The most durable upholstery fabrics for furniture – which ones to choose?

Are you wondering how to choose upholstery that will survive not only fashion trends, but also the everyday challenges of home life? The real strength lies not only in the weight of the fabric, but in the mysterious Martindale test scale. In this entry, we also discover what features make upholstery materials extremely durable. From mysterious hydrophobicity, through easy-to-clean coatings, to antiviral properties – get ready for a fascinating journey through the world of fabrics that change the rules of the game in interior design. Here is our overview of the most durable upholstery fabrics.

What weight of upholstery fabrics is considered the strongest?

In the world of upholstery fabrics, grammage – i.e. the weight of the material expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²) – is very important. As a rule, fabrics with higher grammage are considered stronger and more durable, and there is a lot of truth in this. However, the real indicator of durability is the result in the Martindale test, which is a kind of “marathon” for materials: only the most durable ones cross the finish line with dignity.

The Martindale test is a method for assessing the resistance of fabrics to abrasion and pilling. It involves simulating intensive use of the material using a special piston covered with wool or sandpaper, which rubs the fabric sample in a figure-eight motion with varying pressure. The durability test is intended to check how many “rounds” (cycles) the material will withstand before it begins to lose color or structure. The higher the number of cycles, the greater the abrasion resistance. Discover the mosaic of upholstery materials: a guide to upholstery fabrics that will transform your interior Each material has its own history, character and arrangement possibilities that can completely change the appearance of your interior. From the classic elegance of natural leather, through the cozy charm of chenille, to the modern sophistication of alcantara – here is an overview of materials that will allow you to express yourself and give your furniture an individual character

• Chenille – it is like a warm sweater that will fill your interior with comfort and coziness. It is distinguished by a soft, slightly shiny surface with a characteristic, dense weave that provides exceptional color depth. This fabric is pleasant to the touch, guaranteeing a rich, velvety effect regardless of the viewing angle. Furniture upholstered with chenille fabric looks great in interiors where comfort and coziness are a priority. The versatility of this fabric makes it suitable for a wide range of styles, from modern to more traditional. This type of fabric is considered extremely durable: in the Martindale test it can reach up to 100,000 cycles.
• Corduroy – easily recognized by its raised, parallel stripes, which may be thicker or more delicate. This material is strong and durable (up to 90,000-100,000 cycles), and its textured surface adds warmth and sensuality to the interior. It will work great in modern farmhouse, boho style arrangements and wherever textures, textures and layers are in the foreground. Corduroy works great on large sofas and armchairs, adding character to them.
• Plush – this material is like a little black dress in the fashion world: always elegant, always fashionable. Also called velvet, velvet or velvet, it is characterized by a smooth, shiny surface with deep color saturation. It is a luxurious fabric that shimmers from different angles, adding shine and elegance to the interior. In the Martindale test, it lasts up to approximately 40,000–50,000 cycles. Sometimes it is the first choice of lovers of glamorous and art deco interiors, where the richness of textures and noble materials plays a key role.
• Bouclé – its loopy consistency resembles soft, fluffy clouds or sheepskin. You will recognize it by its irregular, looped texture, which creates a rich, three-dimensional surface. It is a soft and warm material with an extremely interesting appearance. The result is approximately 40,000 Martindale cycles. Bouclé is particularly suitable for minimalist and mid-century modern interiors, where it can add softness and depth to simple forms of furniture. Perfectly matches representative lounge chairs or sofas.
• Eco leather – also known as synthetic leather, It imitates the appearance and texture of natural leather, while being more affordable and often easier to care for. It is smooth, often with a subtle shine. Armchairs, sofas and corner sofas made of eco-leather fit perfectly into modern, urban arrangements. Imitation leather is also a good upholstery fabric for other types of utility furniture, e.g. dining room chairs or office armchairs. It reaches up to 100,000 cycles in the Martindale test.
• Natural leather – becomes more beautiful with age, just like good wine. It is distinguished by its unique texture, softness and ability to acquire a patina over time. In the Martindale test results it reaches approximately 40,000 cycles. Each leather sofa or corner sofa will be unique, with visible natural scratches, creases and color changes. They will be perfect for classic, vintage and modern interiors – wherever natural materials are valued for their durability and nobility.

  Our homes are not only a cozy shelter, but also offices, playgrounds and relaxation rooms, choosing the best fabric for a sofa takes on a new meaning. It’s not just the color or texture that counts anymore, but intelligent properties that guarantee comfort, safety and durability. Meet the superheroes in the world of fabrics – special coatings that are not afraid of spilled liquids, mud or the claws of four-legged little ones:

• Water repellent – ​​a coating that increases resistance to the absorption of liquids. Its hydrophobicity means that the liquid on the surface of the fabric condenses instead of soaking in, giving you time to wipe up spilled water, juice, coffee or wine.
• Easy clean – just water or soapy water is enough to remove dirt, even those that are extremely difficult to clean. This is invaluable in homes full of life, fun and everyday adventures.
• Good for babies – the material on the sofa has been certified to be safe for babies and children, and does not discolor under the influence of saliva or sweat. It has the right pH, so it does not irritate the skin and is anti-allergic, so it ensures restful sleep and safe play, creating a healthy environment for the child’s development.
• Pet friendly – the most durable upholstery fabric is the one that will last even if your feline friend mistakes the sofa for a scratching post. Materials belonging to this group of upholstery fabrics are a real game changer for pet lovers. Resistance to abrasion, pilling, stretching, tearing, as well as easy removal of mud and hair and prevention of unpleasant odors – these are the features that should characterize lounge sets designed for all household members, including animals.

When choosing furniture from our offer, do not forget to check which of these magical properties can transform your home into an even more friendly, trouble-free, safe and stylish place. We encourage you to browse the full offer of our store, where you will find every type of upholstered furniture: both compact fold-out and non-fold-out sofas, as well as large corner sofas with or without a sleeping function. They are available in various upholsteries so that anyone can choose the perfect model for themselve.