Decisions, Decisions....
Let's face it: Fabric is expensive. Its easy for me to say because its not my money you are spending, but buyers remorse is a real thing. Its better to spend a little more and get what you really want than to spend a little less and realize down the road that you are unhappy with your choice because at that point, the money is already gone.
The Right Stuff
Not all fabrics are created equal. Trying to make a dress out of upholstery fabric or trying to cover a couch in clothing fabric is going to end badly for you. Upholstery fabric is heavy and durable. Awning fabric is stiff and doesn't breathe. You may be tempted by a pretty color, but make sure you understand what you are getting before you end up with a roll of the wrong fabric for your project.
Is this in Technicolor?
Fabric looks different, sometimes drastically so, under different lighting. Sunlight vs LED vs flourescent can cause major issues when matching fabric. That is why we can offer samples on most of our fabrics. Just send a request with the item number and we will see what we can do for you. Also understand that your screen can betray you. By the time the color goes thru the original capture device, this website, and wherever else it travelled on it's way to your screen, it can be a shade off. It usually isnt a problem but be aware.
And how does that make you feel?
Texture will be hard to ascertain on a website. Fabrics come in a variety of textures from microfiber to wool/ woven to beautifully embroidered. Be sure to read the details of a fabric before making your choice. You can always request a sample once you think you've found the right one.
Pets and Upholstery
While your beloved Snookums or Fifi may be your fur baby or best friend, their interaction with your new upholstery may have them out in the dog house. In my time as an upholstery, I have found that when a dog goes rogue it usually ends with the death of a couch cushion or pillow. Cats, on the other hand, are a different story. Once a cat discovers the expensive embroidery on your new chair, it's pickin' time. Microfiber fabrics like to hold onto pet hair for dear life. Fido's toenails will scratch that new vinyl or distressed leather. Keep your pets in mind when picking out your fabrics.
Being noticed
A small repeat reads as texture from a distance; a large repeat becomes a focal point. Consider the size of the piece you're upholstering before committing.
The whole nine yards
Allow extra for pattern matching, repeats, and railroaded fabric. When in doubt, send your project details and we'll help estimate.
A little help here...
If you're sourcing for a client, planning a large project, or working with constraints (fire code, performance, contract), get guidance early.