Fabric… the beauty of bespoke
Fabric consultation
One of the most exciting aspects of upholstery compared to buying new is the freedom to choose exactly what you want your furniture to look like. There is an incredible range of stunning fabrics and trims available on the market today, and I will be happy to help guide you through some of the options, perhaps inspiring you to choose something a bit different!
I hold an ever growing library of fabric books and swatches from a wide range of suppliers, which you are welcome to browse through by booking in a fabric consultation. I can suggest options in accordance with the overall look you are hoping to achieve, your budget, the intended use of the furniture and any bespoke design considerations such as decorative trims and contrasting or complementary fabrics.
I can also order free samples to your home so you can see how they look in situ.
What do I need to consider when choosing an upholstery fabric?
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Fabrics for all furniture dated after 1950 are required to comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988.
There are different regulations for domestic or commercial use, and fabrics with a high percentage of natural fibres (over 75%) may be used untreated if a schedule 3 barrier cloth is used.
I can advise on the different options to ensure your furniture is compliant with all regulations.
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Identifies the durability of different fabrics, by simulating how they wear over time.
As a general guide;
Up to 20,000 Light domestic or decorative use only
20-25,000 General domestic use
25-30,000 Heavy domestic use
30,000+ Commercial applications
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Advances in stain resistant technology mean there are now many options available which effectively repel any stains or make them very easy to remove. These are a great choice for dining areas or for families with pets or children
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If you decide to choose a patterned fabric, this will have implications on the amount of fabric required and labour costs for any pattern matching. Depending on the pattern size and style, it doesn’t always need to be matched - but it makes all the difference to the overall finish when it does!
My fabric suppliers include:
I can also source from any other fabric house if you’ve seen something you like elsewhere, or have a particular style in mind. There are also options for printing your own designs onto fabric, or customising and recolouring existing designs from certain suppliers.
