Whether you’ve got pets, children, or both, you’ve likely spent a lot of time trying to answer the question: what’s the best family-friendly upholstery fabric? Is it Crypton upholstery fabric?
It’s a common question–and no wonder! Pets and children are notoriously hard on furniture, and you want your investment to last. But you also want a sofa or armchair to snuggle up in, not furniture that feels institutional and uninviting. So how do you find an upholstery fabric that’s both soft and snuggly and tough enough for the whole family?
Today we’re highlighting a product line that’s been gaining popularity: Crypton upholstery fabric.1
What is Crypton upholstery fabric?
Crypton is a revolutionary upholstery fabric that’s specially designed to withstand real life. That’s because it’s:
- Moisture-resistant – Crypton fabric is treated to create a moisture barrier. This prevents stains and odors but also allows you to spot-clean any areas without soaking the interior cushions.
- Stain-resistant – If you spill coffee, juice, or wine, Crypton’s treated fibers ensure you’ll have time to grab a rag to soak up liquids before the stain has a chance to set–even oil-based liquids!
- Odor-resistant – Because of Crypton’s specialty treatment, odors don’t linger or spread throughout the fabric. So your pup can claim his favorite spot every day without the telltale dog smell.
- Microbe-resistant – Crypton’s fibers contain silver-ion technology that prevents bacteria, molds, and mildew from growing. This is good news for homes with allergy sufferers and anyone wanting to keep household surfaces healthy.
- Flame retardant – This super fabric also adds a layer of protection against fire, which makes it an excellent choice for commercial space.
- Fade-resistant – Crypton fabric resists fading, so you can choose your favorite bold color and enjoy it for years to come.
With all of these features, it’s hard to imagine an upholstery fabric that’s actually comfortable. But because of the way it’s created, Crypton can achieve all of these features and still offer ultra-soft fabrics like cotton, velvet, and even the increasingly popular boucle.
How is Crypton upholstery fabric different from other fabrics?
So why is Crypton so durable? It all comes down to the details. Produced in North Carolina, Crypton fabrics are created by scientists to repel stains, odors, and liquids, all without compromising breathability.
Traditional treatments for fabrics create the plasticky feel we all know and recognize from hospital furniture–not exactly what you want in a family room sofa.
At Crypton, each thread is treated, instead of an entire surface treatment at the end.2 This keeps their performance fabrics snuggly-soft while offering unmatched durability. And they offer a 2-year warranty on home fabrics, so you’ll have plenty of time to put this fabric to the test in your own home.
Is Crypton fabric safe?
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly upholstery fabric, Crypton is an excellent choice. Traditional dyeing and production methods sometimes rely on chemicals and pollutants we know to be damaging. On top of that, older formula fabric protectors have been critiqued as unsafe since many contain and release air pollutants over time.
But since its inception in 1993, Crypton has been committed to producing environmentally-friendly upholstery fabrics. That’s why their products consistently exceed industry standards. In fact, Crypton’s C-Zero stain repellant is the only one of its kind to receive Greenguard Gold certification.3
Crypton is committed to protecting the environment–both in your home and our planet at large–at every turn. Their durable upholstery fabrics are free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), phthalates, formaldehyde, and heavy metals.4
This is good news for environmentalists. Not only is reupholstery a more sustainable choice than purchasing new, but when you select a VOC-free fabric that’s built to last, you’re keeping quality pieces in your home (and out of the landfill) for longer. Win-win.
Is Crypton upholstery fabric expensive?
Crypton’s fabric lines range in price, depending on weave, fiber, and color. Designer upholstery fabric typically ranges from $70–$140/ yd, with some luxury fibers costing $200/yd or more. Crypton falls somewhere in the middle, with many lines starting around $100.
While it’s not for bargain hunters, Crypton’s price point feels like a steal when you consider the added durability, longevity, and the fact that its stain-and-odor repellent nature means long-term savings on professional upholstery cleaning.
Plus, at KOVI, many of our Crypton fabrics qualify for volume discounts on orders over 10 yards, for added savings on your upholstery projects.
Where can I use Crypton upholstery fabric in the home?
Because it’s so durable and comes in a variety of patterns, textures, and colors, Crypton upholstery fabric offers ideal options for nearly every upholstered surface.
Its superior durability and anti-microbial properties have made it a favorite for commercial spaces like hospitals, hotels, and restaurants. It’s even been used in the White House! But their residential lines offer all the same features, in colors, patterns, and textures for the home.
So where can you use Crypton fabrics in your own house? Ideal for families, Crypton-upholstered dining chairs make everyday spills and messes no problem to clean up. This stain-resistant fabric is great for banquet and bench cushions, too.
If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, it’s perfect for sofas and chairs in the family room and even the accompanying throw pillows.
Need a simpler project? Crypton’s odor-resistant fabric is ideal for pet beds. It’s soft, snuggly, and keeps your pup’s favorite lounging spot always smelling fresh.
Because Crypton is anti-microbial, it’s great for allergy sufferers, too. Upholstered headboards, decorative bed pillows, and even curtains can trap allergens when made with traditional fabrics. For cleaner indoor air, Crypton might be the right choice for your family.
Where can I buy Crypton upholstery fabric online?
Crypton fabric is the secret behind brands committed to quality, like Pottery Barn, CB2, and Ethan Allen, who partner with Crypton for their own upholstery lines. But DIYers and upholsterers don’t need to miss out: this fabric is also available by the yard.
At KOVI Fabrics, we offer hundreds of Crypton upholstery fabrics, from woven chenille to soft velvet, rich solid hues to patterns. No matter your project size or personal taste, there’s an ultra-durable upholstery fabric for you.
Shop our collection of Crypton upholstery fabrics here to get started on your next project.
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