Material Guide
From your outdoor patio set to your dining room chairs and table, learn what materials provide the best comfort, durability, and cleanability for your home.
Natural Fabric Types
Natural furniture textiles are woven from materials found in nature, often made from plant fibers and animal products, rather than manufactured. Breathable, hypoallergenic, and durable, natural fabrics are best used in areas of the home that receive moderate traffic.
Most natural materials require proper maintenance and care to ensure they withstand the test of time. It’s important to keep furniture made from natural materials out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. Exposing these materials to direct sunlight makes them fade over time.
Most natural materials require proper maintenance and care to ensure they withstand the test of time. It’s important to keep furniture made from natural materials out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. Exposing these materials to direct sunlight makes them fade over time.
Cotton & Cotton Blends
Cotton is a classic furniture staple in many households. It’s loved for its soft texture and durability, and it’s often used for couches, sectionals, and other seating. Cotton is a versatile fabric that can be designed to create everything from casual and laid-back looks to formal and sophisticated pieces.
Cotton is a lightweight material when compared to other natural fibers. It’s naturally comfortable, soft, and pliable. It can be blended with other synthetic materials, like polyester, for added durability and stain resistance.
Benefits of Cotton:
Cotton is a lightweight material when compared to other natural fibers. It’s naturally comfortable, soft, and pliable. It can be blended with other synthetic materials, like polyester, for added durability and stain resistance.
Benefits of Cotton:
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Breathable
Cotton is a comfortable fabric that wicks heat and moisture from the skin. It remains cool and dry to the touch in almost any weather.
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Durable
Cotton is a strong fabric, resistant to pilling and abrasion. It’s the perfect material for furniture that gets extra use.
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Washable
Most cotton fabric is washable. It’s an ideal fabric choice for slipcovers and other pieces that need frequent cleaning.
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Inexpensive
Cotton is a popular material with a high production rate, so it’s one of the most cost-effective natural materials.
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Colorful
Cotton is a popular choice if you love fabrics with colors, prints, and patterns. It can be transformed into just about any style.
Considerations:
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Not stain resistant
Cotton is not known for its stain-resistant properties. It’s prone to absorbing stains and dyes, so ensure you take extra care of your cotton pieces.
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Fading
If left in direct sunlight, cotton fabric is susceptible to fading as the fibers weaken. Avoid leaving cotton pieces in direct sunlight to preserve their lifespan.
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Wrinkling
Cotton fabric is prone to wrinkling. Wrinkling typically isn’t an issue with tightly upholstered furniture pieces, but you may face problems with a slipcover or loose pillow back.
Leather
Leather furniture adds a timeless addition to any living space. It has a beautiful patina, a luxurious texture, and a long lifespan. Leather couches work well with any room design and come in styles suitable for different lifestyles, budgets, and aesthetic needs.
Leather is the product of animal hides and can be full-grain, top-grain, semi-aniline, or pigmented. Faux leather options not made from animal products are also available. Each leather type has its quality, longevity, and appearance. Leather can be dyed and comes in shades of brown, tan, black, and white. Other leather colors include shades of red, orange, and gray.
Benefits of Leather:
Leather is the product of animal hides and can be full-grain, top-grain, semi-aniline, or pigmented. Faux leather options not made from animal products are also available. Each leather type has its quality, longevity, and appearance. Leather can be dyed and comes in shades of brown, tan, black, and white. Other leather colors include shades of red, orange, and gray.
Benefits of Leather:
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Durable
Leather has an exceptionally long lifespan and outlasts most other fabric types. It’s resistant to fraying and tearing, making it great for households with kids and pets.
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Looks better with age
Leather only grows softer and more stylish with use. Aged and weathered leather is often more desirable than new leather.
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Stain-resistant
Protected leathers are stain- and liquid-resistant, meaning liquids are easily be wiped away without absorbing into the material.
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Comfortable
Leather has a soft, luxurious, and comfortable texture that provides a relaxing and upscale feel.
Considerations:
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Difficult to clean
Once a stain sets, it’s difficult to remove from the leather. Leather sofas become brittle, dry, and damaged when treated with soap, oils, or detergent. Cleaners strip all the natural oils away. Be sure to use leather-furniture cleaners to preserve the material.
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Fading
Keep leather furniture away from direct sunlight to prevent drying and cracking.
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Expensive
Quality leather furniture has a high price tag but is worth the investment.
