If there is a cat living in the house or purchasing a pet is only in the plans, you should think about a very pressing question - how to choose the right upholstery for the sofa and armchairs.
Experienced cat owners know firsthand that the sofa often becomes their favorite place to live, comfortable in all respects: you can sleep on it in comfort, and you can sharpen your grown nails with pleasure !
And even with great luck, when the cat does not make any attempts to deliberately damage the furniture, it is still impossible to completely protect him from walking on the sofa.
Relax
An alternative to leather can be Relax upholstery material. It has good anti-vandal characteristics, and its maintenance does not require much effort. Also, pet owners will be able to quickly hide scratches and nicks that appear on this material.
Designers also advise pet owners to:
- do not choose a sofa with wooden elements;
- pay attention to the color of the upholstery - if possible, it should match the color of the pet’s fur, otherwise the fur will be very noticeable on the furniture;
- purchase special “repellent” products with lemon or orange scents at pet stores - cats will avoid furniture with such scents.
What kind of material is it and what are its features?
Anti-vandal cat fabric is a wear-resistant material that is difficult to damage. The main purpose is to protect furniture from the early formation of bald spots, abrasions and holes on the surface. At the same time, the fabric repels fat and water due to Teflon impregnation, therefore it is resistant to stains. But it is important to understand that leatherette or velvet are not endowed with anti-vandal properties, so they will not save furniture from cat claws.
Pros and cons of the material
- Long wear life. The fabric is not damaged due to the density of the structure and close weaving. The fibers simply protect against the cat's claws, preventing them from penetrating deeper.
- High rigidity and abrasion resistance. As a result, over time, the upholstery does not lose shape or sag, and bald spots do not form.
- Preservation of the original color, which does not fade.
- Resistance to any type of contamination due to Teflon impregnation. The structure of the fabric is water- and dust-repellent, therefore, greasy and oil stains do not form on the surface.
The only disadvantage of anti-vandal material is the high price.
Anti-vandal sofa covers
Already damaged furniture can be covered with anti-vandal fabric or a cover can be purchased. Available in an assortment for sofas of any configuration and size: classic, corner and designer, two- and three-seater, with right or left shelf, Euro-cover, etc.
Covers protect furniture from dirt and cat claws, and also transform and refresh the interior. To hide the sofa as much as possible from a furry vandal, it is better to secure the cover so that the pet does not reach the base. But you can't do anything about the coating.
Flock characteristics:
- resistance to mechanical damage - the herd is not subject to scratches, marks, and does not tear;
- Wear resistance: the fabric does not shed, fade or wear out;
- practicality: the material repels water and dirt well, making it easy to clean, the upholstery is easy to care for.
What features need to be taken into account?
Flock is based on synthetic materials, so it is easily electrified, attracts dust and can absorb odors.
How to care for flock upholstery?
- vacuum regularly;
- try to remove stains with a napkin immediately before they are absorbed;
- if the stain is absorbed, you need to use a soap solution;
- Cleaning with alcohol-containing solutions and cleaning with hot water is not recommended, as this can destroy the adhesive layer.
Let's take a closer look at the flock collections presented in our catalog:
How to choose materials for upholstery of a sofa, which is better
When choosing fabric for upholstered furniture, you should pay attention to its origin - artificial or natural, plant or animal origin. This choice is not important, since it does not particularly affect the quality of the material.
It all depends solely on your taste.
It’s also worth finding out about the characteristics of the material you choose. Do you need upholstery fabric that wrinkles? Are such properties important as whether it is water-repellent or breathable? All this can be found out from a sales consultant or read on a special label.
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- In addition, be sure to touch the product. Do you like a smooth surface or a rough one? Matte or shiny? Hard or soft? The main thing is that it should be pleasant to you.
- The next step is choosing a pattern or not. Think about how to match the sofa upholstery to the interior - striped, checkered, with large or small flowers, or plain. Immediately think about colors. An excellent selection of materials of absolutely any color and with different types of patterns will be shown to you in the catalogs of any relevant store, where numerous photos are presented.
