Choosing the perfect fabric for upholstering
At Big Z Fabric, we often say that reupholstering is one of the smartest ways to breathe new life into something that still has good bones. From couches and chairs to car interiors, boat seating, and even bags, upholstery fabric can completely transform how a piece looks and feels. But before selecting your material, it’s important to consider more than just color.
Liberty London offers a helpful breakdown of important details like texture, fiber durability, and material behavior with regular use. We agree with much of their approach and expand on it by providing a curated selection of proven options like vinyl, microsuede, and heavy-duty polyester blends. These fabrics offer the durability, cleanability, and style needed for both residential and commercial applications..Before you start to choose what to buy you should answer the following questions:
- What type of furniture or item are you reupholstering? Purpose, size, and design will all be a factor in your choice.
- Where will the finished piece be placed or used? Accounting for important factors like exposure to sunlight, potential spills, or high foot traffic is important.
- What is your desired aesthetic or style? Do you want traditional, eclectic, or modern vibes?
- Do you have specific color preferences? Some fabric is available in more color options than others.
- What are your other requirements or concerns? Are there allergy or pet considerations? Do you have any other specific needs that need to be addressed?
Upholstery projects in the weather & sun
If your project is going to be exposed to the sun and weather throughout the year then you might want to look into one of our marine grade vinyl fabrics. These are designed specifically for marine and outdoor applications. This fabric is perfect for boat upholstery, patio furniture, and any project exposed to the elements. Our Marine Grade Vinyl is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including UV rays, saltwater, and mildew. It offers excellent durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance. With a wide range of colors and textures available, you can achieve both style and functionality in your marine or outdoor projects.
Classic Everyday Upholstery Fabric
You might like to discover the timeless elegance of our Houndstooth Upholstery Fabric, a classic pattern that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking to revamp your living room furniture or add a touch of sophistication to your office space, our Houndstooth Fabric is the perfect choice. It features a distinctive checkered pattern, adding visual interest and a touch of vintage charm to any upholstery project. Made from high-quality materials, our Houndstooth Fabric offers durability and comfort, ensuring that your furniture will look stylish and stand the test of time.
Or, you might like a solid classic upholstery fabric like our Microfiber Suede Fabric. This offers a luxurious feel and durability. Sounds perfect right?! This fabric is designed to offer both beauty and practicality, making it ideal for various upholstery projects. The microfiber construction provides a soft and velvety texture that is incredibly comfortable to the touch. Our Microfiber Suede Fabric is known for its excellent stain resistance and easy cleaning, making it perfect for homes with children or pets. With a wide range of colors available, you can effortlessly enhance the elegance and sophistication of your furniture.
Or, finally maybe you want another level of comfort as an accent or for cushions. That’s a great use of our Quilted Polyester Batting Fabric. This fabric offers excellent insulation and padding, making it ideal for quilting, cushioning, and mattress applications. The quilted design provides a unique texture while ensuring even distribution of fillings for added comfort. Our Quilted Polyester Batting Fabric is lightweight, and easy to work with. Choose this fabric to create cozy and inviting furniture pieces that offer exceptional support and comfort
Need upholstery for high-traffic areas like offices or restaurants?
Another great option is our Vegan Solid Stretch Anti-Stain Vinyl which was designed and manufactured specifically for use in areas that experience heavy use and which are prone to stains from liquid, nail polish, food, and even jeans! This vinyl is super easy to clean and is resistant to stains in the first place
Need upholstery for high-traffic areas like offices or restaurants?
Another great option is our Vegan Solid Stretch Anti-Stain Vinyl which was designed and manufactured specifically for use in areas that experience heavy use and which are prone to stains from liquid, nail polish, food, and even jeans! This vinyl is super easy to clean and is resistant to stains in the first place
The Role of Color in Upholstery
At Big Z Fabric, we know that upholstery isn’t just about comfort,it’s also about visual impact. One of the most important choices you’ll make when selecting upholstery fabric is color. A thoughtfully chosen color can instantly elevate a room, define a style, or create a sense of balance between furniture and surroundings.
