Having the option to select a piece of furniture that’s just your style and fits right into your life is wonderful, but it’s not always easy to know what type of upholstery to select (especially with so many amazing options!). Each comes with its own benefits, whether functional or aesthetic. To help make the decision easier, we’ve created this handy guide filled with fast facts to help you choose the upholstery that’s right for you. And, for an even closer look, you can also order up to 10 different swatches for free to help you pick the perfect color, pattern and texture.

VELVET

Composition: Whether crafted from cotton or polyester, velvet offers a plush, soft feel. Cotton is a fiber that can achieve an upscale look and be very durable, while polyester offers durability plus insulation and wrinkle resistance.

Maintenance: Professional furniture cleaning service using a solvent-based cleaning agent required. (Cleaning Code: S. Learn more here)

Durability: Velvet naturally ages over time, resulting in light marks or bruising that add to its character and sheen.

Style: Velvet’s three-dimensional texture makes colors appear richer and more vibrant. It creates both a visual and tactile experience that conveys approachable elegance.

Ideal for: The fashion-forward home. Uptown looks with downtown sensibility.

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PERFORMANCE LINEN

Composition: Performance linen offers the look and feel of 100% linen without any of the pesky pitfalls. It is specially treated to provide exceptional durability.

Maintenance: Spot clean with a foam cleaner or with pure solvent in a ventilated room. (Cleaning Codes: W/S. Learn more here)

Durability: Stain-and water-repellent fabric makes performance linen the ideal material for homes with children and pets.

Style: Laidback and casual with an effortless look.

Ideal for: The growing family (whether kiddos or four-legged friends). Spills and all manners of dirt and debris welcome.

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BELGIAN LINEN

Composition: Prized for its comfort and durability, Belgian linen features a textured weave that is uniquely soft, breathable and long lasting. Crafted using European-sourced flax, the fibers are naturally lint- and allergen-free.

Maintenance: Cleaning should be performed by a professional furniture cleaning service. (Cleaning Code: S. Learn more here)

Durability: Belgian flax fibers produce a linen than is two to three times stronger than cotton, and it becomes softer with every use. Properly cared for, Belgian linen can last for decades.

Style: Casual style in its most elevated form.

Ideal for: Those who crave an artful appearance with lounge-all-day comfort.

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INSIDEOUT® PERFORMANCE FABRIC

Composition: This high-performance, eco-friendly polyester fabric has the durability of an outdoor fabric and yet is soft and comfortable enough for everyday indoor use.

Maintenance: Spot clean with soap and water or upholstery shampoo. (Cleaning Code W/S. Learn more here).

Durability: Long-lasting InsideOut® fabrics resist pilling and are UV treated to prevent fading and repel liquids, stains and mildew.

Style: Beautifully textured, perfect for family room furniture.

Ideal for: High-use furniture and active families with kids and pets who want stylish, textured upholstery without fussy cleanup or maintenance.

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CHENILLE

Composition: Chenille is composed of polyester or poly-blend yarns that have an even, plush pile. It’s an inviting fabric that resists pilling and wrinkling.

Maintenance: Vacuum periodically to prevent debris from building up between the woven fibers. Use a soft brush to keep the nap feeling soft and new. Do not clean with water. (Cleaning Codes: S, W. Learn more here)

Durability: The blend of polyesters makes chenille highly durable and perfect for furniture pieces that get everyday use.

Style: Luxurious comfort with a dash of curl-up softness.

Ideal for: A home that’s stylish but not stuffy, and furniture that gets a lot of love, but needs to maintain its polish.

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WOVEN PATTERNS AND TEXTURES

Composition: Crafted from a variety of materials, these fabrics combine various yarns to create visual interest and depth. Our selection includes a mix of boucles, flat weaves, tweeds and twills.

Maintenance: The raised yarns can be damaged by shrinking, color bleeding or distortion if exposed to aggressive or harsh cleaning products. Mild spot cleaning or professional cleaning is recommended. (Cleaning Codes: S, W/S. Learn more here)

Durability: These fabrics can camouflage stains well and are durable. With proper care, they’ll last from year to year.

Style: Anything goes! Woven patterns and textures add visual interest and personality to every piece of furniture.

Ideal for: The bold decorator who embraces pattern or the classic designer who wants a touch of color or texture. There’s something for everyone!

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PERFORMANCE LEATHER

Composition: Our top-grain or full-grain leathers are specially finished, adding spill and scratch resistance. The furniture never needs to be retreated.

Maintenance: Dry dust regularly with soft white cloth, or vacuum with soft attachment. Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. Clean with a solution of mild soap and warm water, being careful to remove any remaining soap residue with distilled water. Gently blot – do not rub – stubborn food stains with distilled water.

Durability: Performance leathers are treated to resist the scratching and staining that can occur on natural leathers. This helps the material age beautifully and maintain a smooth-to-the-touch feel.

Style: It’s leather’s timeless look, with the added benefit of long-term protection.

Ideal for: Families who don’t want to sacrifice style in the name of durability.

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LEATHER

Composition: All of Frontgate’s natural leathers are either top-grain or full-grain leather, which means they come from the top layer of hide and include all or part of the natural grain. This beautiful, natural material retains its character marks and subtle variations so no two pieces are exactly alike.

Maintenance: Dry dust regularly with soft white cloth or vacuum with soft attachment. Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. Gently blot – do not rub – stubborn food stains with distilled water.

Durability: Natural leather patinas beautifully over time while remaining durable.

Style: Natural, rich and timeless. Leather will never go out of fashion.

Ideal for: The indecisive decorator – it has a timeless appeal. You’ll never tire of a leather piece of furniture.

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Now that you’re familiar with our upholstery types, shop all our interior fabric swatches to find the right one for your piece of furniture.