5 Great Home Materials If You Have Pets
Leather / Leatherette / Eco-leather
Leather (faux leather) is a good choice for people with pets because hair does not stick to it. You can simply vacuum the furniture and use a regular cleaner to keep the leather supple. However, skin does scratch and if you have a cat, it is recommended to trim its nails to prevent this. After some time, leather furniture may darken. A pet can contribute to darkening of the skin, especially if it has a favorite spot on the couch. If you want to keep your leather furniture looking like new, don't let your pet sit on it. And if this is not possible, then use a cover or blanket to protect the sofa.
Microfiber
Synthetic microfiber - ideal for furniture. The material does not tear or scratch, and you can quickly remove accumulated hair from it with a brush or even just with your hands. Most stains can be removed from microfiber using a soap solution.
Denim
Durable, durable and easy to clean, denim is a good choice. You can remove stains from denim using a soap solution or a mixture (in the form of a paste) of water and baking soda. The tight weave of the fabric makes it easy to vacuum up any stuck-on pet hair.
Canvas
Canvas slipcovers are a great option for homes with pets. This is durable cotton fabric. You can simply remove the protective cover if it gets dirty and throw it in the washing machine. In addition, this is a fairly inexpensive material, especially when you compare the price with the cost of a new sofa. So if your case shows claw marks or stains, replacing the case will be much more economical.
Natural materials
All fabrics suitable for upholstering a sofa can be divided into three large groups: natural, synthetic and artificial. Each species has its own representatives, a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Upholstery fabric is considered natural if it contains at least 30% natural fibers.
- Wool is made from the natural covering of animals, such as sheep or goats. This is an environmentally friendly, very warm material that is resistant to dirt and odors. Dense felted wool becomes windproof.
- Cotton is a plant fiber that is sensitive to light. Absorbs moisture perfectly, “remembers” its shape after heating, wrinkles easily and is quickly wiped off.
- – fabric made from plant fibers, smooth and matte. Dense fabric, over 380 g/m, is used for upholstery independently, in its pure form. This material is safe for health and environmentally friendly.
Natural fabrics:
- excellent air permeability;
- do not cause allergies;
- pleasant to the touch.
Flaws :
- wear out quickly;
- crumple;
- shrink after washing;
- are expensive.
Manufacturers and prices
Prices for the material do not differ much, depending on the quality:
- Flock can be purchased at a price of 790 rubles* per 1 m.
- Microfiber costs from 900 rubles per m², Galaxy - from 1100 rubles.
- The courtesan is valued at 850 rubles per 1 m².
- Velor sells from 1,000 rubles per m², panda velvet costs only 740 per 1 m, eco-velor costs 1,200 rubles.
- The tapestry is valued at 540 rubles per meter
- Chenille can be purchased for 900 rubles.
- Jacquard is estimated at 1,400 rubles per 1 meter
- Scotchguard will cost 2,500 rubles per m².
- Faux fur sells for 1,000 rubles per m².
Variety of colors
Microfiber upholstery covering
Upholstery made of synthetic fabric called microfiber is also durable, anti-vandal, and easy to maintain. Its structure is similar to suede, it has the advantage of increased wear resistance, and has a wide range of colors. Its general characteristics are:
- strength;
- resistance to scratches and deformations;
- ease of care;
- easy cleaning from stains;
- affordable price category.
Important! Microfiber is resistant to damage from pet claws because the base of the material is not intertwined and cannot be caught on.
Customer reviews and experiences
Flock is the most practical and attractive material in its category, so many buyers do not think about the choice and do not regret the purchase. These are the advantages of this type of upholstery, they note:
- Spectacular appearance. The fabric can be single-layer or structural, while the complexity of the three-dimensional pattern and color palette have virtually no effect on the cost of the upholstery.
- Pleasant tactile sensations: the upholstery is smooth, the surface resembles velvet · Long service life with proper care. Let's talk separately about how to clean the fabric so that it lasts as long as possible.
- Price payable. This advantage is not entirely correct, because there are expensive flocks of high-quality European and Canadian production, which are comparable in cost to elite mixed upholstery fabrics. Affordable prices only for herds made in China or Turkey. However, in terms of its anti-vandal properties, it is not inferior to expensive fabrics.
