This is a very exciting time. The decision has been made. It’s time to select a new lounge suite and matching furniture for the family home. And so the search begins. But this time it can only be the very best. The absolute premium – a lifetime of comfort guaranteed. It’s worth considering that your personal circumstances may well determine any ultimate selection on fabrics, leathers and materials. It could be, as a young couple with pre-school children, you’re planning on a purchase that will see you through the children’s school years. Alternatively, you may be the unwitting host of your teenage children’s social circle. Boisterous, excitable and a little clumsy, but hey, it’s a joy to have the kids at home – it’s just that you would really prefer furniture durable enough to stand the teenage test yet retain its stunning looks and quality fabrics.
Or you could be a retired couple who entertain a few friends on Saturday nights at dinner parties at your new, spacious, luxury apartment. Again, there are exciting options available for you.
Fabric and Leather Selection – the Key Factor in Your Furniture Selection.
So what are the options? If you decide to purchase from a major franchise or branded multi-outlet retailer the answer is very few. Very much what you see is what you get. Essentially fabric and leather selection is limited to what is on the showroom floor. One size fits all – standard.
Is there an alternative? There most certainly is – Sulfaro, where each piece is handcrafted and individually created to suit your needs, your comfort and the design requirements you specify.First, let’s consider fabric selection – what are the best options for your particular requirements?
Know Your Fabrics – a Furniture Upholstery Guide
Whether you’re buying new furniture or reupholstering an old favorite, fabric selection is one of the most important choices you’ll need to make. With so many fabric options available it can become a bit overwhelming. Colour and pattern are essential, but even before you get to that point you need to pick the right type of fabric for your furniture and your lifestyle. Since not everyone is a fibre aficionado, we put together this guide to help you make the right upholstery decision.
In this guide we’ll cover natural and synthetic fibres, but before we get to that there’s some guidelines to keep in mind that apply to both. One of the most essential criteria when it comes to fabric selection for furniture is how much use it can stand up to. This is measured in double-rubs. If the fabric is between 8,000 to 10,000 double rubs, it is designed for light use and it won’t sustain everyday wear and tear. Medium use upholstery fabric is between 10,000 to 15,000 double rubs. Most residential upholstery fabric falls into this category and can withstand 10,000 to 25,000 double-rubs. Commercial grade fabrics are usually rated at 100,000 to 250,000 double-rubs, but unless you have a large, rambunctious family or are furnishing a public space you won’t need something that heavy duty. If you’re looking for high durability in a domestic setting you should use a heavy use fabric that is 15,000–30,000 double rubs.
Texture is also important for furniture you’re going to be spending a lot of time sitting on. Scratchy fabric might not be the end of the world for the chair in the study no one ever sits on. But for your sofa and lounge chair that gets every day use, it needs to be comfy. Test fabric on your arm or face to check for roughness — the tougher skin on your hands might not pick up on more subtle scratchiness.
Natural Fabrics
Linen
Made from flax, linen is an extremely strong natural fibre. It’s smooth, soft, and naturally lustrous. Linen naturally resists pilling and soiling, but it can wrinkle easily, making it better suited for casual than formal spaces. It’s often used in in a blend with cotton for greater elasticity.
Cotton
Cotton is soft and durable, but it’s also susceptible to wrinkling and can be easily soiled. It’s a common choice for slipcovers, since most cotton can be cleaned with soap and water. You’ll rarely find 100% cotton upholstery fabric — it’s typically part of a blend. The best-quality cotton blends will generally contain about 45% to 60% cotton.
Wool
A natural fibre that comes from animal hair, wool is a durable choice for upholstery fabric. However it can be a bit scratchy and if not part of a blend, can be difficult to clean and risks felting. Because of this most wool upholstery fabric is actually a blend.
Leather
Made from animal hide, leather is durable and easy to clean. There are different grades of leather though, so be sure to look for full or top grain leather to ensure you’re getting the best.
Synthetic Fabrics
Polyester
First introduced in the 1950s, polyester is a high-performance synthetic fabric that is rarely used alone. You’ll most often find it working in tandem with natural materials such as cotton and wool. Polyester blends provide strength, easy cleaning, and resistance to fading, wrinkling and abrasion.
Velvet
Velvet could have gone under either category as it can be made from cotton, silk, or polyester. However, polyester velvets are more durable than their natural fibre counterparts. Though comparatively difficult to clean, velvet stands out for its comfort, texture, and rich colour options.
Microfibre
A knit blend polyester fabric, microfibre is softer than suede and much easier to clean. It’s made of tightly woven synthetic fibres, that provide durability and moisture resistance while maintaining the aesthetic qualities of suede.
Rayon
A cellulose-based material, rayon was developed as an imitation for silk, linen, and cotton. It is durable, but prone to wrinkling. It’s commonly blended with other types of threads to create a mixed material that’s appropriate for upholstery.
Sunbrella
Sunbrella is an acrylic fabric that was originally created for outdoor furniture use. However since it’s made to stand up to the elements it’s also a good choice for indoor furniture that may have to withstand spills and direct sunlight.
So which fabric is the best for furniture upholstery? While ultimately it comes down to your personal situation and needs, there are some clear front-runners to choose from. In general synthetic fabrics tend to be more durable than natural ones, but they may not have the texture you’re looking for. If you want to opt for a natural fabric, leather or linen are your best bets. If you don’t mind synthetic a polyester blend is the way to go. Be honest with yourself about how much wear and tear the upholstery is going to have to withstand. It’s easy to fall in love with a fabric, but if it’s going to have to be replaced in a couple of years it’s not really worth it. Once you have fabric content choice squared away, you can move on to something a bit more fun, liking picking a colour.
