A heavy-duty synthetic microfiber will be the most stain-resistant and easiest to care for, so it's an excellent choice for often-used sofas or chairs. Still, high-thread-count cotton will have enough durability for less-frequently used seating in a formal dining space.

The main types of fabric used in upholstery are linen, hemp, cotton, viscose, polyester and wool. We'll go into a bit more detail about each of these below. Linen and Hemp have very comparable qualities when used for upholstery fabrics.

Simply put, upholstery is the work of attaching a furniture frame with padding, cushioning, and fabric or leather textile covers.