Linen
Linen is a classic upholstery material made from the fibers of the flax plant and is used in many furniture pieces. Linen is known to be cool to the touch, smooth, and moisture-wicking. It’s an excellent choice for sofas, sectionals, and chairs.
Linen is not easily dyed, so it’s usually seen in its natural color, which ranges from beige to off-white or gray. Lined is often blended with cotton to create a wrinkle-free and long-lasting fabric.
Benefits of Linen:
Linen is not easily dyed, so it’s usually seen in its natural color, which ranges from beige to off-white or gray. Lined is often blended with cotton to create a wrinkle-free and long-lasting fabric.
Benefits of Linen:
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Durable
Linen is quite durable due to the naturally strong nature of the flax fibers. When taken care of properly, it is resistant to pilling and ages well over time.
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Moisture-resistant
Linen absorbs dampness without feeling wet to the touch.
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Breathable
Linen wicks heat and moisture from the skin, making for a comfortable and relaxing material. These properties make the fabric cool and dry to the touch.
Considerations:
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Not stain-resistant
Linen is not generally known as a stain-resistant material. It absorbs stains and dyes from spills.
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Prone to wear and tear
Linen requires proper care to maintain its lifespan. Excess twisting or scrubbing damages the fabric. Linen should not be put in direct sunlight, as the fibers weaken with exposure to intense sun.
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Prone to wrinkling
Linen fabric is prone to wrinkling and is not a naturally elastic material. If you don’t like the casual look of crumpled linen, look for a linen blend made with added elasticity.
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Does not dye
Linen does not take dye well. Linen fabric not in a natural color has likely been treated with chemicals or is a synthetic blend.
Chenille
Soft to the touch and beautiful to look at, chenille fabric is a common choice for furnishing your home. Chenille has a unique fuzzy texture and comes in a variety of colors.
Chenille is made from a combination of fibers like cotton, silk, rayon, and polyester. It uses the qualities of each fiber type to enhance durability and comfort.
Benefits of Chenille:
Chenille is made from a combination of fibers like cotton, silk, rayon, and polyester. It uses the qualities of each fiber type to enhance durability and comfort.
Benefits of Chenille:
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Durable
Chenille is resistant to pilling and wrinkling if properly maintained.
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Soft to the touch
Chenille is soft, luxurious, and comfortable. It has a plush pile that gives it a unique fuzzy surface.
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Stylish
Chenille is known for its luster and iridescent shimmer, which makes it a popular fabric to use as a focal point in any room. It takes dye well to accommodate a wide range of colors.
Considerations:
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Not stain-resistant
Chenille absorbs spills and stains and is not known to be a stain-resistant material.
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Prone to wear and tear
Chenille requires special care and maintenance to preserve its lifespan. It is not suited for heavy everyday use and should be kept out of high-traffic areas to prevent damage.
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Fading
Chenille has a lower light resistance. It’s highly susceptible to fading and damage when left in direct sunlight.
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Difficult to clean
Due to the weave of different fabrics, chenille is difficult to clean when stained or dirtied. It’s best to spot clean with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Velvet
Velvet is known for its quality and high-end appearance. Velvet’s dense pile creates a buttery-soft texture and classy style that creates a feeling of luxury and sophistication in any room.
Couches, settees, and headboards.Couches, settees, and headboards are commonly made from velvet. The material adds glam and high style to any room. While velvet is made from a blend of natural fibers, such as silk, cotton, or wool, there are versions of synthetic velvet made from high-quality polyester.
Benefits of Velvet:
Couches, settees, and headboards.Couches, settees, and headboards are commonly made from velvet. The material adds glam and high style to any room. While velvet is made from a blend of natural fibers, such as silk, cotton, or wool, there are versions of synthetic velvet made from high-quality polyester.
Benefits of Velvet:
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Durable
Velvet upholstered furniture is a classic fabric that withstands the test of time when properly cared for.
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Soft to the touch
There’s nothing quite like the feel of velvet. Velvet has a buttery, fuzzy texture that feels like luxury.
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Stylish
Velvet furniture creates a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. It never goes out of style and is loved for its elegance and quality.
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Colorful
Velvet can be dyed in a wide range of rich colors that suit any style. Velvet picks up light well, giving it more depth than other fabrics.
Considerations:
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Prone to wear and tear
Velvet is prone to creasing or wrinkling that takes time to smooth. Velvet also shows wear and tear over time if not properly maintained.
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Fading
Velvet fabric is susceptible to fading over time if left in direct sunlight. Place velvet pieces out of the direct sun to preserve their lifespan.
