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Design 101
The Ultimate Guide to Furniture Materials
October 17, 2024
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to choosing furniture materials. Some people love curling up on luxurious velvet or fuzzy chenille. Others are always on the hunt for the smoothest leather or sleekest metal surfaces. These materials set the tone for the entire room and determine how comfortable you feel in your space.
Picking the right furniture materials is key to designing a stylish yet functional home. This guide explores the most popular types of furniture materials, from cotton to metal. We also discuss essential factors to consider when choosing materials, including cost, durability, and pet-friendliness.
Upholstery Materials for Furniture
Upholstery furniture is a staple in many households. This stylish furniture typically combines comfortable padding with various fabrics or leathers. These materials add warmth to your home and give you cozy seating areas. For example, you might entertain friends on a sprawling cotton sectional or sneak in a quick nap on a plush velvet recliner.
While upholstered materials are typically durable, some may require more maintenance to stay in top shape. Consider your lifestyle and the level of wear your furniture will face to find the right upholstery for your home.
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 popular fabric known for its affordability and bright colors. This strong material resists pilling and is often washable, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets and small children. Cotton fibers also wick heat and moisture from the skin, so the furniture stays cool and dry to the touch in almost any weather.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before you commit to cotton furniture. This material absorbs stains and dyes, which can make it challenging to keep clean. Cotton also tends to fade if exposed to direct sunlight, and looser fabrics may wrinkle easily.
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 popular fabric known for its affordability and bright colors. This strong material resists pilling and is often washable, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets and small children. Cotton fibers also wick heat and moisture from the skin, so the furniture stays cool and dry to the touch in almost any weather.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before you commit to cotton furniture. This material absorbs stains and dyes, which can make it challenging to keep clean. Cotton also tends to fade if exposed to direct sunlight, and looser fabrics may wrinkle easily.
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:
If you’re looking for a durable fabric, linen is an excellent choice. Its flax fibers are naturally strong and resist pilling. With proper maintenance, linen furniture can look beautiful and fresh for many years. Additionally, this material is breathable and moisture-resistant, so it always feels cool and dry.
Like cotton, linen has a few potential drawbacks. This fabric is prone to staining and should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. You should also avoid excess scrubbing or twisting, which can damage linen. Finally, linen doesn’t take dye well, so it has more limited color options.
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:
Looking for a beautiful yet comfortable focal point? Luxurious chenille furniture has a luster and iridescent shimmer that instantly grabs attention.
However, chenille is a high-maintenance fabric not suited for heavy everyday use. It’s prone to staining and difficult to clean. This material also has lower light resistance, so it may fade quickly if placed in direct sunlight.
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:
Looking for a beautiful yet comfortable focal point? Luxurious chenille furniture has a luster and iridescent shimmer that instantly grabs attention.
However, chenille is a high-maintenance fabric not suited for heavy everyday use. It’s prone to staining and difficult to clean. This material also has lower light resistance, so it may fade quickly if placed in direct sunlight.
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 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:
Velvet is a classic and luxurious fabric that never goes out of style. It’s soft to the touch, yet durable enough to withstand the test of time when properly cared for. This material also comes in a wide range of rich colors and picks up light well, giving it more depth than other fabrics.
While velvet has many benefits, this material will show wear and tear over time if not properly maintained. It’s susceptible to fading in direct sunlight and prone to creasing or wrinkling, which takes time to smooth. Plus, it’s difficult to clean stains once they are set into velvet.
Natural Furniture Materials
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.
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 one of the strong natural fibers. This smooth, sleek fabric resists ripping, warping, and wrinkling. It also has a flattering sheen that is pleasing to the eye and is incredibly soft and lightweight. Finally, silk dyes very well and is available in a range of colors, including pale pink and buttery yellow.
All these benefits come at a cost. 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. Additionally, silk is difficult to clean and must be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
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 one of the strong natural fibers. This smooth, sleek fabric resists ripping, warping, and wrinkling. It also has a flattering sheen that is pleasing to the eye and is incredibly soft and lightweight. Finally, silk dyes very well and is available in a range of colors, including pale pink and buttery yellow.
All these benefits come at a cost. 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. Additionally, silk is difficult to clean and must be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
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 known for its durability and flame-retardant properties. It’s a naturally water-resistant and resilient fiber that springs back into shape. As a result, it’s a popular fabric choice for upholstery, rugs, and curtains in high-use areas. Many people also appreciate the versatility of wool. This fabric can be treated, woven, and colored in different ways to achieve specific patterns, colors, and textures suitable for any design aesthetic.
