Mistakes When Choosing Upholstery Fabric (And How to Avoid Them)
Reupholstering a piece of furniture can breathe new life into a room—but only if you choose the right fabric. At Mary’s Interiors, we’ve seen how the perfect fabric can elevate a couch, chair, or ottoman.
Here are five of the most common mistakes people make when choosing upholstery fabric—along with some tips on how to avoid them.
- Choosing Fabric Based on Looks Alone
The mistake: Falling in love with a pattern or color without considering how it performs.
The fix: Consider how the piece will be used. A delicate linen might look beautiful, but won’t stand up to daily use in a busy family room. High-traffic pieces need durable fabrics.
Mary’s Tip: Ask how durable your fabric choice is and whether it is suited to your need.
- Ignoring Lifestyle Factors
The mistake: Picking a fabric that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
The fix: If you have pets, kids, or eat your meals in front of TV, go for stain-resistant or washable fabrics. Some materials do not attract pet hair as much and are more resistant to claw marks.
Mary’s Tip: Consider Fibreguard fabrics, or indoor-outdoor fabrics, which are more forgiving when it comes to stains and spills.
- Overlooking the Piece’s Shape
The mistake: Choosing a pattern or texture that clashes with the furniture’s design.
The fix: Bold patterns might get lost or look uneven on tufted or curved furniture. Likewise, heavy textures can hide beautiful lines or add bulk. Always match the fabric’s scale and weight to the piece.
Mary’s Tip: If we are not quoting in person, have a pic of the piece you need reupholstered so that we can assess how a fabric will work with your furniture’s shape.
- Not Testing the Fabric at Home
The mistake: Picking fabric in the store under showroom lights—then hating it in your living room.
The fix: It really is best to see fabric swatches in the room where it will be used. Look at them in natural daylight, evening lighting, and alongside existing furniture and wall colours.
Mary’s Tip: Ask if you can keep swatches for a day or two so that you can see the fabric under various types of light and consider its appeal alongside existing décor.
- Forgetting About Long-Term Style
The mistake: Picking trendy prints or bold colours that date quickly.
The fix: Unless you’re ready to redecorate again in a year or two, opt for classic styles on large pieces and save trends for smaller accents like pillows or ottomans.
Mary’s Tip: Neutrals don’t have to be boring! We can help find textures and patterns that add depth while staying timeless.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right upholstery fabric is a balance of form, function, and feeling. At Mary’s Interiors, we guide every client through these choices with hands-on help, honest advice, and decades of experience. Whether you’re reupholstering a family heirloom or refreshing your living room centrepiece, we will make sure your new look lasts.
Need help picking the perfect fabric?
Contact Mary’s Interiors today for a consultation and let us help you choose the perfect fabric for your next upholstery job! You can call us on 011 268 0329 or visit our showroom for more information.
