Sofa and Chair Fabric

What Makes Upholstery Fabric Different from Curtain Fabric?

Upholstery fabric is exposed to repeated sitting, rubbing, stretching, and surface wear, so durability is usually more important than for decorative curtain fabrics. When selecting sofa or chair fabric, buyers should consider abrasion resistance, fabric weight, dimensional stability, pilling resistance, easy-clean performance, and flame retardant requirements in addition to color and texture. Some BEGOODTEX upholstery products are also tested for abrasion performance under standards such as ASTM D4966 and ISO 12947-2.

Which Fabric Is Better for High-Traffic Seating?

For hotels, lounges, public areas, and other frequently used seating, medium- to heavyweight upholstery fabrics with good abrasion resistance are generally preferred. Textured polyester and jacquard fabrics offer durability and design flexibility, while chenille and velvet provide a softer and richer surface. PVC upholstery fabric can be considered where easy cleaning and surface durability are especially important. The final choice should depend on traffic level, cleaning frequency, required hand feel, appearance, and fire standard.

Where Is Flame Retardant Upholstery Fabric Used?

Flame retardant sofa and chair fabrics are commonly used for hotel sofas, lounge chairs, office seating, restaurant seating, public-area furniture, wall upholstery, and transport seating. Different structures can be selected according to whether the project prioritizes comfort, abrasion resistance, easy cleaning, decorative texture, or heavy-duty performance.

What Flame Retardant Standards Can Sofa and Chair Fabric Meet?

For furniture upholstery, the most relevant BEGOODTEX test options include BS 5852 Crib 5, EN 1021-1, EN 1021-2, and CAL TB 117. Depending on the specific fabric and project, additional standards such as IMO FTP Code Part 8, JIS L 1091, NF P92-503 M1, CA Title 19, and CAN/ULC-S109-14 may also be available. Because furniture, curtains, and transport interiors can require different fire tests, buyers should confirm the final application and required standard before selecting the fabric.