Category: Upholstery Fabric

Choosing Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Upholstery Materials

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Choosing Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Upholstery Materials

As the demand for environmentally conscious products grows, campervan owners and interior refurbishment specialists alike are turning their attention toward eco-friendly and sustainable upholstery materials. Upholstery plays a central role in both the aesthetics and comfort of a campervan interior, and selecting materials that are sustainable not only supports environmental stewardship but also contributes to long-term durability and user health.

Understanding Sustainability in Upholstery

Sustainability in the context of upholstery refers to materials and processes that have a minimal environmental footprint. This includes the use of renewable or recycled resources, low-impact manufacturing methods, and end-of-life recyclability or biodegradability. Additionally, sustainable upholstery avoids harmful chemicals, reduces reliance on virgin plastic or petroleum-based products, and is often certified by environmental standards such as OEKO-TEX®, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or Cradle to Cradle®.

When applied to campervan interiors, sustainability must also account for the unique demands of mobile environments, including temperature fluctuations, exposure to sunlight, and wear from frequent use. Therefore, a balance between eco-consciousness and performance is essential.

Types of Eco-Friendly Upholstery Materials

1. Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making it a preferred choice for those prioritising environmental safety and health. Its breathability, softness, and hypoallergenic properties make it suitable for seat covers, cushions, and decorative accents. However, it is worth noting that organic cotton may be less durable than synthetic options, requiring reinforcement or blending with sturdier fibres for long-term campervan use.

2. Hemp

Hemp is a fast-growing, low-input crop that produces strong and resilient fibres. It requires significantly less water than cotton and thrives without chemical fertilisers or pesticides. Hemp fabric is naturally antimicrobial and resistant to UV light, making it particularly suitable for campervan interiors where exposure to sunlight and confined spaces is common. Its coarse texture may not appeal to all users, but it can be blended with other fibres for enhanced comfort.

3. Recycled Polyester (rPET)

Derived from post-consumer plastic waste, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, recycled polyester provides a second life for otherwise non-biodegradable material. While technically synthetic, rPET reduces the need for virgin plastic production and is often indistinguishable in appearance and performance from standard polyester. It offers high resistance to wear, fading, and moisture, making it suitable for high-use areas in a campervan. Some concerns persist about microplastic shedding, so selecting tightly woven, high-quality rPET is advisable.

4. Cork Fabric

Cork fabric, made from the bark of the cork oak tree, is a vegan, biodegradable, and highly renewable material. It is lightweight, water-resistant, and possesses a unique aesthetic texture. Although less common in upholstery applications, it has been increasingly adopted for accent panels and cushion covers in bespoke campervan conversions. Its production does not harm the tree, which continues to absorb carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan.

5. Wool

Wool is a natural fibre with excellent insulating properties, ideal for maintaining comfort in varying temperatures. It is inherently flame-resistant, moisture-wicking, and biodegradable. Sourced responsibly, particularly from regenerative farms, wool can be a sustainable option for campervan upholstery. However, its ethical credentials depend on animal welfare practices, and those seeking cruelty-free alternatives may opt for certified humane or recycled wool products.

Certifications and Environmental Labels to Look For

Navigating sustainability claims can be challenging without reliable benchmarks. When sourcing upholstery materials, consider those certified by reputable organisations:

  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Verifies that the fabric is free from harmful substances.
  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures organic status of textiles and environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing.
  • Cradle to Cradle Certified®: Assesses products for material health, reuse, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness.
  • GREENGUARD Certification: Indicates low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier indoor environments.

Additional Considerations for Campervan Applications

While sustainability is paramount, upholstery materials for campervans must also meet the functional requirements of mobile living. Key factors to evaluate include:

  • Durability: Resistance to abrasion, tearing, and UV degradation.
  • Cleanability: Ease of cleaning, particularly for families or pet owners.
  • Weight: Lightweight materials are preferred to maintain fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
  • Allergen Resistance: Especially important in confined spaces with limited ventilation.

