How to Assess Upholstery Fabric Durability
You cannot judge upholstery fabric’s durability simply by its thickness or texture. Abrasion resistance, pilling, lightfastness and the intensity of furniture use need to be assessed together.
What does Martindale tell you?
Martindale is a widely used test of upholstery fabric’s abrasion resistance under controlled rubbing. The result helps explain its performance in that test. A high Martindale result does not, however, mean a fabric is always better in terms of pilling, lightfastness, care or overall lifespan. A single threshold should not be applied universally without verifying the product data.
Pilling and surface appearance
Pilling is the tendency for small fibres or bobbles to form on a fabric’s surface through use and friction. Martindale assesses abrasion resistance, while pilling relates to how the surface may change in use, so the two should not be treated as interchangeable. No fabric should be described as “never pilling” without verified technical data.
Lightfastness and conditions of use
Lightfastness describes a fabric colour’s ability to retain its appearance when exposed to light. It deserves particular attention for sofas placed in front of sunny windows: actual performance may vary with window orientation, the length of exposure, colour and conditions of use.
Quick selection guide
Which option is suitable, and when?
- MartindaleAbrasion resistance
- PillingTendency for surface fuzzing or bobbling
- LightfastnessColour resistance to light exposure
- Intensity of useThe fabric’s real-life use scenario
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