Customisation – it Means so Much More at Sulfaro
When you choose to purchase from Sulfaro there is a real opportunity to ensure that not only does your new furniture reflect your personal taste and design preferences but also that it has been crafted professionally to last you a lifetime with nothing left to chance.
The first part of this process is for you to select the design, the style of sofa, armchairs and occasional chairs you truly desire from our extensive range. You can do this by visiting the Sulfaro website (link) and viewing the full Sulfaro Collection or by visiting our magnificent showrooms located at 650-652 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham (Melbourne) where we are open 7 days per week.
Schedule a meeting with our experienced Design Team – led by Retail Manager, Amelia Sulfaro, to discuss your individual requirements and interior design preferences. At this meeting you can view our superb collection of fabrics and fine leathers gathered over the years from Australia’s and the world’s leading fabric houses and leather purveyors. View exciting, trending materials as well as traditional and period favourites.
Select the materials – fabrics or leathers – that provide you with the best options for your living situations. Be guided by our experienced team in making your choices. Ultimately this is the ‘Sulfaro Experience’. Choose the finishing accessories – piping, buttoning, skirting, fringing, studding, cushioning and timber finishes that suit your vision, your desires, your home.
Make an Appointment. It’s Exciting, It’s Rewarding and It’s Free.
Contact options:
- When visiting the showrooms simply ask our Sales Staff to arrange a meeting with the Design Team at your convenience.
- Call us on 03 9872 4608 to schedule a meeting with our Design Team at your convenience.
- Leave your details here for a prompt reply and a scheduled meeting at your convenience.
View our Website Prior to Your Visit. Style, Sophistication and Comfort. Luxury you Deserve.
Browse our full Sulfaro Collection on our website. Make your selection from our extensive range of sleek, low profile modern and contemporary furniture through to timeless, traditional classics.
To inspire you start with our Signature Selection. Here we profile a range of our more popular sofas and chairs with an exquisite range of matching and complementary accessories – credenzas, buffets, sideboards, ornamental lamps, coffee and side tables, as well as gorgeous, crafted rugs.
New Tribeca
The sofa is fulsome with deep cushioning and narrow, curved arms, timber legs and a full back. The fabric featured is Hug by Zepel in the colour Ink. It’s modern, contemporary and supremely comfortable, available as a 2 seater, 2.5 seater, 3 seater and a 3.5 seater. Stylish, understated it’s the perfect addition to any modern apartment or home.
Studio T
Modern, low profile, sleek with fulsome cushioning. Narrow, curved arms – the perfect sofa for the modernist home or apartment. The fabric featured is Walter by Warwick Fabrics in the colour Silver. Again, available in sizing from 2 seater to 3.5 seater – you can select the size that suits your requirements. Minimalist but exquisitely balanced – the perfect addition to your home.
Ringwood
A refined, traditional sofa with rounded, scrolled arms and high back with superb cushioning. Deep comfort yet full support. Pictured here with full skirt and throw cushions. The fabric featured is Eastbourne by Warwick Fabrics in the colour Pewter. Available in a 2 seater through to 3.5 seater. Matching armchairs are also available with this selection. Elegant, traditional and supremely comfortable. Simply gorgeous – the perfect selection for the living room.
Camelot Fringe
The Camelot Fringe is a magnificent piece of furniture, a classically designed sofa that speaks to luxury, comfort and beauty. The fabrics featured are exclusive to Sulfaro. The main fabric is Rococo, Medallion Nero, whilst the scatter cushions are in matching Rococo, Stripe Nero. The Camelot Fringe is the epitome of elegant, European design. A low back sofa with beautifully curved scrolled arms featuring selected self-piping and fringe skirt. The overall look is completed with a magnificent throw of matching cushions. The Camelot Fringe is available with matching armchairs and ottoman. Again, you determine the sizing with sofas available as a 2 seater, 2.5 seater, 3 seater, 3.35 seater.
Take the time to view each segment of our catalogue. To assist you here is a quick introduction:
Contemporary and Modern
From low profile, sleek, modern sofas to gorgeous corner units with or without chaise. Matching chairs as well as unique occasional chairs, club chairs and swivel chairs.
Classic/Hamptons
A more relaxed feel with the comfort of curved arms, high back cushions and ornate timber feet. Sumptuous armchairs and occasional chairs.
Traditional/European
For those seeking a timeless beauty this category offers a fabulous collection of period style furniture with or without full skirting and scatter cushions. High backs and cushioning, curves and elegant flow. Gracious, stylish seating – armchairs and occasional chairs.
Décor & Design Accessories
A full range of complementary accessories including buffets, sideboards, credenzas, coffee and side tables, ornamental lamps and luxurious rugs.
Recliners & Motion Furniture
A broad selection of recliners. Sofas and armchairs as well as full suites. Fine leathers or selected fabrics. Sofa beds are available for most Sulfaro sofas upon request.
Visit our Showrooms – Open 7 Days per Week and Select Your Favourite Sofas, Lounge Suites and Chairs
Sulfaro is located at 650-652 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, climate controlled and air conditioned for your comfort take advantage of our 60 Year Spring Sale. All floor stock is heavily discounted, up to 40%. There has never been a better time to buy.
Sulfaro – simply the very best
Experience the luxury, the comfort, the design excellence that is Sulfaro. Purchase now and within the week you will be enjoying the beauty that is Sulfaro. Take a seat, then take it home.
You just know when it’s a Sulfaro.
Welcome to Sulfaro.”
“Experience the very best in Artisan
crafted furniture. We look forward to assisting you in creating the home, the
living areas that truly complement and reflect your lifestyle.”-Amelia and Santo Sulfaro
Location
Sulfaro showrooms are located at 650-652 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, corner Cochrane Street, approximately one kilometre west of the Ringwood off ramps on Eastlink. There is ample off-street parking available.
Hours
Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Sulfaro 