Upholstery is an important element in any piece of custom made furniture, and performs functional and decorative roles. In choosing the colour and material of upholstery, we also express ourselves, and identify with a particular style or décor theme. Upholstery is typically a cloth or fabric traditionally made from natural materials, including cotton, wool, hair, leather and silk. More recently these natural fibres have been supplemented by versatile manufactured fibres such as polyester.

Primary considerations when choosing suitable upholstery for your furniture will invariably include cost, colour, texture and quality. Also bear in mind the décor theme you are trying to achieve in your home, and choose accordingly. If possible choose tightly woven fabrics as they are generally more hard wearing than loose weave products.

Follow these simple tips to ensure your upholstery stands the test of time:

• vacuum upholstery regularly, especially in high traffic areas
• do not place upholstered furniture in direct sunlight as fabrics can shrink and fade
• blot all stains and spills and consult a professional cleaning service promptly
• utilise slipcovers to protect your furniture and upholstery, especially if you have pets or small children
• fabric protectors can also be useful for protecting upholstery but do need to be re-applied regularly