- The main advantage of flock is the anti-claw function, thanks to which the material has become very popular, especially among pet owners. If we compare flocking on a non-woven basis with upholstery or chenille, the advantage is obvious. In fact, the cat pierces the upholstery with its curved claws and pulls the woven fibers inside out, giving the furniture its characteristic “worn” look. In the case of flock, none of this happens, since the non-woven base does not have these same fibers that can be pulled.
Flock (velvet substitute)
This is an upholstery fabric with a base of polyester and cotton (usually 35% cotton, 65% synthetic), onto which pile is applied electrostatically. First, a canvas is made from cotton thread of rare plain weave (“mesh”). It is impregnated with glue and stretched in an electromagnetic field, where lint is sprayed onto it. The result is a pile fabric of neutral white color. Then the fabric is dyed by printing.
Advantages of flock
- Keeps its shape constant
- Easy to clean.
- Has good light fastness
- Has water-repellent properties
- Has a dense structure
- Has good antistatic properties - resistant to dust
- Durability of paint; brightness of colors
- Health safety.
Velours
Velor sofa
This soft covering on the sofa will appeal to buyers who want to create a warm and cozy atmosphere in their home. Furniture upholstered with this material is perfect for a romantic meeting with your significant other, a friendly meeting or leisure time with children.
This material is made from natural raw materials, which include cotton and wool. It has a rather nice appearance, the color range of the material is quite extensive, and it is very warm and pleasant to the touch. The upholstery material has a high margin of strength, due to which it does not deform under the influence of the mass of people sitting on the sofa. It also allows air to pass through perfectly.
The velor coating can be treated with a vacuum cleaner; to remove more complex stains, you can use washing powder.
Important to remember! When choosing upholstery material, it is important to remember that the sofa is a piece of furniture, and therefore must fit well into it.
This upholstery material must be treated with great care. It is better to protect it from coffee, sauce or juice stains.
The fact is that such contaminants are almost impossible to remove with your own hands, especially after some time.
Another disadvantage of this material for sofa upholstery is its short service life. The fabric wears out quite quickly, and after some time, fibers begin to fall out of the velor, which is why its appearance is lost. This upholstery material has the following characteristics:
- environmental friendliness - the fabric is made from natural raw materials;
- excellent thermal conductivity - the material is quite warm;
- strength - such upholstery will not sag;
- softness;
- good ventilation;
- rather short service life due to poor abrasion resistance.
Anti-claw sofa covering
Anti-claw upholstery fabric for upholstered furniture impregnated with Teflon has become very popular among pet lovers. This material is made so that a cat's claws trying to scratch it will instantly slide off the surface and leave no marks on it. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to scratch their claws on such upholstery, cats lose interest in them.
Properties and characteristics of this upholstery:
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- increased strength;
- resistance to wear and abrasion;
- resistance to deformation;
- the ability to allow air to pass through, that is, to “breathe”;
- comfortable sensations upon contact with the skin;
- wide selection of different colors.
Important! Any type of upholstery fabric can be marked “anti-claw”: flock, microfiber, artificial suede and others impregnated with Teflon.
How to correctly evaluate the quality of fabric for upholstery of a sofa
From qualitative concepts - good fabric or not so good fabric - I will move on to a more important one - a quantitative evaluation system.
There are generally accepted characteristics by which one can judge the quality of a sofa's fabric. Fabric testing is carried out by specialized independent companies. The results of their tests are digital indicators of various fabric characteristics.
Fabric manufacturers usually indicate the test parameters of their products in the quality certificate. When purchasing, you can ask the seller for it.
