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Full grain leather is a top grain leather with all its natural texture (grain) intact. Dye Lot is a batch of fabric or yarn that has been dyed at the same time. There may be some color variation from lot to lot. Upholstery fabrics are usually a little heavier and more durable than multi-purpose or drapery-weight fabrics. Small or dimly lit rooms benefit from the use of plain fabrics, vertically striped fabrics or fabrics with a small motif. Microdenier / Microfiber is a yarn made of fibers that tend to be thinner than a silkworm’s web. Most microfibers are synthetics such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, or rayon. Chenille is made from woven yard loops that are then cut to expose a tuft. Consider the size of the pattern on the piece of upholstery fabric. Consider whether it is appropriate for the size of the furniture it is covering, as well as the room size. Silk is a delicate fabric and only suitable for adult areas, such as formal living rooms and must be professionally cleaned if soiled. Easy-care and less expensive than leather, vinyl is ideal for busy family living and dining rooms and, durability depends on quality. Cotton is a fiber that grows out of a plant and is woven in many forms. Acetate offers only fair resistance to soil and tends to wear, wrinkle, and fade in the sun. Although it requires an investment, having an extra set of drapery, slipcovers and pillow covers allows you to adapt your interior design to the changing seasons. Some fabrics appear casual, while others might look more formal. Consider the syle of the piece when choosing. Also consider the style of your interior decor. Acetate is not a good choice for furniture that will get tough everyday use. Upholstery fabrics are sometimes light enough for window treatments and slipcovers. Choose an upholstery fabric based on who will be using that piece of furniture. Wool is obtained from sheep fleece and the term "virgin wool" denotes new, not recycled wool. Nylon is a manufactured fiber that is exceptionally strong, elastic, and lustrous. When blended with wool, polyester can cause pilling. Acrylic is a synthetic fiber and was developed as imitation wool. Sturdy and durable, wool and wool blends offer good resistance to pilling, fading, wrinkling, and soil. Polypropylene is a manufactured fiber that is a type of Olefin. Polypropylene is quick drying, stain resistant, and exceptionally strong. Latex is a substance often used as a back coating on fabrics to make them easier to upholster. It is a milky white liquid that is extracted from the rubber tree, milkweed plant, or the poppy family. Is your furniture in a traditionally themed living room that is only used on occasion? Upholstery is the art of providing furniture with padding and covering generally in the form of upholstery fabric. Velveteen or Corduroy is similar to velvet. Avoid delicately colored upholstery fabrics around children and pets. i.e. White is going to appear dirty fast. Consider the style of your furniture as well as its function to help when choosing the type of upholstery fabric. Cotton is quite popular because like any natural fiber, it’s inherently strong and comfortable. Wool blends can be spot-cleaned when necessary. If comfort is at the top of your priority list, then chenille is the upholstery fabric for you. Dry Cleanable is a fabric that is dry cleanable, can be cleaned with chemical solvents instead of water. Linen is a natural fiber obtained from the flax plant. Linen is durable and has a natural luster. As spring and summer bloom, linen and cotton in bright, happy tones suit the mood. Silk is so delicate that although it can be hand-washed it is best sent to the dry-cleaners. Upholstering for specific uses, such as in automobiles and boats, generally has a narrower set of upholstery fabric options.