Caring for Your Upholstered Furniture
Quality fabrics and fine materials bring lasting comfort when cared for properly. Our guide offers general advice to help preserve the beauty and lifespan of your pieces.
Note: As fabrics, fillings, and finishes vary by manufacturer, always follow the specific care instructions supplied with your product for warranty coverage.
A Note On Your Home Environment
Every home is different and the environment within your home will inevitably influence the care requirements of your furniture. Modern, energy-efficient and airtight homes can create conditions that differ significantly from older properties, particularly in relation to temperature, humidity and ventilation.
It is important to consider the environment in which your furniture now resides and adjust your care routine accordingly. Providing each piece with the appropriate care based on the conditions within your home will help maintain its appearance, performance and longevity.
Understanding Upholstery Fabrics
One of the pleasures of choosing upholstered furniture is the wide variety of fabrics available. Each material offers its own unique appearance, texture, performance, and maintenance requirements.
Whether you choose a natural fabric, a blended textile, or a performance fabric, it is important to understand that every material will age and wear differently.
The Beauty of Natural Materials
Many upholstery fabrics incorporate natural fibres and materials such as:
- Cotton – Soft, versatile, and widely used. Expect a gentle softening with use and some fading if exposed to prolonged sunlight.
- Linen – Relaxed, elegant appearance and natural texture. Expect natural creasing and slight variations in weave and texture. These are normal characteristics and contribute to linen's appeal.
- Wool – Hard-wearing, naturally insulating, and resistant to everyday wear. Expect natural texture variation and occasional pilling in some wool blends.
- Viscose blends – Soft and fluid with a pleasant drape, combining breathability with enhanced durability. Expect slight natural movement and gentle softening with regular use.
- Feather and down fillings – Luxurious, plush, and conforming for exceptional comfort and support. Expect natural compression and settling over time, requiring regular plumping to maintain their loft.
Natural materials are celebrated for their comfort, softness, and character. However, no two batches are ever completely identical.
Variations may include:
- Slight colour differences
- Changes in weave texture
- Natural slubs and irregularities
- Variations in softness and appearance
These characteristics are part of the authenticity and charm of natural materials and should not be regarded as faults.
Performance & Other Textures
- Velvet – Luxurious and elegant look with smooth feel and light-reflective finish. Expect pressure marks, shading effects, and variations in pile direction. These are natural features of velvet and not defects.
- Chenille – Soft, luxurious feel and comfortable for everyday use. Expect pile flattening in areas of regular use and natural shading.
- Performance & Synthetic Fabrics – Modern upholstery fabrics often incorporate synthetic fibres such as polyester, acrylic, or specialist performance yarns. Although designed for everyday living, they still benefit from regular care and maintenance.
Like natural wood and leather, fabric upholstery will develop its own character through everyday use.
What to Expect From Your Upholstery
All upholstered furniture experiences natural changes over time. You may notice softening of cushions, relaxation of fabric, creasing on seats and arms, settlement of fillings, or shading of pile movement on certain fabrics. These are normal characteristics of quality upholstered furniture and do not indicate a manufacturing fault.
Variations may include:
• Slight colour differences
• Changes in weave texture
• Natural slubs and irregularities
• Variations in softness and appearance
Fabric Care Recommendations
Understanding Cushion Fillings
The comfort and character of a sofa or chair is largely determined by its cushion filling. Different fillings will settle and respond to use in different ways.
- Foam cushions: Supportive and maintain shape well. May slightly soften during the settling period.
- Fibre cushions: Soft, durable, and offer a more relaxed appearance. Require regular plumping to maintain shape.
- Feather & Feather Blend Cushions: Ultra-soft and comfortable. Require regular plumping and dressing.
- Foam & Fibre Combination Cushions: Supportive, soft, and offer good shape retention. Benefit from occasional plumping and repositioning.
Cushion Care
Understanding Cushion Settlement
Settlement is a natural part of upholstered furniture ownership. Luxury upholstery is often designed to provide comfort rather than rigid firmness, and some visible settling is entirely normal. You may notice:
- Cushion softening
- Fabric relaxation
- Gentle creasing
- Slight dips in frequently used areas
These characteristics do not indicate a manufacturing fault and are often more noticeable in softer, higher-comfort cushion constructions.
Final Word
Quality upholstered furniture and cushions are designed to be lived in and enjoyed. Natural fabrics, woven textiles, cushion fillings and comfort layers will gradually settle, soften and develop character over time, creating a seating experience that is unique to your home. Variations in texture, colour, weave and appearance are often a reflection of the quality and authenticity of the materials used. With regular plumping, rotation where appropriate and sensible day-to-day care, your furniture and cushions can retain their comfort, appearance and performance for many years.
For specific cleaning instructions, fabric suitability, cushion care requirements, maintenance recommendations and warranty conditions, always refer to the manufacturer's care guide and warranty documentation supplied with your chosen piece.