We often help customers who are torn between going bold or staying neutral. Our advice? Start by considering the mood you want to achieve. Warm tones like rust, mustard, and terra cotta can create a cozy, inviting environment. Cooler shades like teal, gray, or forest green tend to feel calm and sophisticated. You can always add contrast through accent pillows or decorative trim.
Color Combinations That Work: Insights from King Living and Big Z Fabric
According to this King Living article on interior color combinations, combining soft base tones with vibrant accents can add depth and energy to any space. Their approach highlights how strategic color use can transform a room’s atmosphere — not just visually, but emotionally.
We fully support this perspective, especially when it comes to selecting long-lasting upholstery fabrics. At Big Z Fabric, we believe the key lies in balancing timeless tones with trend-forward hues. That’s why our collection includes everything from subtle neutrals to bold statement colors, carefully chosen to help you create harmony between your furniture and surrounding elements.
Big Z Fabric Recommends: Better Homes & Gardens' Guide to Upholstery Fabrics
Better Homes & Gardens highlights the importance of knowing your upholstery fabrics, pointing out how choices like cotton, velvet, faux leather, and blends each bring distinct advantages to a space. From ease of cleaning to overall feel and longevity, their breakdown helps readers make smarter decisions based on real-life use.
At Big Z Fabric, we echo that perspective. We’ve long emphasized how the right fabric can elevate both style and performance. That’s why our collection includes a wide variety of materials, each with detailed descriptions and care tips, so our customers can choose with confidence, whether they’re furnishing a cozy living room or a high-traffic commercial space.
Big Z Fabric Upholstery Fabric
Outdoor – Great for Marine/Auto and Outside Projects
We’ve made our outdoor fabric lines to withstand the toughest elements and scenarios while providing great patterns and colors.
For marine enthusiasts we carry several marine grade vinyl fabric including our Solid and Crocodile Marine Vinyl, Carbon Fiber Marine Vinyl, and Marine Grade Clear Plastic Vinyl.
Auto and motor enthusiasts have more options to choose from with great statement fabrics like our Hydra-Gator 3D Embossed faux leather.
Much of our selection of outdoor vinyl fabric is made to withstand the sun, weather, and abrasive daily use.
Clothing & Accessories – Make Jackets, Pants, Bags, and More With These Great Fabrics
We carry a huge selection of faux leather vinyl patterns including classical western floral prints and animal patterns like our Classic Ostrich and Viper Sopythana.
Whether you’re making a bag, purse, or some clothing you can find a faux leather that meets your needs. And you can find a pattern that fits your personality and whatever statement it is you’re trying to achieve.
Costuming – For Cosplayers and Hollywood Film Sets
Find our fabric on costumes at your local renaissance fair, comic convention, or Hollywood set.
Our faux leather and vinyl fabric includes from patent stretchy spandex to ultra sparkle glitter vinyl. Whether you need an accent in the perfect color or pattern or looking for a fabric to use throughout, our selection of vinyl and faux leather fabric is perfect for you.
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AquaGuard Crocodile Marine Vinyl | AquaGuard Solid Marine Vinyl | Chrome Mirror Reflective Vinyl | Multi-Color Chrome Vinyl | Ultra Sparkle Glitter Vinyl | Solid Vegan Anti-Stain Vinyl | |
| Prop 65 Compliant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Materia | PVC Face / Polyester Backing | PVC Face / Polyester Backing | TPU / Vinyl | TPU / Vinyl | 100% PVC | 85% Solvent Free PU / 15% Silicone. Backing is 100% polyester with suede finish |
Face Pattern | Crocodile texture | Solid color | Solid mirror color | Mutli-color mirror | Solid with glitter | Solid |
Thickness | .95mm | .95mm | .6mm | .8mm | 1mm | 1.44mm |
Width | 54 inches | 54 inches | 54 inches | 54 inches | 54 inches | 54 inches |
| Special Features | Waterproof | Waterproof | Soft top coating | Abrasion Resistant, Stain Resistant | ||
Upholstery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Outdoor | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Business/Medical Office Grade | ✓ | |||||
| Clothing, Costumes, Apparel | ✓ | ✓ |
