Recovering a chair seat, a headboard or an ottoman is one of the quickest ways to bring a print into a room. The fabric needs weight and a tight weave, so it stretches, staples and wears well.
Here is which of our bases to use, what to check before you start, how many metres to buy and how to place a large print.
What makes a good upholstery fabric
Three bases for upholstery
Decor Velvet Bonded
A cut pile velvet with a bonded backing that keeps the pile stable when it is pulled over foam and stapled. Soft to the touch, with a print that sits rich and deep in the pile.
Run the pile the same way on every piece. On a seat, it usually brushes towards the front.
“…soft and yummy. The colors are vivid and I love the bonded backing for cushions and upholstery projects.”
Which base for which piece
Torn between the two? Order a 25 × 25cm swatch of your design on Decor Canvas and on Decor Velvet Bonded, and compare them in the room.
How many metres to buy
These are typical amounts for our 135 to 147cm wide bases. Your upholsterer will confirm the exact amount for your piece. Using a big print and want it centred on every piece? Add 0.5m.
Seeing the print at true size
Our large scale print guide lets you try the ruler and the scale before you open a design.
Prints for upholstery
Original designs by independent artists, printed to order on the base you choose, from 1m.
NewTropical ReverieMaria Montiel Studio
NewMimosa Art Deco FloralJackie Tahara of UnBlink Studio
NewBohemian PrairieAndrea Leonelli
Peaches & CherriesCatherine Marion Art
NewWatercolor Grid Checker - Painterly BlocksMirela Amariei
Coastal Rustic Traditional PlaidMarie Le Moal
NewFloral Zigzag Chevron StripesAline Bea
NewTrailing Watercolor Hydrangea Floral StripeSandra Herrgott Designs
Prints made for upholstery
Jacobean Floral ScrollSarah Thorpe Designs
Glamour Maximalist Floral DamaskJackie Tahara of UnBlink Studio
Painterly Hydrangea FloralWildfig designs
Oak Leaf Damask MedallionNordic Duck
Framed TrellisSil Vanilla Studio
GuarapaMaria Montiel Studio
Peaches & CherriesCatherine Marion Art
Blush Bloom in PinkLina Romberg
Ordering fabric for clients? Apply for a trade account.
Prints for chairs and headboards
Upholstery fabric questions
What is the best fabric for upholstery?
A heavy, tightly woven fabric that holds its shape when it is stretched and stapled. Decor Canvas (365 GSM) gives a firm, hard wearing finish for chair seats and ottomans, and Decor Velvet Bonded (345 GSM) has a backing that keeps the pile stable on headboards and occasional chairs.
Which base is best for a headboard?
Decor Velvet Bonded. Its soft, rich pile frames the bed and the bonded backing keeps it smooth when it is pulled over foam and stapled. For a crisper, tailored look, choose Decor Canvas.
How much upholstery fabric do I need?
As a guide: 1.5m covers four dining chair seats, 2m covers a queen headboard or a small ottoman, and 5 to 6m covers an occasional armchair. Your upholsterer will confirm the exact amount.
How do I centre a large print on a chair?
Open the design, choose Swatch to see a 25 × 25cm close-up at true size, and set the scale until one motif sits well on the seat. Then add 0.5m to your order so every piece can be centred.
How do I care for printed velvet upholstery?
Vacuum with a soft brush, spot clean and blot rather than rub, and brush the pile in its natural direction to keep it upright.
Can I order a sample first?
Yes. Order a 25 × 25cm swatch of any design on Decor Canvas or Decor Velvet Bonded to check the colour, weight and feel before you buy metres.