Welke materialen worden gebruikt voor meubelstoffen?

Upholstery fabrics are made from different types of materials, which can be broadly divided into two groups: natural and artificial materials.

Natural materials include cotton, wool, linen, viscose and Bemberg. Artificial (or: synthetic) fibres are understood to be polyester, polyamide (nylon) and acrylic.

Natural fabrics breathe well and feel soft, but in some cases are less hard-wearing and stain-resistant than synthetic alternatives.

Synthetic fibres are generally stronger, more stain-resistant and easier to clean, making them ideal for heavily used furniture. Often, natural and artificial fibres are combined to make use of the best properties of both. 

Natural materials (fibres originating from nature):

Cottona breathable, natural fibre from a plant, which absorbs moisture well and feels soft to the touch.

Woolfrom sheep's wool (and occasionally goat's wool). It insulates well, feels warm, and naturally repels moisture and dirt. 

Linenis made from flax. A light, breathable fibre that feels soft and comfortable. However, the strong fibre is also known for creasing, which is why it is always used in upholstery in combination with other materials.

Viscose is made from natural plant-based fibres, primarily cellulose from wood pulp, but also from bamboo or cotton. This raw material is chemically treated into a viscous liquid, which is then pressed through fine holes and dried to form viscose fibres. These threads are then woven into the soft, breathable fabric we know as viscose.

Bembergis made from cotton linters. These are the soft, fluffy fibres that grow around the seeds of the cotton plant. Production takes place in a special process, resulting in a luxurious, silky fibre that is widely used as a high-quality lining fabric in clothing. Manufacturers of high-end upholstery fabrics, in particular, also use this fibre.

Synthetic materials (man-made fibres), or materials created by humans:

Polyesteris a plastic that is produced through chemical and thermal processes. This type of fibre is generally easy to clean, is hard-wearing and hardly discolours.

Polyamide (nylon): This fibre is typically synthesised from a carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid chloride. A strong, crease-resistant, dimensionally stable synthetic fibre that is easy to clean.

Acrylic Unlike the previous two, this is a synthetic fibre that feels soft and insulates well. It is therefore also widely used in, for example, jumpers.

Manufacturers craft their upholstery fabrics by using both natural and synthetic materials alongside and intertwined. This creates a stronger fabric that still retains desired properties such as comfort and breathability. 

Besides all the properties of upholstery fabrics, your preference for the fabric's appearance naturally also plays a part. Every upholstery fabric looks and feels different. This applies to upholstery fabrics made from both natural and synthetic materials!