One of the small decisions that can really alter the look of your space is the choice of upholstery fabric. Fabrics such as cashmere upholstery and high-performance synthetics are often regarded as two main alternatives when coming to us at Fabric Fusions. First, we will cover the main differences and display some of our favorite upholstery collection picks. We will also explain the most common questions we receive. We can help you create beautiful and durable seating options for your living room, chairs, and outdoor areas.

Natural vs synthetic - what to consider

Natural fabric upholstery (cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, and their blends) is both warm and breathable to the touch. One of the most luxurious examples of upholstery, cashmere gives a room a softness and richness-it can bring about intimacy, elegance, or just expense to a room. Natural fibers usually get better aged than manmade ones, but they would need extra care and may not withstand heavy abrasion or UV rays as some synthetics do.

Synthetic upholstery fabric (polyester, olefin, solution-dyed acrylic, and marine vinyl, PVC-coated textiles) is made to last and be easy to maintain, and not suffer discolouration. If your household has children, pets, or outdoor furniture, marine vinyl, and modern performance textiles are often the better choice: they drive moisture away, resist mold, and are cleaned easily with a damp cloth.

We believe the best choice balances aesthetics, durability, and how the furniture will be used. Below we showcase a few of our favorite fabrics - a mix of natural-feel and high-performance - all available from our site.

Featured product picks that you can shop from Fabric Fusions.

We selected four standout fabrics from our upholstery collections and one Timber Mill cashmere option so you can see a range of possibilities.

1. D2490 DENIM (Charlotte Fabrics) 

A classic “denim” look from Charlotte, 54" wide, 100% polyester, constructed for heavy-duty upholstery with excellent Wyzenbeek abrasion performance (60,000+ double rubs). A great choice when you want the denim aesthetic with upholstery strength. 

2. D2536 DENIM (Charlotte Fabrics) 

Charlotte denim-toned basketweave, 54" wide, is made from 100% polypropylene and is manufactured to be weather resistant: liquid, stain, fade, mildew, and bacteria-repellent. Excellent in high-traffic seating or outdoors in tempered covered spaces where durability counts.

3. D4780 Willow (Modern Cottage / Charlotte Fabrics) 

 A modern-upholstery fabric option (54" width) blending cotton, polyester, and linen (55% Cotton, 42% Polyester, 3% Linen) with a stylish, contemporary floral/modern-cottage look and strong abrasion ratings - a lovely example of a modern upholstery fabric suitable for sofas & drapery. 

4. Sky Marine Vinyl 

Marine vinyl is available in a 54" wide roll with a 100% PVC front and polyester backing. It is waterproof and easy to clean and designed for use in marine or outdoor environments. Looking for furniture with water-resistant or splash-proof qualities? Marine vinyl will solve all your problems!

5. Timber Mill Cashmere Upholstery (Timber Mill) 

 A soft, neutral, cashmere-colored upholstery fabric with 57" width and medium weight. We carry Timber Mill Cashmere in yard quantities (1 yard minimum), and it’s a wonderful option when you want that soft, cashmere-like finish for an elegant sofa or accent chair. 

How we recommend choosing

• For everyday family sofas: choose a high double-rub count synthetic or performance blend (easy to clean, long-wearing).
• For formal living rooms or low-traffic heirloom pieces: natural-feel fabrics like our Timber Mill Cashmere give luxe texture and charm.
• Marine vinyl is specifically made for water and sun when it comes to outdoor or boat cushions.
•  For a trendy, relaxed look: Denim Charlotte Fabrics (we have several denim-style Charlottes) gives a casual yet tough atmosphere.

We always advise getting a small sample first (we provide sample sizes on many product pages) so you can evaluate color, drape, and hand before making a decision.

Reasons to choose Fabric Fusions?

At Fabric Fusions, we curate both natural-feel and high-performance upholstery fabrics, and present clear technical details (width, content, rub counts, intended applications) so you can compare like-for-like. We also have seasonal promotions and free shipping offers on qualifying orders - check the site for current details. 

FAQs

Q1. What is the best material for households where children and pets are present?

A: Consider performance synthetics or treated performance fabrics with a high double rub rating, finishes such as Crypton, or marine vinyl for outdoor areas. These materials are stain-resistant, easy to clean, and suited for high-use areas. Check out our performance and marine vinyl selections.

Q2: Is cashmere upholstery practical?

A: Cashmere-like upholstery (like the Timber Mill Cashmere we carry) is stunning and soft, perfect for occasional pieces that are kept in excellent condition. If you want a family room, choose blends with some cashmere appeal but greater durability. 

Q3:  How do I determine whether a fabric is suitable for upholstery/drapes?

See the Applications section of the product page. The applications for the product have been listed under furniture, drapery, outdoor, marine, and other applications. Concerning durability, you may see the width, weight of the fabric and the abrasion resistance.

Q4: Is marine vinyl suitable for indoor use?

A: The marine vinyl can be used in indoor spaces where a waterproof, easily cleaned surface is desired, such as a mudroom or informal dining seat. It does not breathe as well as natural fibers, so it is preferred for seats so that you do not sit for long in hot weather.

Q5: Do you offer samples?

A: Yes - many product pages offer 5" x 5" samples so you can test color and feel before ordering yardage. See each product page for sample options.