Comments
What's the Best Upholstery Material for Dining Chairs?
Explore the pros and cons of different upholstery materials for your dining chairs
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
17 December 2019
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
Upholstered dining chairs offer comfort and aesthetically enhance the overall look of the dining room. It is important to select the right material because dining chairs are prone to drink spillage and food stains. This article will give you an insight into the different upholstery materials that can be used.
1. Leather
There is a richness in leather upholstery, which effortlessly infuses a sleek and sophisticated look into the dining room.
Pros
Tip: Avoid using suede leather to upholster dining chairs because this form of leather stains easily and requires professional cleaning.
Find suppliers and retailers of dining room furniture
There is a richness in leather upholstery, which effortlessly infuses a sleek and sophisticated look into the dining room.
Pros
- Leather is a very strong and durable material that comes with a natural shine.
- Leather upholstery is easy to maintain. In case of stains or spills, the leather surface can be cleaned with a damp cloth. One can retain the shine of leather by using leather cleaners regularly.
- Leather does not allow accumulation of dust mites, pet dander and other allergens.
- Another plus is that leather ages very well and looks better as it gets older.
- Good-quality leather upholstery is very expensive.
- It is available in limited colour options.
- Leather is highly prone to scratches and is not pet-friendly. The lighter scratches can be rectified with leather polish.
Tip: Avoid using suede leather to upholster dining chairs because this form of leather stains easily and requires professional cleaning.
Find suppliers and retailers of dining room furniture
2. Natural fabrics
The most common natural fabrics that can be used for the upholstery of dining chairs are cotton and linen.
Pros
Cleaning tips
The most common natural fabrics that can be used for the upholstery of dining chairs are cotton and linen.
Pros
- Natural fabrics are a breathable material that feels comfortable even during the hot Indian summers.
- Natural fabrics are sturdy and highly resistant to wear and tear.
- These fabrics are available in a variety of colours, textures and patterns.
- Natural fabrics are affordable upholstery materials but linen is costlier than cotton.
- Additionally, these fabrics have very good anti-microbial properties, which makes them resistant to mould and mildew.
- Both cotton and linen are prone to staining and are not easy to maintain.
- Another minus is that these fabrics have a tendency to wrinkle and should be upholstered tightly.
Cleaning tips
- In case of spills or stains, dab the stained area with a cloth dipped in mild soapy water or with an upholstery cleaner.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth followed by a dry wipe.
- Repeat the process until the stains are no longer visible.
3. Synthetic fabrics
The popular synthetic fabrics that are used for the upholstery of dining chairs include materials such as polyester and viscose (which is also commonly known as rayon).
Pros
Browse more dining room ideas
The popular synthetic fabrics that are used for the upholstery of dining chairs include materials such as polyester and viscose (which is also commonly known as rayon).
Pros
- Synthetic fabrics are durable and long-lasting. These fabrics are much stronger than natural fabrics.
- Synthetic fabrics are highly resistant to staining, wrinkling and fading.
- They are not only available in a variety of colours, patterns and textures but are also available in designs that simulate the look of natural fabrics.
- Synthetic fabrics easily absorb oily stains which may become difficult to remove.
- Another disadvantage is that synthetic fabrics tend to attract pet hair and dander.
Browse more dining room ideas
4. Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious fabric that is composed of fibres of nylon, cotton and silk.
Pros
Note: Avoid using velvet upholstery if you have pets in your home.
Velvet is a luxurious fabric that is composed of fibres of nylon, cotton and silk.
Pros
- Velvet is a very strong and durable upholstery material.
- This upholstery has a rich texture and sheen which infuses a high-end luxurious look to the dining room, like you see in the image above.
- Also, velvet has a very soft texture which feels very comfortable.
- Velvet is prone to getting stained and is hence difficult to maintain.
- Another disadvantage is that velvet is a dust magnet. Also, pet fur and dander get easily stuck on the fabric.
Note: Avoid using velvet upholstery if you have pets in your home.
5. Leatherette
Leatherette is a synthetic material that has a close resemblance to the look of real leather.
Pros
Tell us
Which upholstery material do you prefer for your dining chairs and why? Share in Comments below.
Leatherette is a synthetic material that has a close resemblance to the look of real leather.
Pros
- Unlike leather, leatherette can be dyed in any colour.
- Leatherette is less susceptible to fading caused due to exposure to sunlight or UV rays.
- It is resistant to mould and mildew.
- Leatherette is waterproof and non-porous, which makes it easy to maintain. The routine cleaning includes wiping with a damp cloth. Tough stains can be removed by wiping the upholstery with warm soapy water, followed by a dry wipe
- Another plus is that it imparts a modern look to the dining room and is budget-friendly.
- One major disadvantage of leatherette is that it is prone to wear and tear and has a shorter life-span in comparison to leather. The top layer of leatherette may crack or wrinkle over time and reveal the base layer of the fabric.
- Leatherette is not a breathable material, which makes it feel sticky during summers.
- It is non-biodegradable and may give off a plastic look.
Tell us
Which upholstery material do you prefer for your dining chairs and why? Share in Comments below.
Related Stories
Most Popular
Best of the Week: 36 Platform Beds for Sound Sleep Plus Storage
By Niki Bruce
Platform beds give a modern twist to your bedroom decor and offer lots of extra storage
Full Story
Most Popular
Why Build a Platform Bed
Need more reasons to ask your designer to custom-build a platform bed for your room? Here are six
Full Story
Dining Rooms
How to Choose and Care For Your Wooden Dining Table
By Melissa Tai
On the hunt for a new dining table? Know what you're buying with this expert guide on common woods and maintenance tips
Full Story
Bedrooms
Best of the Week: 36 Bedside Table Set-Ups
Whether simple will suffice or you want everything within reach, here are 36 bedside situations to get you dreaming
Full Story
Interior Design
A Guide to Different Types of Tufting
Explore different types of tufting designs and patterns to cosy up your decor
Full Story
Interior Design
3 Reasons Outdoor Beanbags Can be One of Your Best Buys
By Karla Rey
This retro-ish piece of furniture is more versatile than we give it credit
Full Story
Small Spaces
Small Space Solutions: Double-Duty Furniture
Short on square footage? Make the most of it with store-bought and customised furniture that have double the function
Full Story
Interior Design
How to Upkeep Upholstered Furniture to Look Good and Last Longer
Proper care and cleaning will extend the life and beauty of your pieces
Full Story
Interior Design
Danish Design Guru Answers: What Makes a Design Classic?
We get the answer from Anne-Louise Sommer, director of the Design Museum Danmark
Full Story