It is advisable to consult upholstery professionals with experience in campervan conversions to ensure the selected materials align with the intended design, usage intensity, and aesthetic preferences.

Conclusion

Choosing eco-friendly and sustainable upholstery materials for a campervan is a decision that extends beyond aesthetics. It reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, health-conscious living, and the long-term viability of the vehicle’s interior. With a wide array of materials now available—ranging from natural fibres like hemp and wool to innovative recycled synthetics—there are ample opportunities to create interiors that are both functional and environmentally sound. By prioritising certified materials and understanding the lifecycle impacts of different fabrics, campervan owners can make informed choices that align with both their values and practical needs.

For more information on Upholstery Materials contact Hill Upholstery.

How to Choose the Perfect Fabric for Your Sofa Reupholstery Project

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How to Choose the Perfect Fabric for Your Sofa Reupholstery Project

Reupholstering your sofa is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your furniture. Whether you’re updating an heirloom piece or modernising your current sofa, selecting the right fabric is the cornerstone of a successful sofa reupholstery project. With countless options available, choosing the perfect fabric can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the best choice for your needs, style, and budget.

Understand Your Sofa’s Functionality

Before diving into fabric choices, it’s essential to evaluate how your sofa is used. The functionality of your sofa reupholstery project should dictate your fabric selection.

  • High-Traffic Areas: If your sofa is in a living room or family room, durability should be a top priority. Look for fabrics that are tough, easy to clean, and resistant to wear and tear.
  • Occasional Use: For sofas in guest rooms or formal living areas that see limited use, you can prioritise aesthetic appeal over heavy-duty performance.
  • Pet and Kid-Friendly Homes: Consider stain-resistant and pet-friendly options, such as performance fabrics or tightly woven materials that are harder to scratch or tear.

Explore Different Fabric Types

Fabric type plays a crucial role in the look, feel, and durability of your sofa. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

  • Natural Fibres:

    • Cotton: Soft, breathable, and versatile, cotton is a popular choice. Opt for a cotton blend if you need better stain resistance and durability.
    • Linen: Known for its luxurious feel, linen works well for formal settings. However, it wrinkles easily and may not be suitable for heavy use.
    • Wool: A durable and cozy option, wool resists pilling and wrinkling but might require special cleaning.
    • Silk: Ideal for a sophisticated, upscale look, silk is delicate and best suited for low-traffic areas.
  • Synthetic Fabrics:
    • Polyester: Durable, stain-resistant, and affordable, polyester is a reliable option for family homes.
    • Acrylic: Known for its ability to mimic natural fibres, acrylic is resistant to sunlight and mildew.
    • Nylon: Exceptionally strong and resilient, nylon is often blended with other fibres to improve durability.
  • Blended Fabrics: Combining natural and synthetic fibres, blends offer the best of both worlds—enhanced durability with a refined look.
  • Performance Fabrics: These are specially designed to withstand spills, stains, and daily wear. They are perfect for busy households or outdoor furniture.

Consider Fabric Durability

Durability is measured by a fabric’s double rub count, which refers to the number of times a machine can rub a fabric back and forth before it shows signs of wear.

  • Residential Use: A count of 15,000–25,000 is suitable for most homes.
  • Commercial Use: Fabrics with a count of 25,000+ are designed to withstand heavy use, making them ideal for high-traffic spaces.

Ask your upholsterer or fabric supplier about the durability rating to ensure your choice aligns with your needs.