I will not dwell in detail on the test methods, but will only present their results. I collected the data into a small table
Main characteristics of fabrics affecting their performance properties
| Fabric characteristics | Unit | Badly | Average | Fine | Great |
| Wear resistance - determines the fabric’s resistance to abrasion. During the test, the fabric is rubbed in a circular motion. This indicator is often called the Martindale test in fabric passports. | number of revolutions | ≥ 15 000 | ≥ 20 000 | ≥ 30 000 | ≥ 40 000 |
| Fabric density is a very important indicator. Determines the number of threads in the fabric per centimeter. The higher the density of the fabric, the higher quality it is. | grams per square meter | less than 200 | 200-300 | 350-400 | more than 450 |
| Rolling (pilling) determines the formation of pellets on the fabric. During the test, the fabric is subjected to tight friction and evaluated after 5000 revolutions. | peeling scale from 1 to 5 | 1 point | 2 points | 3-4 points | 5 points |
| Seam strength. The ability of seams to bear tensile load. The sewn pieces of fabric are stretched. | elongation in mm. | ≥ 7 mm. | 5-6 mm. | 3-4 mm. | 1-2 mm. |
| Fabric tensile strength and tensile strength. Characterizes the force that must be applied to tear the tissue when stretched to the sides | force (in N) and tissue elongation in % | 350 N more than 80% | 350 N 60-70% | 350 N 45-50% | 350 N less than 40% |
| Color fastness to friction. Determines the ability of a fabric to retain color when rubbed dry and wet. | friction scale from 1 to 5 | 1 point | 2 points | 3-4 points | 5 points |
| Color fastness to light. The ability of fabric to retain color when exposed to sunlight | light scale from 1 to 8 | 1 point | 2-3 points | 4 points | ≥ 5 points |
| Color fastness to dry cleaning. Characterizes the ability of a fabric to retain color when dry cleaned. | scale from 1 to 5 | 1 point | 2-3 points | 4 points | 5 points |
| Fire resistance of a fabric is its ability to withstand open fire. The higher this indicator, the better. Keep in mind that fire resistance classes are in order from 1 - the best to 5 the worst | Class | 5th grade | 4th grade | 2-3 grades | 1 class |
Separately, I would like to highlight the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certificate. This is a European certificate, which is issued only if there are no harmful substances prohibited in the European Union in the fabrics. The presence of a certificate indicates the environmental safety of the fabric
Now you have the opportunity to evaluate the quality of fabric for a sofa using a system of characteristics and will be able to compare different fabrics with each other.
You can move on to consider upholstery fabrics and their properties.
Before the review, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the shape of the sofa depends on the type and quality of the upholstery fabric. After all, the fabric, along with the filler, helps keep this shape
What types are there
This option is often based on several types of textiles - satin, cotton, twill. A layer of glue is applied to these fabric sheets, then a fine artificial pile is applied to the glue, which is located quite densely and in a vertical position. Thanks to this, the material has a soft, delicate structure, but at the same time remains quite strong and dense.
Positive qualities of the material:
- the base of this material withstands the claws of pets, as well as the sharp teeth of an animal;
- The upholstery surface is easy to clean from various dirt, stains, and dust;
- the structure does not fade in the sun and retains its original color for a long time;
- has a long service life. Does not wear out, is not subject to ruptures;
- has a variety of colors and patterns.
Jacquard
Jacquard has been used for upholstery of upholstered furniture for a long time. The base of this fabric has high strength, so furniture upholstered with this fabric has an increased service life. The structure of the jacquard material is not subject to the sharp claws of cats, nor is it torn under the influence of the animal’s teeth.
High reliability and wear resistance are explained by the unique composition of this fabric. All threads are tightly intertwined. Moreover, the thicker the threads, the stronger the structure of the material. Thanks to the tight weave of the threads, cats' claws simply cannot penetrate deep into the fabric. Therefore, no snags or threads appear on the surface of the upholstery.
The color and pattern of the jacquard are perfectly preserved for a long period. The base does not fade even when exposed to sunlight. In addition, the surface of the sawdust can be easily cleaned from dust, dirt, and stains.
Chenille
The advantages of this fabric are as follows:
- high strength - the base of this material has an increased density, which protects against the effects of sharp claws of cats;
- wear resistance - intertwined threads in different positions ensure long service life of the upholstery;
- increased resistance to abrasion and tearing;
- Wide variety of designs and colors. Chenille usually comes in bright colors that will give a beautiful look to your sofa upholstery;
- low cost.
Tapestry
The structure of tapestry is similar to jacquard fabric; in addition, the production method for these types of material is almost the same. But unlike jacquard, higher quality, denser threads are used for tapestry. For this reason, the tapestry has high strength, reliability, and rigidity.
