleaners
   • X: Professional cleaning only
4. Use fabric protectors – Consider applying Scotchgard or similar products to fabrics that aren’t already treated.
5. Rotate cushions – Flip and rotate removable cushions regularly for even wear.

FAQs About Upholstery Covers

How long should good upholstery last?

Quality upholstery on a well-built frame should last 7-15 years with proper care. Leather and high-performance fabrics tend to last longest, while delicate fabrics like silk or light cotton may show wear much sooner. The lifespan also depends on use – a rarely-used formal living room sofa will outlast one that hosts family movie night every weekend.

Can I change my furniture’s upholstery if I get tired of it?

Absolutely! Reupholstering is an excellent way to give quality furniture a second life. However, it’s not always budget-friendly – professional reupholstering can sometimes cost as much as buying new furniture. Slipcovers offer a more affordable alternative for changing your furniture’s look without the commitment.

What’s the easiest upholstery to keep clean?

Leather, faux leather, and microfiber typically win the easy-cleaning contest. Leather and faux leather can be wiped clean of most spills, while microfiber can be cleaned with water or alcohol depending on the type. Modern performance fabrics are also designed for easy cleaning and stain resistance.

Are natural or synthetic fibers better for upholstery?

Neither is universally “better” – it depends on your priorities. Natural fibers like cotton and wool offer breathability and comfort but may stain easily. Synthetics like polyester and nylon provide durability and stain resistance but might not feel as luxurious. Many of today’s best upholstery options blend natural and synthetic fibers to maximize the benefits of both.

What’s the difference between a slipcover and upholstery?

Upholstery is permanently attached to the furniture frame, typically with staples or tacks. It’s professionally applied and not designed to be regularly removed. Slipcovers, on the other hand, are removable covers that slide over existing furniture. They’re great for protecting upholstery or changing your decor seasonally.

What about outdoor furniture upholstery?

Outdoor furniture requires special fabrics that can withstand sun, rain, and temperature changes. Look for materials specifically labeled as “outdoor fabrics,” such as solution-dyed acrylics (like Sunbrella) or certain polyesters and olefins. These resist fading, mildew, and moisture damage better than indoor fabrics.

Choosing the right upholstery cover is one of the most important decisions when buying furniture. The perfect material depends on your specific needs – your lifestyle, budget, and how you plan to use the piece. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of common upholstery materials, you can select furniture that not only looks beautiful in your home but stands up to your daily life for years to come.