Many of us tend to have strong opinions about the fabric color we bring into our homes. We either love a bright pop of color or find ourselves drawn to neutrals, earth tones, pastels, and sometimes even black and white.
While we may have some direction when choosing a material for our next upholstery DIY, there are many options out there! Browsing through the different shades and fabric types can lead to decision fatigue and keep us from starting our projects altogether.
Here are our top tips to help you choose a textile so you can get started on your next DIY project.
Fabric Color
We feel the most decisive response to a material is based on its color, and it isn’t a requirement to choose a material first based on the color. We like to first choose a colorway that we feel most drawn to because this tends to be where we’re most opinionated.
If you don’t already know which color(s) you’re feeling most drawn to, here are a few questions to ask yourself…
What color sofas have I had in the past?
What we’re my likes/dislikes?
Would I want to choose that same color again?
Now you’re already forming a stronger opinion! Let’s keep going to help narrow down the selection…
What colors do you feel most drawn to and why?
You may not realize it, but most of us already live within a specific color palette. This color palette tends to match our wardrobe, too, if you can believe it! Think about it… have you ever met someone who wears bright/bold colors and patterns but lives in a black-and-white home? Probably not.
Take a look at the way you like to dress yourself or the way you’re currently decorating your home.
Is there a correlation between the two?
Do you feel most drawn to specific colors in these areas?
Pattern
If you plan on incorporating patterns into your upholstery, this will usually include two or more colors. Don’t be overwhelmed by the choices. Continue to stick with what feels good to you. The idea of a bright red and yellow sofa might sound nice, but if it doesn’t work with what you already have, then it might be worth giving a second look.
Let’s say you’re browsing our website and have a few different options you’d like to choose between but aren’t sure which one to choose. You can choose to get samples of the various options and compare them against your existing furniture and decor. Once you find one you like, select the sample button, adding a sample size to your cart.
Bringing a sample into your own space can make a big difference! Having the selection within your space allows you to compare lighting, undertones, and textures best. You then have a chance to feel the finish of each material to make sure it’s the right choice for you and your project.
Material
We like to separate our preferred materials into fabric, faux leather, vinyl, and genuine leather. Have you ever worked with any of these materials in the past? There are a few things to consider before making a decision.
- Upholstery Fabric – It can feel like there are endless options for the category of fabric. There are several finish options, and it can be challenging to narrow down your choices.
- You’re likely familiar with cotton, silk, linen, and velvet fabrics. There’s a variety of options out there, including velvet, tweed, microfiber, denim, and chenille.
- Consider your budget. Your standard cotton fabric is going to be more affordable than a Crypton or chenille.
- Budget-conscious? You can filter your search on our website based on price. This way, you can find materials that match your desired cost more quickly.
- Faux Leather/Vinyl – Interested in the look of leather but want a cruelty-free option? Look no further than faux leather and vinyl. There are some serious perks to going with these options. Here’s what to look for when specifying:
- These are often more durable materials than fabric or leather and are usually stain-resistant.
- Don’t be fooled; even faux leather can be incredibly soft and have a leather-like texture.
- Faux leather can also be a more cost-effective option while getting the look and feel of leather.
- Genuine leather – You may notice there’s less variety when it comes to purchasing leather.
- If you have a flexible budget, there’s an array of textures within the leather family.
- Leather tends to be cool-to-the-touch, making it highly appealing in warmer environments.
- This material is easy to stain and is too precious to be cleaned with chemicals.
We hope this article helps you choose material for your next DIY project! Without a foundation of understanding, sourcing textiles can be extremely intimidating, and taking the guesswork out of choosing a great material can be easy.
Always take the time to do some research upfront. Buying something for the color alone doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be the best fit for your project. Always consider durability, cleanability, and texture on top of choosing a gorgeous color or pattern.
Most of all, enjoy the process! Shopping for materials is the best part of creating a project you’ll be proud to show off. We can’t wait to see what you make next!