A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRIC FOR FURNITURE
The fabric you choose for your furniture is more than a surface — it sets the mood, texture, and personality of a space. The right textile can transform a simple chair into a focal point, a sofa into a statement, and a home into a layered, tactile haven. At Sister, fabrics are considered both for their practical qualities and their ability to inspire. Here’s our guide to selecting materials that bring furniture — and your home — to life.
1. Start with Texture and Touch
Texture is the foundation of how a fabric feels and looks in a room. Velvet, linen, wool, or handwoven textiles each bring distinct character: some invite touch, others create visual rhythm. Consider the way light interacts with the weave, the depth it adds to a corner, or the sense of comfort it imparts.
"I am constantly on the hunt for the most beautiful and original fabrics and patterns. I love working with fabrics that use traditional African techniques to bring authenticity and culture to a space." - Sophie Ashby
When selecting fabric, let your fingers guide you as much as your eyes. A tactile, inviting fabric can make furniture feel instantly more intimate and alive, while a smoother or structured weave can lend a more formal, sculptural quality.
2. Balance Pattern and Scale
Pattern is an opportunity to add narrative and personality, but scale is key. Large-scale florals, geometrics, or painterly motifs can anchor a room and give furniture presence, while smaller prints can be layered with other textiles for subtle depth. When mixing multiple patterns, think about the story they tell together — contrasting motifs can harmonise when there’s a shared colour, texture, or mood.
"Once you dip your toe into the world of wallpapers and fabrics, you will quickly be overwhelmed by the amount of choice." - Sophie Ashby
Samples are invaluable here. Ordering swatches allows you to see how fabrics interact with light, furniture, and surrounding textiles, helping you experiment with scale and pattern before committing to an entire piece. Lay swatches together to explore layering, contrast, and balance — it’s the simplest way to make confident choices in a world of endless options.
3. Explore Colour Thoughtfully
Colour in furniture fabrics should complement the wider palette of the room, but it also offers a chance to introduce surprise or drama. Bold hues can energise a neutral interior, while softer, muted tones can unify a diverse palette and create a sense of calm. Think about how colours interact with surrounding textiles, wall finishes, and natural light. Some fabrics reveal different undertones depending on the time of day — these subtleties are part of what makes texture and colour so compelling.
Samples are useful here too. Seeing a swatch in your own lighting, next to existing furniture or rugs, gives a more accurate sense of how the colour will feel in the room.
Ultimately, choose shades that speak to you and reflect the atmosphere you want to create. A colour that makes your heart lift every time you see it will always outweigh the “safe” or expected choice.
4. Consider Practicality
Beauty and durability should go hand in hand. Upholstery fabrics must endure daily life, whether on a well-loved sofa, a family chair, or a corner reading seat. Look for fabrics that are soft yet resilient, easy to clean yet luxurious to touch. Sophie’s approach balances these considerations without compromising on design: furniture should feel as comfortable and welcoming as it looks.
Practicality also extends to maintenance: a well-chosen fabric that can be cared for with gentle cleaning or occasional professional attention will age gracefully, retaining colour, texture, and tactile charm for years to come.
Ultimately, choosing fabric is about feeling. The texture, colour, pattern, and story behind a piece — the emotional connection it sparks — is what transforms a room from a collection of objects into a home.
Let yourself be inspired. Touch the fabrics, imagine them in your space, and choose pieces that make your heart lift. The right fabric, chosen thoughtfully and explored through samples, doesn’t just cover furniture — it gives it life, energy, and personality.
If you already have a fabric in mind — a found textile, a much-loved sample, or something chosen for its story — Sister furniture can be made to accommodate it. It’s a subtle but meaningful way to shape a piece that feels entirely personal, and to ensure the final result reflects not just how a room looks, but how it’s meant to be lived in.