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Difficult to clean
Stains are difficult to clean once they are set in the material. Clean spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining. If your velvet pieces need a deep clean, use professional velvet cleaners.
Silk
Like velvet, silk is a luxurious choice for outfitting your home. Silk has an atmosphere of delicate sophistication. It’s often used for furniture upholstery, drapes, and room accents.
Silk is a natural fiber made by silkworms. It’s a lightweight, smooth, and high-end fabric highly sought after in the design world. There are less expensive faux versions of silk made from synthetic materials and blends.
Benefits of Silk:
Silk is a natural fiber made by silkworms. It’s a lightweight, smooth, and high-end fabric highly sought after in the design world. There are less expensive faux versions of silk made from synthetic materials and blends.
Benefits of Silk:
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Durable
Silk is one of the strongest natural fibers. When silk is woven together, it resists warping and ripping.
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Anti-wrinkle
Silk is designed to resist wrinkling and rumpling and maintains its smooth, sleek shine over time.
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Stylish
Silk is a luxurious fabric. It has a flattering sheen that is pleasing to the eye and is incredibly soft and lightweight. It adds a sophisticated look to any room.
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Colorful
Silk dyes very well. It’s available in a range of colors, including pale pink and buttery yellow.
Considerations:
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Prone to wear and tear
While silk fibers are strong, silk is prone to wear and tear if not properly maintained.
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Fading
Silk is prone to sun damage when exposed to direct sunlight. Prevent weakened fibers, ripping, and fading by being aware of the placement of your pieces.
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Difficult to clean
Silk is prone to showing stains, especially when exposed to water or moisture. It can be hard to clean and will shrink in the wash, so be sure to use professional silk cleaners to restore your furniture.
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Expensive
Silk is a luxurious material with a complex manufacturing process, which makes it more expensive than other fabric types. If you’re looking for a more affordable type of silk, consider alternatives like faux silk or silk velvet.
Wool
Wool is a comfortable, warm, and inviting fabric. It’s often used for stunning curtains, thick rugs, and cozy chairs and couches. Often designed with patterns and fun colors, wool adds texture to a room and is a beloved addition to many homes.
Wool is a textile fiber obtained primarily from sheep. It’s soft to the touch and can be blended into many other desirable fabrics, such as cashmere, merino, or angora. One of the best multi-functional fabrics, wool merges comfort, durability, and style.
Benefits of Wool:
Wool is a textile fiber obtained primarily from sheep. It’s soft to the touch and can be blended into many other desirable fabrics, such as cashmere, merino, or angora. One of the best multi-functional fabrics, wool merges comfort, durability, and style.
Benefits of Wool:
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Durable
Wool is known for its durability and flame-retardant properties. Wool is a strong and resilient fiber that springs back into shape. It’s a popular fabric choice for upholstery, rugs, and curtains in high-use areas.
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Moisture-resistant
Wool is naturally water resistant, making it easy to wipe away spills before they have the time to stain.
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Versatile
Wool can be treated, woven, and colored in different ways to achieve specific patterns, colors, and textures suitable for any design aesthetic.
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Colorful
Wool takes dye very well and is known to distribute color evenly.
Considerations:
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Difficult to clean
Once a stain sets in wool, it’s difficult to remove. Wool is best dry-cleaned, as liquid cleaners damage the material. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions when cleaning your wool furniture.
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Expensive
Wool is a more expensive material because of its complex manufacturing process.
Synthetic Materials
Synthetic upholstered materials mimic the look and feel of natural fiber textiles, but they are made with added durability and come at a lower price point than their natural counterparts.
Synthetic fibers are more elastic and flexible than natural fibers while being lightweight, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Tough, durable, and tightly woven, synthetic fabric is best used for chairs, sofas, and furnishings, including rugs, curtains, and throw pillows, in high-use areas and busy households. Synthetic materials are often used outside because of their strength and weather resistance.
Synthetic fibers are more elastic and flexible than natural fibers while being lightweight, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Tough, durable, and tightly woven, synthetic fabric is best used for chairs, sofas, and furnishings, including rugs, curtains, and throw pillows, in high-use areas and busy households. Synthetic materials are often used outside because of their strength and weather resistance.
Benefits of Synthetic Fabrics:
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Durable
Used in upholstery on high-trafficked pieces, synthetic fibers have more durability and strength when compared to natural fibers.