Match the Fabric to Your Style

Your sofa’s fabric should reflect your personal style and complement your home décor. Here are some key considerations:

  • Color:
    Neutral tones like beige, grey, and cream are timeless and versatile, while bold colours like navy, emerald green, or mustard yellow make a statement. Consider the room’s colour scheme and how the sofa will fit within the overall aesthetic.
  • Pattern:
    Patterns can add visual interest to your space. From stripes to florals to geometric prints, the right pattern can elevate your sofa. Keep in mind that patterns might date faster than solids.
  • Texture:
    The texture of your fabric contributes to the sofa’s tactile experience. Velvet adds a plush, luxurious feel, while woven fabrics bring a more casual, earthy vibe.
  • Finish:
    Matte finishes provide understated elegance, while glossy or reflective finishes can make your sofa the focal point of the room.

Think About Maintenance

Different fabrics require varying levels of care. Choose a fabric that fits your lifestyle and cleaning routine.

  • Easy-Care Fabrics: Microfibre and treated cotton blends are easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for busy households.
  • Stain-Resistant Options: Look for fabrics with stain-resistant treatments like Crypton or Scotchgard. These can repel spills and are particularly useful in homes with kids or pets.
  • Delicate Fabrics: Silk and some linens may require professional cleaning, so they might not be the best choice for everyday use.

Account for Climate and Environment

The environment in which the sofa will be placed can influence your fabric choice.

  • Hot Climates: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which feel cool and comfortable.
  • Cold Climates: Choose warmer options like wool or velvet for a cosier feel.
  • Sunlight Exposure: For sofas near windows or in sunlit rooms, use fade-resistant fabrics like acrylic or treated polyester to maintain their colour.

Factor in Your Budget

Fabric costs can vary significantly depending on material, brand, and quality. Set a budget and prioritise features that matter most to you, such as durability or style.

  • Affordable Options: Polyester blends and cotton are budget-friendly without compromising on quality.
  • Premium Choices: Velvet, silk, and designer fabrics tend to be pricier but offer unmatched elegance.

Test the Fabric

Before committing to a fabric, always request swatches. Test them in your home under different lighting conditions and against your existing furniture.

  • Feel the Texture: Sit on the swatch to see how it feels. Is it comfortable? Scratchy? Slippery?
  • Assess Colour Accuracy: Lighting can alter how colours appear, so view the swatch in natural light and artificial light.

Sustainability Matters

If you’re eco-conscious, explore sustainable fabric options.

  • Recycled Materials: Look for fabrics made from recycled fibres, such as polyester derived from recycled plastic bottles.
  • Natural Dyes: Choose fabrics dyed with eco-friendly, natural dyes to reduce environmental impact.

Consult an Expert

Choosing the perfect fabric can be overwhelming. An interior designer or professional upholsterer can guide you based on your sofa’s design, usage, and aesthetic preferences.

Final Thoughts

Reupholstering your sofa is an investment, and the fabric you choose plays a pivotal role in its success. By considering durability, style, maintenance, and budget, you can select a fabric that not only transforms your sofa but also stands the test of time.

Whether you opt for a luxurious velvet, a practical performance fabric, or a sustainable blend, the perfect fabric choice will elevate your sofa and your living space. Take your time, weigh your options, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice to ensure your reupholstery project is a resounding success.

For more information on your Sofa Reupholstery Project contact Hill Upholstery.

Upholstered Footstools, Ottomans and Hassocks

Posted on by Helen

There are some pieces of furniture that are simply workhorses in your room because they can be used in so many different ways. Upholstered Footstools, Ottomans and Hassocks fall into this category. But is there a difference between these three pieces of furniture? The simple answer is — not really. They are all small pieces of furniture whose purpose is to provide a spot to rest your feet. That being said, ottomans tend to be larger and are often used in lieu of a coffee table; a hassock is smaller and rounder and a footstool is usually a bit lower to the ground and smaller in size. Let’s take a look at the various ways these furniture pieces can be put to work.

Ottomans

It is common to find an ottoman used as a coffee table. They can be made into any shape including round, square and rectangular. The legs can be fitted with casters allowing you to move it out of the way or around the room as necessary. Placing a tray on top of the ottoman will provide a spot set a drink glass or to corral all those necessary items such as eyeglasses, books and the ever present remote. The top can be removable, exposing lots of storage space for extra blankets, magazines etc.

