How to Choose an Upholstery Fabric

By Beth Larson,

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Reupholstering an old piece of furniture is a great way to update it and help it to match with your decor. One of the most fun parts of upholstering is choosing the fabric. There are many different types of upholstery fabrics available to choose from. Here the benefits and downsides of some of the most popular upholstery fabrics to help make your decision easier and to be sure that you get a fabric that is perfect for your room.

Leather
Although leather is more expensive than other types of upholstery fabric it is extremely durable and can last for years. It also brings a certain elegance to a piece of furniture and helps it to look upscale and classic. Leather is one of the most popular choices in upholstery fabric because of its durability and simply because it looks beautiful.

Vinyl
Although vinyl upholstery fabric may seem like a good alternative to leather, it actually can be quite uncomfortable to sit on. Not only that but over time it has a tendency to crack as it ages which means it won't last nearly as long as many other types of upholstery fabric. The main benefit of choosing vinyl for your upholstery fabric is that it is easy to clean; however the uncomfortable texture and relatively short lifetime should be considered before choosing vinyl for your furniture.

Linen
Linen is probably not the best choice for upholstery fabric for most people. Linen wrinkles easily and also takes a lot of care to help keep it clean. The fibers in linen can have a tendency to stretch which means it will also require extra care to help keep its shape. When it comes to upholstery fabric there are much better choices than linen.

Denim or Heavy Cotton Fabric
Denim or heavy cotton fabrics are a great choice for upholstering a piece of furniture. Cotton fibers are durable and tough and stand up well to most types of cleaning solutions and to every day wear and tear. Look for cotton fabric or denim that is color fast for ease of cleaning. After you've upholstered the furniture consider treating the fabric with a stain resistant spray to help protect it.

Stash Style in Chagrin Falls makes old things new again: Shop Talk

By Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer
November 19, 2009, 11:25AM

Shannon Vance's store was "green" long before it was trendy. But don't expect a granola vibe at her fairy-tale-charming Chagrin Falls gift boutique, Stash Style.
Vance, who features home decor, gift items, furniture and vintage clothing in her ever-changing shop, goes "green" in the truest sense of the word. As in, making what is old new again.
She specializes in remaking and remodeling vintage furniture, clothing and decor with add-ons, color, fabric, stitching, upholstery, paint, whatever. Think shabby-chic meets Anthropologie.
"I like to reincarnate old pieces," says Vance, who has owned Stash Style for 41/2 years, and before that owned a similar store called Teacups in Lakewood for four years.
"We're trying to find funky ways to use the old again."
Vance finds items she revives trolling flea markets. She also turns her keen eye to craft shows, seeking artisans and crafters whose wares are unique enough to suit Stash Style.
In addition to the remade works, Stash Style has a lovely-but-not-cutesy selection of merchandise from wall hangings to socks, candles, soaps, greeting cards and more.
Vendors include Candra Squire (very funny greeting cards), Amelia Marie (greeting cards made using her grandmother's silhouettes from the 1940s), Beer Soap Co. (organic soaps made from dozens of brews), Cheri Christian (beautiful hand-knit items), Carrin Andress (hand-painted furniture), BCTZ (funky Cleveland T-shirts) and others.
And if all that shopping makes you hungry, the front of the store features a gourmet coffee and cupcake bar with pastries as beautiful as Vance's wares.
Shopping list
The Dancing Sheep: Charmingly unique (but not cutesy, despite the name), East Side gift boutique the Dancing Sheep will host a trunk show with knit artist Chris Triola from 5 to 8 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Triola, of Lansing, Mich., will feature her new collection of jackets, shells, pants and skirts. 12712 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland. Call 216-229-5770.
Benefit for Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Mayan Women's Beading Cooperative: A Cleveland Heights woman is doing her best to help the women of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Karen Rosenberg is opening up her house for a sale of handcrafted beaded jewelry made by a women's cooperative in Isla Mujeres. For sale will be necklaces, bracelets, medicine pouches, earrings and more. All proceeds go to the Mexican women. 3253 East Fairfax Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-321-0349.
MOCA ARTscape: More than 40 pre-eminent regional and national contemporary artists and craftspeople will sell wares at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland's annual ARTscape event, which doubles as a great art party in a world-class museum setting. Artists coming this year include Dan Pongallo (greeting cards), Gai Russo (aromatic and silver jewelry) and Jeff Yost (painting). Preview is 4:30 to 9 p.m. tonight; $5 admission. Free admission 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 8501 Carnegie Ave., 216-421-8671.
Lakewood Wreath Sale: Get your start on holiday decorating with a 24-inch noble fir wreath from the Lakewood Historical Society. Adorned with a red-and-silver bow and glittery snowflakes, the wreaths are $30. Order at lakewoodmuseumstore.com or call 216 221-7343. Proceeds benefit the society.