However, wool is a more expensive material because of its complex manufacturing process. Additionally 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.
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 known for its durability and flame-retardant properties. It’s a naturally water-resistant and resilient fiber that springs back into shape. As a result, it’s a popular fabric choice for upholstery, rugs, and curtains in high-use areas. Many people also appreciate the versatility of wool. This fabric can be treated, woven, and colored in different ways to achieve specific patterns, colors, and textures suitable for any design aesthetic.
However, wool is a more expensive material because of its complex manufacturing process. Additionally 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.
Leather
Leather furniture is 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, aniline, or semi-aniline. 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.
Different Types of Leather
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Full-grain leather
The most expensive and high-quality leather is full-grain. Leather makers remove the hair from the hide but leave the natural imperfections. This minimal processing preserves each hide’s distinct grain pattern for a striking and authentic look. Full-grain leather softens with use and develops a gorgeous patina.
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Top-grain leather
Top-grain leather is made by removing the hair and sanding off the top layer of the hide to remove imperfections. This process creates a leather that’s soft and uniform in appearance. However, it’s typically less durable than full-grain because it lacks the strong top layer.
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Aniline leather
Aniline leather is dyed to enhance its natural color and highlight the hide’s markings. This premium leather is often used for upscale furniture like luxury couches and recliners. However, it lacks a protective coating, making it more prone to scratches and fading.
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Semi-aniline leather
Semi-aniline leather is lightly pigmented with aniline dyes and coated in a thin layer of clear protective finish. These additives conceal some of the natural grain while giving the leather a uniform appearance. The coating also improves the leather’s durability, making it an excellent choice for furniture that gets daily usage.
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.
Hard Surface Furniture Material
Every home needs hard surface furniture to display accessories, store items, and use for daily activities. For example, you may add a desk to your home office and a TV stand to your living room. These pieces are typically made from durable wood or metal.
Hard surface furniture comes in many colors and styles. This furniture often requires minimal maintenance beyond regular dusting. It’s also hypoallergenic and less prone to trapping odors than upholstery. Here are a few popular choices to consider.
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.
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.
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.
Lightweight Furniture Materials
Lightweight furniture materials are affordable and easy to move. They’re ideal for avid home designers who like to rearrange their furniture or people who value flexibility. For instance, you could place plastic chairs in your kitchen for casual dining and then move them to the back deck for an al fresco meal. This flexibility lets you adapt your space to your needs without breaking a sweat.
Plastic and Foam
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.
Foam is an inexpensive and practical furniture choice. This material is extremely comfortable and has different levels of density and firmness, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit. Furniture retailers offer a broad range of foam furniture, including bean bag chairs, couches, futons, and sofas. This soft material is extremely lightweight and won’t cause injury, making it ideal for children’s furniture.
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.
Foam is an inexpensive and practical furniture choice. This material is extremely comfortable and has different levels of density and firmness, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit. Furniture retailers offer a broad range of foam furniture, including bean bag chairs, couches, futons, and sofas. This soft material is extremely lightweight and won’t cause injury, making it ideal for children’s furniture.
Quick Tips for Selecting a Furniture Material
Retailers offer millions of pieces of furniture made from a wide variety of materials. Consider these critical factors as you shop for the perfect pieces.
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Lifestyle
Your lifestyle influences the level of wear and tear your furniture will experience. Do you have a home filled with animals and kids? Choose pet-friendly materials like leather, microfiber, and performance fabrics. These durable materials will resist stains, odors, and other hazards of a busy household. If you have an adults-only home or don’t mind cleaning, consider more high-maintenance materials like chenille and velvet.
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Style
Look for furniture that fits your existing aesthetic. For example, luxurious velvet furniture adds elegance to a glam interior, while leather furniture enhances a Western style home. Consider mixing and matching finishes and materials to create your desired look.
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Budget
Look for durable and stylish furniture that fits your budget. Some of the most affordable materials include cotton blends, nylon, pine, and poplar. Most online retailers allow you to filter products by price to narrow your options.
Refresh Your Home With the Perfect Materials
Interior furniture comes in dozens of materials, from bright cotton blends to luxurious velvet. Consider your budget, design preferences, and lifestyle as you weigh your options. You should also think about how much time you can dedicate to maintaining your furniture.
Once you've picked the perfect interior furniture, explore our guide to outdoor furniture materials for your next design project.
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