How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for a Sofa

When it comes to choosing the perfect sofa upholstery fabric, I always come back to the same three elements: bold colour, sophisticated design, and a deep connection to art. That’s the heart of everything I create

My richly expressive textiles - especially the printed and patterned velvet upholstery fabrics, are designed to transform furniture into true statement pieces. So if you’re looking for a sofa that’s more than just functional seating, you’re in the right place

Embrace Art-Led Design

Every design in my collection begins as a piece of art. Whether it’s a hand-marbled paper or an abstract painting, I translate these originals into sumptuous velvet using digital printing techniques that capture every detail and nuance

If you want your sofa to be more than just furniture, if you want it to be a work of art, our printed velvet upholstery fabrics are perfect. Each one tells its own story and carries its own mood. Think about the kind of energy you’d love to bring into your space: vibrant and uplifting, rich and contemplative, or bold and dramatic

Let Pattern and Colour Set the Tone

My patterned velvet upholstery fabrics are designed to be anything but ordinary. Inspired by everything from Renaissance marbling to organic landscapes, each pattern is rich in texture, movement, and meaning.

Here’s how I like to play with pattern and colour:

• Choose bold prints to create a standout focal point in a minimalist or neutral room

• Use tonal designs to add sophistication and flow in a richly coloured space

• Mix and match complementary pieces, like cushions or accent chairs to build layers of interest and personality

Susi Bellamy fabrics are designed to work harmoniously together, so you can be playful and confident in your combinations

Prioritise Luxury and Comfort

Velvet is at the core of my collection for a reason. It offers an unbeatable combination of tactile luxury and visual depth. With a rub count of 60,000, Susi Bellamy velvet fabric is not only beautiful, it’s also incredibly durable and ideal for everyday use, especially on a well-loved sofa

There’s nothing quite like sinking into the plush softness of velvet that looks as good as it feels. It’s indulgent, inviting, and instantly elevates your space

Think Beyond the Sofa

While choosing upholstery fabric for your sofa is important, I always encourage thinking holistically about your interior. My collections are designed to be layered. Pair your upholstered sofa with matching or contrasting:

• Cushions

• Wallpaper

• Lampshades

This curated approach creates a cohesive, artful atmosphere, like a beautifully considered gallery installation in your own home

Trust Your Creative Instinct

My design philosophy is rooted in intuitive expression. I believe the right sofa upholstery fabric should speak to you on a personal level. It’s not just a practical decision, it’s a creative one

A sofa upholstered in one of our printed or patterned velvet fabrics is more than just a seat, it’s a way to bring art into the everyday and surround yourself with bold colour and beauty

Explore the full collection of sofa upholstery fabrics, and discover how you can turn your living room into your very own living gallery

Discover Susi Bellamy velvet sofa fabric's and order samples here