Choosing the right fabric for upholstery purposes is an important choice. It needs to look good, be durable, as well as suit the application or project you plan to use it for. 

This article is going to be taking a closer look at upholstery fabrics including those that are printable, what the choices are for outdoor and indoor use and how to pick the right printable upholstery fabric and designer upholstery material for your needs. 

  

Choosing Upholstery Fabric 

Before you buy upholstery fabric, there are a number of things to consider. Here is a quick checklist: 

  • Will it be for indoor or outdoor use? 
  • Is the fabric to be used for furniture? 
  • Does it need to be water-resistant or waterproof?
  • Will the upholstery be exposed to direct sunlight for lengthy periods?
  • Is the fabric to be used in a vehicle or on a boat?
  • What is your budget for upholstery fabric?
  • Do you want to be able to print on the fabric? 

These are some questions to get you started and you should work out every detail regarding your upholstery project before committing to a particular type of material. For example, if you plan to use the fabric for indoor lounges, the considerations are going to be completely different than if you were to upholster some seating in a boat. The latter is going to be exposed to harsh conditions, including salt water, whereas a lounge will be indoors but will likely be used quite a lot. 

If you’re still unsure, then take the time to discuss your project with a quality textiles and upholstery fabric supplier to seek advice on making the right choice. 

  

Outdoor Upholstery Fabric 

There are many different applications for upholstery fabrics that are used outdoors. You might be covering cushions and furniture for use on the backyard patio or around the pool, or you might be upholstering outdoor seating for marine craft. 

The BLISS upholstery range for outdoor furniture offers up many fantastic options and designs. These fabrics have no harmful chemicals and are weather resistant. Made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic, you can make use of the BLISS outdoor fabrics collection for furniture, cushions and even outdoor curtains. The Bits collection is a fine example of outdoor upholstery material available in the BLISS range. Another is the Joy collection, to name just a few examples. It’s also important to note that the materials in the BLISS range are also rot and mildew resistant to keep them looking nice and lasting longer. 

Vinyl upholstery fabric is another good option for outdoor use and is often used to cover indoor furniture as well. Vinyl is robust, resistant to spills and moisture, the weather, and is very easy to keep clean. You will rarely experience the buildup of odours and bacteria when you cover your furniture with a vinyl upholstery material. 

  

Indoor Upholstery Fabric 

If you’re looking for printable upholstery fabric to create your own designs indoors, Leather Print is hard to top. Made from a PVC-coated polyester knitted fabric, the surface of the material is embossed with the texture of leather for aesthetic appeal. The fabric even contains a layer of cotton for added softness and comfort. Another thing of note is that you can print your very own design on the material if you desire. Leather Print upholstery material is the perfect solution for covering a lounge, chairs, bean bags, ottomans and more. 

Another good option for indoor upholstery coverings is Nanaprint. It’s also excellent for use on sofas, ottomans, bean bags, and so on. The fabric is soft to the touch, flexible, and has a high elasticity. Once again, you can print on the material using a number of different printing methods. Just like the Leather Print textile, Nanaprint is made from PVC-coated knitted polyester and is very durable and long-wearing to guarantee years of enjoyment. 

  

Choose Ricky Richards For Upholstery Fabrics 

When it comes to upholstery fabric suppliers, Australia has a number of good companies to go to, but Ricky Richards is one of the best. In fact, we can supply you with textiles for all different types of applications and not just upholstery. Browse our website or get in touch today to discuss your project in further detail.