Furniture suede
Furniture suede can have a woven or non-woven base. However, the first type of fabric has higher strength characteristics. In addition, it has long-term wear, is not damaged by sharp claws, and does not tear.
The compositional features of artificial suede are almost identical to those of natural fabric. The fabric pile is created from polyester. To improve its quality, the pile is impregnated with a Teflon coating.
Positive qualities of the fabric:
- the fabric has a pleasant, soft, delicate structure to the touch;
- has high strength. It is not subject to abrasions, tears, and withstands the effects of sharp claws of cats;
- not susceptible to the effects of aggressive substances;
- It is easy to care for - dirt, stains, and dust can be easily cleaned from the surface of the suede.
Furniture suede upholstery
In appearance, the artificial type of furniture suede is no different from natural fabric. Its pile is created on the basis of polyester, and then impregnated with a Teflon composition. It has the following properties:
- increased strength;
- necessary durability;
- resistance to wear, abrasion, deformation;
- practicality, thanks to a simple and easy method of home cleaning;
- resistant to cat claws.
Buyers value faux suede for its increased durability and practicality, which justify its cost.
Conclusion
Generally, tightly woven fabrics are the best option for upholstery if you have pets. It is much more difficult to damage the surface, and wool is removed more easily than on loosely woven fabrics. Materials with a textured surface are also great for hiding dirt and fur. If you allow pets on your furniture, be sure to use fabrics like these to make your life easier.
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What is flock
One of the most common durable upholstery options is flock. Its second name is microvelor. This fabric is created on the basis of cotton and polyester and is coated with a mixture of nylon and nylon.
Flock resembles velvet, has a small pile, can be painted in any color, and is highly durable and wear-resistant. It withstands more than 80 thousand cycles according to the abrasion factor, thanks to which it received the “title” of wear-resistant fabric.
In addition, flock has the following characteristics:
- treated with water-repellent impregnation;
- does not fade when exposed to sunlight;
- does not wrinkle;
- repels not only water, but also dirt;
- Easy to clean first with a dry and then slightly damp cloth.
Important! When deciding what fabric to choose for upholstering a sofa if you have a cat, you should not forget that the purchased model should not have wooden decorative ornaments.
Microvelour
Microvelor is a soft and velvety fabric, a new generation material with shorter pile compared to traditional velor. The length of the microvelvet pile does not exceed 1 mm, and the base is woven in the form of a honeycomb, due to which it acquires greater strength. Its surface is treated with a coating that protects against dirt.
Characteristics of microsuede:
- wear-resistant;
- retains color for a long time;
- hypoallergenic;
- not electrified;
- does not roll down;
- dust protection;
- breathing.
Chenille
The name of the fabric comes from the name of the thread that is part of the fabric. Chenille (“chenille” – French caterpillar). The thread looks like a hairy caterpillar and has a soft, rounded surface. Chenille yarn, for the production of fabric, is made by twisting dense threads with chenille thread. The result is an inextensible thread, which determines the properties of the future fabric. Chenille has a complex composition (natural and synthetic fibers), approximately 50% cotton, 50% synthetics. Chenille fabric with cut pile is very dense and durable. The fabric pile can be combed on a special machine.
Chenille can have two types of base:
- Fabric base - this base is moisture resistant and can withstand wet cleaning. The disadvantage of such a base is that it is not recommended to sleep on it all the time. Chenille with a fabric base can wrinkle and lose shape from long-term stress.
- Glued base - such a base is resistant to wet cleaning. Due to water, such fabric can become deformed, and after cleaning the fabric will take a very long time to dry.
Advantages of chenille
- It has high wear resistance due to the presence of synthetic fibers.
- In terms of environmental properties, it is close to natural fabrics.
- Dust from chenille upholstery can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner, soft brush or sponge.
Disadvantages of chenille
- The disadvantages include the lack of rich colors of the fabric, although it is quite acceptable for a moderate interior.
- When purchasing, it is very difficult to find out what base the chosen chenille has. As a result, you may buy fabric that is not suitable for your purposes.
- The fabric does not withstand the impact of pets' claws - the threads can stretch
Chenille is good for upholstering a sofa for daily sleep