This trend of using an ottoman in place of a coffee table will work in any interior. A tufted velvet ottoman with brass casters is lovely in a traditional setting. For a contemporary space, a sleek black leather ottoman on polished chrome legs fits the bill. In a country, eclectic or transitional interior, choose a fabric that coordinates with other fabrics and colours in the room for a coordinated look.

Hassocks

Really just another term for an ottoman, a hassock is generally a bit smaller in size and is often round in shape. These, too could be used as an end table by placing a piece of glass on top. You may consider sliding two hassocks under a console table for use as extra seating when needed. Placing one in front of a fireplace provides a nice spot to warm your toes without taking up too much space. Like ottomans, they can be upholstered in any fabric of your choice.

Footstools

A footstool’s sole purpose is to provide a spot to rest your weary feet. They sit low to the ground, ranging from 9-12″ in height and 12-15″ deep. They can be placed directly in front of a chair, sitting between two occasional chairs or up against a wall holding books until they are needed. Since they are so small you can upholster them in a fabric that you would not want to use in large volume such as an animal print, a bright colour, a custom needlepoint etc. Have fun with these.

Tassel trim, braid, gimp and nail heads can all be used to embellish your footstool, ottoman or hassock to add a unique look to your home.

For more information about Upholstered Footstools just contact us.

The original version of this article was posted on www.onlinefabricstore.com

8 Useful Pointers For Contract Furniture – Leather Upholstery

Posted on by Helen

There are very good reasons why leather is an enduringly popular choice for contract furniture; it is robust and (usually) gets even more attractive with age. Here are some useful pointers about leather upholstery qualities that we have identified from our experiences:

1. Expect every piece of leather furniture to have unique character

Leather hides are the skin of cows, and as no two cows are exactly the same, no two hides are the same either. The grain (which is the term for the outside of the hide) – will have its own collection of wrinkles, insect bite marks and healed scars & scratches that have been acquired through the animal’s lifetime.

2. More character often means better quality

A hide’s unique characteristics can actually be a pointer of better quality leather upholstery as they demonstrate that the leather has not been overly processed – some poor hides can be sanded to make then appear more unmarked, in the process perhaps also losing some of their character.

3. Leather hides are irregular, so care has to be taken with ordering by the m2.

Because hides are rather irregular in shape, even when the area of the hide is accurately measured, all this area cannot be fully used. This regularly means that not enough leather is ordered – if a chair requires, say, 4sqm of leather, it might seem generous to allow a whole hide of perhaps 5m; but the hide’s irregular shape might mean that not all of this can be used. Hide sizes tend to vary too, averaging around 5 sqm.

4. Leather is supplied in full hides, so small requirements will lead to wastage

It is not possible to order less than a full hide and therefore, costs to make an order requiring only 2sqm of leather (for example) can jump up considerably, as you would still need to pay for the full hide.

5. Leather that has been printed with a repeat pattern will require a lot of leather

A repeat pattern exaggerates the difficulties with the irregular shape of a hide (our point 3 above), limiting an upholsterer’s flexibility. This will mean considerably more needs to be ordered, with concurrent extra waste. Occasionally a design scheme calls for the central ‘ridge’ of a hide to be centralised on a seat; this of course means that each seat requires (at least) a full hide, even if of diminutive proportions.

6. Leather can stretch over time

Unsupported expanses of leather upholstery will stretch if subject to regular use. So, for instance, the top surface of a cushion on a lounge chair will probably slightly expand over time, giving it a slightly baggy appearance. The larger an area of leather, the more noticeable this will be. This is generally perceived to be an endearing characteristic of leather furniture. But we strongly recommend extreme care with leather ‘slung’ furniture (ie leather suspended across a seat), which will eventually stretch too far to be comfortable, unless the leather is well-glued to an un-stretchable backing material.

