Guide to Caring for and Mindful Use of Upholstered Furniture

Fabrics, velvets, boucles, chenilles, leathers — each tells its story in a unique way. This guide is designed for those who want not just to have, but also to understand. It shows how to care for upholstered furniture so that it lasts for years, preserving its natural qualities and the beauty that matures over time.

Time and Touch Sensitive Structure

Upholstery fabrics and leathers, much like wood, are materials that naturally respond to the passage of time. Their appearance changes depending on light, pressure, heat, and everyday use.

  • Wrinkles, folds, and color variations are characteristics, not flaws – especially in the case of natural leathers and velvet fabrics.
  • The sheen of fabrics under light does not indicate wear, but is a result of the fiber structure.
  • Stretching of upholstery over time is a natural phenomenon, resulting from the material's behavior.

Understanding these properties allows us to view furniture differently: not through the lens of perfect unchangingness, but as an object that matures alongside the space and its user.

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Choose the fabric that best matches the rhythm of your home

Choosing upholstery fabric is not just a matter of aesthetics. Each material has its own texture, durability, aging process, and response to use. Below, we present the most commonly encountered types of upholstery, along with their properties and characteristics.

Structural fabrics

Fabric with a subtly textured feel. Its varied structure effectively conceals minor signs of everyday use.

Touch: Soft, tactile texture.
Care: Remove dust with a soft upholstery attachment or a gentle brush. Use only cleaning products designed for upholstery fabrics.
Pets: Recommended – its dense structure is generally more resistant to daily wear and tear.

Szenil

Densely woven fabric with a subtle texture, valued for its comfort and high durability. It performs well with heavily used furniture.

Touch: Soft and pleasant.
Care:
Remove dust with a soft upholstery attachment or a gentle brush. For stains, use upholstery fabric cleaners.
Pets:
Conditional – intense scratching may cause pulls.

Bouclé / Bukla

Fabric with a distinctive looped structure. It gives furniture a cozy character, but due to its construction, it requires a bit more care during everyday use.

Touch: Quite soft and resilient.
Care:
Remove dust only with a soft upholstery attachment or a gentle brush. Clean stains as quickly as possible using dedicated cleaning products.
Pets:
Not recommended – the looped structure can easily snag from claws.

Velvet

Elegant fabric with a short, dense pile. The characteristic shading effect and color change depending on the arrangement of the fibers and light are its natural features.

Touch: Soft and velvety.
Care: Clean in the direction of the pile using a soft upholstery attachment or a gentle brush. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
Pets: Recommended – the short, dense pile reduces the risk of pulls, and pet hair is relatively easy to remove.

Natural leather

Noble material with high durability that develops a characteristic patina over time. Variations in texture, shade, or subtle markings are features of natural leather.

Touch: Soft, smooth, or lightly grained.
Care: Wipe with a soft, dry, or slightly damp microfiber cloth. Use only dedicated care products.
Pets: Conditionally – easy to maintain, but sharp claws can leave scratches.

Eco-leather

Synthetic material that faithfully replicates the appearance of natural leather. Easy to clean and resistant to everyday stains, but may wear over time.

Touch: Smooth or slightly textured.
Care:
Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid aggressive cleaning products.
Pets: Condition-based – easy to clean, but claws may cause permanent damage.

Len

A natural fabric with a subtly irregular weave, valued for its breathability, durability, and authentic appearance. Over time, it becomes softer and acquires a noble character, adding to its uniqueness.

Touch: Natural, slightly rough.
Care: Remove dust with a soft upholstery attachment or a gentle brush. Avoid excessive dampening of the material.
Pets: Not recommended – natural fibers are more susceptible to mechanical damage.

Jacquard

The pattern is created directly during weaving, ensuring its durability throughout its lifespan. It features a rich texture and high resistance to abrasion.

Touch: Compact, with a distinctly perceptible structure.
Care: Regularly remove dust with a soft upholstery attachment or a gentle brush. Clean only with products designed for upholstery.
Pets: Conditional – fabrics with a dense weave work best.

What should you pay attention to when choosing upholstery?

Our specialists will help you choose upholstery that perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs—whether you have a family with children, are a pet owner, have allergies, or simply value ease of maintenance.

Fabric composition

Natural materials are pleasant to the touch and eco-friendly, but they often require more care and can be more delicate. Synthetics, on the other hand, are easier to maintain and more resistant to everyday use.

Polyester (PES) - The most popular fiber, durable, abrasion-resistant, easy to care for, and retains color well.

Wool - A natural fiber valued for its elasticity, durability, and thermoregulating properties. Wool fabrics are soft to the touch, breathable, and age beautifully.

Linen - A natural fiber with a distinctive texture and matte finish. It offers breathability and a natural look, but can be more prone to wrinkling.

Cotton - Soft and pleasant to the touch, often used as a blend to enhance comfort.

Viscose - A cellulose-based fiber with a silky feel and subtle sheen. It adds softness and elegance to fabrics.

Acrylic - A lightweight synthetic material, often used as an additive to improve durability and resistance to light exposure.

Polyamide (Nylon) - A very strong fiber that increases the fabric's resistance to heavy use and abrasion.