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Resistant to fading
While all fabrics can degrade or discolor under direct light, synthetic fabrics tend to be more resistant to sun damage and fading than natural fibers.
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Elastic
Synthetic fibers, like nylon, have great elasticity and maintain their original shape when stretched or pulled. This often leaves them wrinkle-free after years of use.
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Soft to the touch
Many synthetic fabrics have a plush, velvety texture. The super-fine, tightly woven fibers are made to mimic other soft fabrics like suede, linen, silk, and velvet.
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Colorful
Synthetic fabrics hold color well and maintain their look even after years of use. From a soft pink and classic white to a bright print in red or blue, synthetic fabrics are available in a wide range of color options.
Considerations:
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Difficult to clean
Many synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon, dry quickly and are difficult to clean once a stain sets. They are also prone to watermarks when rubbed with a wet rag. Ensure you’re preserving the life of your fabric by following the specialized care information on your furniture.
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Not breathable
Some synthetic fabrics do not breathe well, making them hot and uncomfortable as they absorb body heat. This is not true for all synthetics, as microfiber is known for its cooling effect.
Wood
Wood is a beautiful raw material that adds a rustic, contemporary, or traditional touch to any space. It’s a durable material suited to indoor and outdoor use when weather treated. Wood furniture has a range of uses, including wood tables, chairs, bedframes, and patio furniture.
Wood types range from solid softwood and hardwood types to engineered wood. Wood is a classic material that provides a variety of choices for any budget. Its durability is unmatched, but it is susceptible to moisture damage if not treated and maintained over time.
Wood types range from solid softwood and hardwood types to engineered wood. Wood is a classic material that provides a variety of choices for any budget. Its durability is unmatched, but it is susceptible to moisture damage if not treated and maintained over time.
Metal
Metal furniture is one of the hardiest furniture materials. It’s made to withstand the wear and tear of consistent use. The look of exposed metal is also growing in the design world. Metal furniture is now a popular choice in the home, from a wrought iron bedframe and headboard to dining chairs and outdoor furniture. Metal furniture is also used in many design styles like traditional, industrial, farmhouse, and modern.
Metal furniture needs regular maintenance and care, especially when exposed to the elements. But when properly cared for, metal furniture lasts a lifetime. Metal is a naturally hard surface, so it’s best to add cushions or upholstery for optimal comfort.
Metal furniture needs regular maintenance and care, especially when exposed to the elements. But when properly cared for, metal furniture lasts a lifetime. Metal is a naturally hard surface, so it’s best to add cushions or upholstery for optimal comfort.
Wicker
Wicker is lightweight, flexible, and long-lasting in outdoor or indoor spaces. It’s easy to care for and designed to withstand most weather conditions. From heat to rain to snow, you won’t have to worry about your outdoor furniture being affected by the seasons.
Wicker is usually made from natural sources, such as rattan, willow, or bamboo; however, synthetic materials that mimic the color and texture of wicker are also used in the manufacturing process. Wicker is generally coated in resin to ensure durability and prevent moisture damage. Such treated wicker is best used in outdoor spaces or patios. You can also bring wicker accents into your home as side tables, dining chairs, storage shelves, or cabinets. It provides a classic, natural appearance that encompasses different styles and can be stained and weaved into unique patterns.
Wicker is usually made from natural sources, such as rattan, willow, or bamboo; however, synthetic materials that mimic the color and texture of wicker are also used in the manufacturing process. Wicker is generally coated in resin to ensure durability and prevent moisture damage. Such treated wicker is best used in outdoor spaces or patios. You can also bring wicker accents into your home as side tables, dining chairs, storage shelves, or cabinets. It provides a classic, natural appearance that encompasses different styles and can be stained and weaved into unique patterns.
Plastic
Plastic is a breeze to clean, lightweight, and inexpensive. Plastic furniture is a stellar choice for indoor and outdoor spaces. When paired with added cushions, plastic furniture is a comfortable product that’s long-lasting and doesn’t easily crack or peel. Plastic furniture meets many design needs, from outdoor patio seating to plastic chairs and tables in the dining room or kitchen.
Plastic furniture can be made of recycled materials, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate. One common plastic material is vinyl. Plastic furniture is weather resistant, suited for high-use areas, and comes in designs that suit anyone’s style.
Plastic furniture can be made of recycled materials, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate. One common plastic material is vinyl. Plastic furniture is weather resistant, suited for high-use areas, and comes in designs that suit anyone’s style.