The furniture experts at Gardner White have worked together to bring you this comprehensive guide to everything upholstery within the furniture market. Upholstered furniture refers to pieces of furniture that have been covered or upholstered with various fabrics, leather, or other materials to provide comfort and aesthetic appeal. This type of furniture typically includes items such as sofas, chairs, armchairs, ottomans, benches, and more.
Last Updated: March 24. 2025
Types of Upholstery
Leather Upholstery
Leather furniture is really great for a bunch of reasons that people love. One big plus is that it lasts a really long time. Unlike other materials that can easily get worn out or stained, good-quality leather stays strong and doesn’t give in easily to everyday use. As it gets older, instead of looking bad, leather develops a cool, worn-in look that lots of people find attractive.
Fabric Upholstery
Fabric upholstery for furniture covers a lot of different types of materials. Cotton, linen, microfiber, wool, faux leather (vinyl), and many others fall under the ‘fabric’ category. Let’s break these types up into natural and synthetic materials for easier understanding.
Synthetic Fabric Upholstery
Synthetic materials are the most common types of materials used in the construction of modern furniture. Because of its lower cost when compared to natural materials, synthetics like vinyl, microfiber, polyester, and nylon are used with greater frequency. That doesn’t mean that you cannot find the right furnishing for you, the options are nearly limitless. Here are some visual examples of synthetic upholstery furniture options:
Natural Fabric Upholstery
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, and wool are still used in modern upholstered furnishings, though not nearly as often as synthetics. These natural materials have a long history of providing comfort for people and can offer the benefits of not being overly processed and looking quite nice in your home. The care for these natural materials is often more involved than their synthetic counterparts though. Here are some visual examples of natural upholstery options:
The fabric used to cover upholstered furniture can greatly impact its appearance, comfort, and durability. Different fabrics have varying levels of durability and resistance to staining, fading, and wear. Be sure to know what kind of material covers the furniture that you are shopping for and how to care for it over time.
Padding & Cushioning
The padding and cushioning used in upholstered furniture determine its comfort level. High-density foam, down feathers, polyester fiberfill, and other materials are used to provide varying levels of support and softness. The type of cushioning affects the overall feel of the furniture.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is important to extend the life of upholstered furniture. Regular vacuuming helps remove dust and debris that can accumulate in the fabric. Cleaning methods depend on the fabric type, so always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some furniture may have removable and washable covers.
Accidental spills are common on upholstered furniture. Promptly blotting the area with a clean cloth or paper towel can help prevent stains from setting. It’s a good idea to have stain-repellent treatments applied to fabrics, but these treatments may wear off over time.
For more information regarding how to clean your furniture, you can check out our Furniture Care page for many How-To guides.
Pets vs. Upholstered Furniture
Pets are a consideration when you choose a new upholstered piece of furniture. A pet can have an added effect including shedding hair, wear and tear, odors, etc. Depending on the individual piece of furniture, you may have to alter how you care for your pet AND your furniture!
Dogs are known to chew, which can be trained away. However, do you have cats like I do? (Yes, that really is my cat, Callie) These little furry tornados are lovable but are also vortexes of destruction for furniture. To learn how to repair upholstery furniture, read this article from The Washington Post.
Customization
Many upholstered furniture pieces can be customized to your liking. You can choose the fabric, color, pattern, and even the level of cushioning for some items. This is a great option to have if you really like the style of the furniture, but not the color, or pattern of the material. Be sure to ask your salesperson if the piece that you’re interested is available in other material options!
Price & Budget
The cost of upholstered furniture varies greatly depending on factors like the brand, materials, craftsmanship, and customization options. Higher prices often reflect better construction and materials, but it’s important to balance quality with your budget. Set a budget range before you start shopping. Also, keep in mind that many retailers offer financing options that can make affording your purchase much easier. In fact, Gardner White offers some of the most competitive financing terms currently available!
Warranty
In addition to the budget, consider the warranty as part of your financial considerations. When possible, seek out furniture brands and retailers that have favorable warranties that ensure your purchase is protected over time. This will give you peace of mind in case there are any defects or issues with the product.
Test it for Yourself!
Whenever possible, visit a physical store to test the furniture in person. Sit on it, feel the fabric, and assess its comfort and quality. In the case of upholstery furniture that is not meant to be sat on, like headboards, press on it with your hands and feel it for good comfort. Remember that upholstered furniture is an investment, and taking the time to research and choose pieces that meet your needs and preferences will likely result in furniture that you’ll enjoy for many years.
Need More Help?
You can contact one of Gardner White’s experts at (248) 481-2208, chat with one online, or visit one of our local Michigan stores.
