The Best Upholstery Material for Dining Chairs?

Explore the pros and cons of different upholstery materials for your dining chairs and narrow down your selection

Pooja Khanna Tyagi 10 October 2019

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More

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Upholstered dining chairs offer comfort and aesthetically enhance the overall look of the dining room. It is important to select the right material because dining chairs are prone to drink spillage and food stains. This article will give you an insight into the different upholstery materials that can be used.

J. F. Roesemann Builders, Inc.

1. Leather
There is a richness in leather upholstery, which effortlessly infuses a sleek and sophisticated look into the dining room.

Pros

Leather is a very strong and durable material that comes with a natural shine.
Leather upholstery is easy to maintain. In case of stains or spills, the leather surface can be cleaned with a damp cloth. One can retain the shine of leather by using leather cleaners regularly.
Leather does not allow accumulation of dust mites, pet dander and other allergens.
Another plus is that leather ages very well and looks better as it gets older.

Cons

Good-quality leather upholstery is very expensive.
It is available in limited colour options.
Leather is highly prone to scratches and is not pet-friendly. The lighter scratches can be rectified with leather polish.

Tip: Avoid using suede leather to upholster dining chairs because this form of leather stains easily and requires professional cleaning.

Find suppliers and retailers of upholstery fabrics and furniture

Austin Patterson Disston Architects

2. Natural fabrics
The most common natural fabrics that can be used for the upholstery of dining chairs are cotton and linen.

Pros

Natural fabrics are a breathable material that feels comfortable even during the hot Indian summers.
Natural fabrics are sturdy and highly resistant to wear and tear.
These fabrics are available in a variety of colours, textures and patterns.
Natural fabrics are affordable upholstery materials but linen is costlier than cotton.
Additionally, these fabrics have very good anti-microbial properties, which makes them resistant to mould and mildew.

Cons

Both cotton and linen are prone to staining and are not easy to maintain.
Another minus is that these fabrics have a tendency to wrinkle and should be upholstered tightly.

Cleaning tips

In case of spills or stains, dab the stained area with a cloth dipped in mild soapy water or with an upholstery cleaner.
Wipe the area with a damp cloth followed by a dry wipe.
Repeat the process until the stains are no longer visible.

Look for dining chair designs in these Houzz photos

Rebecca James studio

3. Synthetic fabrics
The popular synthetic fabrics that are used for the upholstery of dining chairs include materials such as polyester and viscose (which is also commonly known as rayon).

Pros

Synthetic fabrics are durable and long-lasting. These fabrics are much stronger than natural fabrics.
Synthetic fabrics are highly resistant to staining, wrinkling and fading.
They are not only available in a variety of colours, patterns and textures but are also available in designs that simulate the look of natural fabrics.

Cons

Synthetic fabrics easily absorb oily stains which may become difficult to remove.
Another disadvantage is that synthetic fabrics tend to attract pet hair and dander.

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Decorating Den Interiors, Naples

4. Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious fabric that is composed of fibres of nylon, cotton and silk.

Pros

Velvet is a very strong and durable upholstery material.
This upholstery has a rich texture and sheen which infuses a high-end luxurious look to the dining room, like you see in the image above.
Also, velvet has a very soft texture which feels very comfortable.

Cons

Velvet is prone to getting stained and is hence difficult to maintain.
Another disadvantage is that velvet is a dust magnet. Also, pet fur and dander get easily stuck on the fabric.

Note: Avoid using velvet upholstery if you have pets in your home.

This is the place to find your upholstery fabrics

Interiors by Maite Granda

5. Leatherette
Leatherette is a synthetic material that has a close resemblance to the look of real leather.

Pros

Unlike leather, leatherette can be dyed in any colour.
Leatherette is less susceptible to fading caused due to exposure to sunlight or UV rays.
It is resistant to mould and mildew.
Leatherette is waterproof and non-porous, which makes it easy to maintain. The routine cleaning includes wiping with a damp cloth. Tough stains can be removed by wiping the upholstery with warm soapy water, followed by a dry wipe
Another plus is that it imparts a modern look to the dining room and is budget-friendly.

Cons

One major disadvantage of leatherette is that it is prone to wear and tear and has a short life-span in comparison to leather. The top layer of leatherette may crack or wrinkle over time and reveal the base layer of the fabric.
Leatherette is not a breathable material, which makes it feel sticky during summers.
It is non-biodegradable and gives a plastic look.

Read more:
10 Most Popular Indian Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Which Sofa Upholstery is Better: Fabric or Leather?

Tell us:
Which upholstery material do you prefer for your dining chairs and why? Share in Comments below.