Choosing the Right Upholstery Fabric for Your Home Decor
Choosing upholstery fabric is one of those things that can make such a difference to a room. The right fabric can completely change the feel of a piece of furniture, whether it's a favourite old armchair that needs a new lease of life, a sofa you're having made or a headboard you'd like to make a bit more interesting. It's also a lovely opportunity to bring more colour, pattern and personality into your home
I'm always drawn to fabrics that have a bit of character to them. For me, it's about finding something you love looking at, but also something that works for the way you live. At Susi Bellamy, our upholstery fabrics start life as original artwork and hand-marbled paper designs, which are then printed onto velvet and linen. I love the way the same design can take on a completely different feel depending on the fabric it's printed on
So, if you're thinking about reupholstering a piece of furniture or choosing fabric for something new, here are a few things I'd consider before making a decision
Think About How You'll Use the Furniture
The first thing I'd think about is where the furniture is going to live and how much use it's likely to get. A chair in a bedroom that you sit on occasionally is quite different from the sofa everyone piles onto at the end of the day!
For a piece that's going to be used every day, it's worth looking at the fabric's durability as well as how it looks. For something more decorative, you might feel able to be a little more adventurous with your choice
I don't think you need to shy away from colour or pattern just because a piece of furniture is practical, though. A sofa or armchair can be a brilliant place to introduce a favourite design, and there's no reason everyday furniture has to be boring. It's really just about finding a fabric that suits both the piece and the way you'll use it
Velvet: For a Little Bit of Luxury
Velvet has a wonderful depth to it, and the way it catches the light means colours can look slightly different throughout the day. It feels rich and tactile, and it can make even a fairly simple piece of furniture feel rather special
Above: George Smith sofa upholstered in Blue Rose Marbled Velvet and Assieds Toii Mushroom Stool upholstered in Oak Mini Marbled Velvet
Our velvet fabrics work particularly well with the marbled designs because the texture brings out the movement and layers of colour in the artwork. Depending on the design you choose, velvet can feel bold and dramatic or rich and sophisticated.
I'd look at velvet for a statement armchair, a sofa, an upholstered headboard or an ottoman. It's also lovely for curtains, it drapes and hangs beautifully. And don't feel that velvet has to be reserved for formal rooms. I love the idea of using a colourful velvet on a favourite armchair in a more relaxed living space. It can be just the thing that brings the whole room together
Discover velvet upholstery fabrics
Linen: Relaxed, Natural and Full of Character
Linen has a completely different feel. It's a little more relaxed, with a natural texture that gives it a lovely softness. I think it works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary interiors, and it's particularly good if you want a room to feel comfortable and lived-in rather than too polished.
Our linen fabrics have a lovely way of showing off the marbled designs, too. The overall effect feels a little more understated than velvet, but there's still plenty of colour and pattern to play with
I'd consider linen for accent chairs, cushions and other soft furnishings, particularly in rooms where you want to introduce pattern without everything feeling too formal. It works just as well in a country house as it does in a more modern home. One of my favourite things about decorating with linen is how easily it sits alongside other materials. Think natural wood, stone, antique furniture and interesting ceramics. It all adds to that collected, individual look that makes a home feel personal.
Of course, neither fabric belongs to just one particular style of interior. I wouldn't rule out velvet in a relaxed room or linen in a more formal setting. It's all about how you put everything together
Don't Forget About Texture
When we're thinking about decorating, it's easy to focus on colour first, but texture is just as important. It's often the combination of different materials that makes a room feel interesting
Velvet brings softness and depth, while linen has a more natural, slightly textured finish. Both can work beautifully with other materials, from polished wood and marble to metal, ceramics and woven textiles
I like the idea of mixing things up rather than having everything match perfectly. A velvet chair alongside linen curtains, for example, can look wonderful, particularly if you pick up a colour or pattern elsewhere in the room. And if you're working with lots of pattern, introducing a few quieter textures can give the eye somewhere to rest. You don't need to overthink it. Often, it's just a case of bringing together materials you love and seeing how they work alongside one another
Above: George Smith Soho Baby Buttoned Stools upholstered in Susi Bellamy fabrics
Have Fun with Colour and Pattern
This is probably my favourite part of designing and choosing fabric. Colour and pattern can completely change the mood of a room, and upholstery is a brilliant way to introduce something a little unexpected
All of our fabric designs begin as original hand-marbled artworks or abstract paintings. I love the movement and unpredictability of marbling, and the way colours flow into one another to create something that feels individual. No two designs have quite the same character, and that's part of what makes them so interesting to use in an interior
Above: Headboard upholstered in Yellow Stripy Rose Velvet, bedspread Wheat Veneer Velvet
If you're drawn to bold colours, an upholstered armchair or headboard can become a real focal point. You could keep the rest of the room relatively simple and let the fabric do the talking, or be a little braver and bring in other patterns and colours
If you prefer a quieter scheme, look for designs that work with the colours you already have. Pattern doesn't always have to shout to make an impact. Sometimes it's the smaller details, or the way two colours sit together, that make a fabric really special
It's also worth thinking about the scale of the design in relation to the furniture. A larger pattern can look fantastic on a generous sofa or headboard, while a smaller piece might suit something more delicate. If you're unsure, ordering a fabric sample is a really good place to start. You can see the colours and texture properly, and try it out alongside the other materials in your room.
Invest in a Design You'll Love for Years
Upholstery is an investment, so it's worth taking your time and choosing something you'll be happy to live with. Alongside the look and feel of a fabric, check that it's suitable for the job, including its durability and any relevant requirements for the furniture it's being used on
For me, though, it's also about choosing a design that makes you happy. Furniture can last for years, and reupholstering a much-loved piece is a lovely way to give it a new life rather than replacing it altogether
Ready to Find Your Fabric?
Whether you're drawn to the richness of velvet or the relaxed feel of linen, the best place to start is with a design you really love. Think about how the furniture will be used, have a play with colour and texture, and don't be afraid to try something a little different.
If you're not quite sure which design to choose, take a look at our collection of Susi Bellamy upholstery fabrics and order a few samples to try at home. Seeing a fabric in your own space, alongside your furniture and the light in your room, can make all the difference
After all, the best interiors aren't necessarily the ones that follow all the rules. They're the ones that feel like you...
Leave a comment