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Upholstering materials, covers and the equipment that shapes them
Upholstery is a material trade. An upholsterer, auto upholsterer or curtain fitter must know their materials thoroughly because they behave differently and require different treatment. Choosing correctly — and using the right tool — is the prerequisite for good and durable results.
The surface can be textile leather or artificial leather and the choice depends on use appearance and economy. Upholstery fabrics come in many qualities with different wear resistance; leather is strong and beautiful but requires experience to work with; artificial leather is often easier to maintain and is widely used in cars. In car seats there are also requirements for the material's properties in the vehicle.
| Upholstery | Typical properties | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture fabric | Many expressions and qualities varying wear resistance | Sofas, chairs, home furniture |
| Leather | Strong, beautiful, patinas; requires experience | Exclusive furniture and car seats |
| Artificial leather | Wear-resistant and easy to clean | Car seats, furniture in hard use |
If you work with curtains and sun screening, there is mounting material that comes with: rails, brackets, motors and controls for awnings and blinds. Here the textile trade meets the installation trade — you must both be able to sew and adapt the textile and install the system safely and correctly. This requires knowledge of both fabric and mechanics.
The point is the same as in all materials trades: choose material according to use. A piece of furniture in heavy daily use requires wear-resistant upholstery and solid padding; a fine, rarely used piece can have finer materials. Those who know the materials' properties choose correctly from the start and deliver a result that both lasts and looks good.