A Brief Introduction to the World of Upholstery Fabrics

Most manufacturers have several standard fabrics kept in stock for their products. One of the charms of working with a contract furniture dealer is the increased array of fabrics available. You have a variety of fabric choices which the manufacturer does not usually carry.

If it's not a standard, it's called a COM or Customer's-Own-Material. In other words, you bought it especially for your project and it makes your seating uniquely appropriate for your purposes. But, this can be a complex process for three reasons.

First, not all upholstery fabrics are appropriate for all seating. Furniture manufacturers insist on testing a new fabric before committing to upholstering their products with it. Many fabrics have been tested but it may take extra time to get approval. This process is for your benefit. We want you to be happy with the final result.

Second, fabrics have what are referred to as "repeats". A repeat is the size of the pattern, before it repeats! Some fabrics have no repeats, others have small ones, and some have very large ones. The manufacturer will want your seating to be as attractive as possible, so the pattern should match on adjacent surfaces. Please be aware some variation is inevitable and within industry standards and does not constitute a flaw but the manufacturers will keep it as well matched as possible. The larger the repeats are in your fabrics, the more fabric needed to correctly match the repeats.

Finally, the easiest factor is the majority of manufacturers require the roll of fabric be at least 54" wide. This is rarely an issue.

Now you have a basic understanding of upholstery application.

Don't worry about it. Pick the fabrics you like and we'll be sure you're getting the appropriate amounts.

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this section before proceeding. These are custom products and are not returnable.

Email questions or comments. Our normal hours are 9 to 5 Central, Monday-Thursday, 9 to Noon on Friday, but please be aware our primary market is local outside sales and often there is no one here to take your call. For more information on our company, please see our home page. Thank you!