Abrasion resistance (Martindale test)

For home use, it is best to choose fabrics with a durability rating above 40,000 cycles, ensuring the longevity and resilience of your upholstery.

Structure of fibers

The tighter the weave of the fabric, the greater its resistance to pulls, stains, and mechanical damage.

Pilling


This is an indicator of the fabric's resistance to pilling caused by friction during everyday use. The parameter is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 indicates the highest resistance and a longer retention of the material's aesthetic appearance.

Popular manufacturer labels

Pet Friendly - Fabrics designed with pet owners in mind. They typically feature a tight weave that minimizes hair penetration and makes cleaning easier. While they may also be more resistant to pulls, no fabric is completely claw-proof.

Easy Clean - A special finish that makes it easier to remove everyday dirt. Most fresh stains can be wiped away with water or a mild upholstery cleaner.

Water Repellent / Water Resistant - A coating that slows down the absorption of spilled liquids. Liquids remain on the surface of the fabric for a while, allowing for quick removal.

Stain Resistant - Technology that enhances the fabric's resistance to stains by limiting the penetration of dirt into the fibers.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 - A certification confirming that the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and meets strict health safety requirements.

How to care for the durability of upholstered furniture?

Caring for your furniture is not just about regular cleaning, but also about avoiding harmful factors such as excessive sunlight, moisture, or inappropriate cleaning agents. By doing so, your furniture will not only become a beautiful decoration but also a durable and comfortable element of your home.

Protect from the sun and high temperatures.

Avoid exposing furniture to direct sunlight and placing it close to heat sources, such as radiators. Fabrics and leathers can fade and lose their elasticity in this way.

Do not overload the furniture's structure.

Do not sit on the backs, armrests, or any other elements that are not designed to bear heavy loads. Excessive pressure can lead to structural deformation, weakened joints, and a shortened lifespan of the furniture.

Protect the upholstery from dyes.

Especially with light upholstery, it's advisable to use throws or protective pads. They help reduce the risk of dye transfer from clothing, such as denim, and protect the surface from everyday stains.

Take care of the fabric's appearance.

Regularly smooth the fabric surface to maintain its aesthetic appearance and even placement on the filling. Simple care helps reduce the formation of permanent creases and allows you to enjoy the impeccable look of your furniture for longer.

Regularly rotate the cushions.

If the furniture design allows, rotate and flip the seat and back cushions. This way, the filling wears evenly, maintaining its elasticity, shape, and comfort for a longer time.

Avoid eating and drinking on the furniture.

Eating meals on upholstered furniture increases the risk of difficult-to-remove stains and dirt. Even small crumbs can accumulate in the fabric's structure, and spilled drinks can leave lasting marks, so be sure to clean up any spills as quickly as possible.

Cleaning and Care: Step by Step

Remember that each material has its specific needs and natural characteristics that are important to understand in order to properly respond to daily use and minor damages. When choosing upholstery, consider your lifestyle, preferences, and the needs of your household, and if in doubt, consult a specialist.

Regularly vacuum the upholstery.

Vacuum your furniture once a week with a soft brush — this effectively removes dust and prevents dirt from penetrating the fabric structure.

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Clean gently and in the direction of the fibers.

For cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth or a soft sponge, avoiding excess water. Always clean in the direction of the grain to prevent damaging the surface.

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Use dedicated cleaning products.

Use only cleaning products specifically designed for the type of upholstery. Avoid universal detergents that may contain harsh ingredients.

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Always perform a test before cleaning.

Before using any product, perform a test in an inconspicuous area to ensure it does not damage the fabric or alter its color.

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Material Reactions: What is natural?

Wrinkles, slight stretching, and shine are effects of use, particularly noticeable in soft and flexible fabrics.

Fabric color with pile (velvet, plush) may vary depending on the light and the arrangement of the fibers.

Pilling (the formation of small balls) mainly affects fabrics such as chenille, velvet, and plush. It occurs due to the friction of fibers, but it can be easily removed with a special fabric shaver.

Leather develops a natural patina over time, showcasing its authenticity and uniqueness.

What to avoid?

Using vacuum cleaners with hard attachments

They can pull delicate fibers of the fabric, causing damage and visible defects on the surface of the upholstery.

Use of strong chemical agents

Bleaches, alcohol, or vinegar — these substances can permanently discolor fabric or leather, as well as weaken the material's structure, which shortens the lifespan of your furniture.

Prolonged pressure in one spot

It causes permanent deformities that disrupt the appearance and comfort of the furniture, especially on the seats and backs.

Washing removable covers without checking the care label instructions

Not every fabric is suitable for water washing; improper care can lead to shrinking, color loss, or deformation.

Strong stain rubbing

Overly vigorous scrubbing can push dirt deeper into the fabric structure and damage the fibers, making it more difficult to remove stains later on.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

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Do all upholstery fabrics require the same care?

How often should upholstered furniture be vacuumed?

Can I use a steam cleaner on upholstery?

What to do if you spill liquid on upholstery?

Can all stains be removed?

Are Easy Clean fabrics completely stain-resistant?

Is pilling a normal effect?

How to remove pilling from upholstery?

Which fabrics are more prone to pilling?

What are the differences between natural and synthetic fabrics?

Do outdoor furniture fabrics differ from indoor upholstery?

Can sunlight damage upholstery?