7. Some leather finishes are more robust than others

Leather is resilient by nature, but raw leather will stain extremely easily. Because of this, leather for contract use is usually coated with both a colouring pigment and a clear protective layer. Both of these processes individually will help protect a leather surface; together they provide significant extra protection.

As a contrast, Aniline leather, which can be superbly soft, undergoes a process that preserves and colours the leather, but does not protect its surface. As a result Aniline leather (or semi-aniline leather, which offers some protection) is not as resilient as pigmented leather.

8. Leather requires maintenance and care

Leather improves with age, but only if it is treated with some respect.

For more information about Contract Furniture and Leather Upholstery just contact us.

The original version of this article was posted on info.thecontractchair.co.uk

Upholstered Furniture – Cushion Interiors

Posted on by Helen

 

Buying a new sofa, chair or entire suite can be a big investment and is a purchase you will want to last. The choices are vast, so we’re sharing some tips on what makes a quality piece of upholstered furniture to help ensure you get more value from your purchase whether that be from a retailer or via an upholsterer.

Let’s look at the upholstered furniture fillings used inside a cushion. These are generally made from the three Fs – foam, fibre or feathers.

Foam is a popular choice because although it can be firm at first, it softens within a few weeks but maintains the ability to return to its original shape when you get up. In seat cushions, the foam is often wrapped in a wadding (Dacron) to reduce wear. Foam has a more structured shape compared to fibre & feather cushions.

Hill Upholstery & Design recommend Reflex foam, this is a well known superior foam made by Vitafoam, and is known for its instant recovery after use, and because it maintains its shape and resilience for many years.

Fibre and feather cushions are popular because they tend to be a lot softer than foam ones and have a pillowed look, but they do lose their shape easily and need daily plumping to restore them.

Upholstered Furniture Hill Upholstery

Deep buttoned headboard

Posted on by Helen

When it’s well made, a deep buttoned headboard looks stunning and can totally transform a bedroom, giving it the WOW factor you did not know was possible.

At Hill Upholstery & Design, we can reupholster your headboard or create you a new bespoke one to really complement your bedroom.

Take a look at the video below as a client’s deep buttoned headboard is finished off by one of our skilled team.

Contact our team today if you want to find out more about our headboard upholstery and reupholstery work.

London Design Week 2017

Posted on by Helen

London Design Week 2017

This week we took a trip to the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour for London Design Week 2017. The centre is home to over 120 showrooms of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands such as our favourites Sanderson and GP & J Baker amongst others.  A great opportunity for us to be inspired by these key designers showcasing their upholstery fabrics.

A highlight of our trip to the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour was a visit to the Chase Erwin show room, where we watched a demonstration of hand weaving on a Harris table loom.  Listen carefully for Scott grilling the talented weaver on the process.

Pantone Colour Upholstery Projects

Posted on by Helen

Every year, Pantone, a global authority on colour, choose a new colour shade that will influence interior design, fashion and beauty, our upholstery projects and they have just announced their colour of the year 2016.

Today they have announced not one but two new shades that they predict will influence our homes in 2016. We are looking forward to incorporating these colours in our upholstery projects in the new year!

Introducing Serenity & Rose Quartz – colour of the year 2016

 

Upholstery Projects Colour of the Year
Colour of the Year Upholstery Projects

 

Pantone says “The pairing of Serenity and Rose Quartz bring a feeling of calm and relaxation into the home environment. Like a serene sunset, Rose Quartz encourages reflection on one’s surroundings while Serenity, a transcendent blue, provides a naturally connected sense of space.”

“An ideal choice for rugs and upholstery, Serenity and Rose Quartz also work well in paint and for decorative accessories. Coupling solid and patterned fabrics, throws, pillows and bedding in these shades provides a comforting respite and feeling of well-being in the home. Incorporating texture enhances the duality and kinship of these hues.”Pantone