Choosing the right fabric or leather for a piece of furniture is an important decision. Whether dark or light, striped or flowered, fabrics offer a seemingly infinite range of choices. However, you should remember a few simple things: All fabrics are not suitable for upholstery; only those with tight weaves will be deemed by the manufacturer as appropriate for upholstery. If you're considering a light-colored fabric, make sure it is treated with a stain-repellent process. Slipcovers provide versatility and allow rooms to adapt to changing needs or even the seasons. The most practical slipcovers are made of washable fabrics, but avoid cottons that could shrink, and make sure the slipcovers can be easily removed for laundering.
Leathers are like fabrics: they're not all the same. Quality may vary widely, and some manufacturers may tend to stitch together smaller pieces of leather to make the upholstery less expensive. Uniform color and surface are often signs that the leather had to be corrected and heavily pigmented because its natural qualities were deficient. The finest leathers are pure anilines. Full grain or top grain leathers are dyed with transparent, nontoxic aniline that penetrates the hide with colors and allows the natural grain to show through. They are then treated with wax and oils to create in a soft and mellow hand.
Cushions can be made of pure white down, down and feather combinations, or a foam core. Pure white down is the most costly, while the other types of cushions offer a firmer seat and cost less. Foam core cushions require less maintenance, as down tends to move around, requiring frequent fluffing and shaping. When considering cushions made of foam, note the foam's density, as there is a direct correlation with foam density, comfort, and wear.
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