Types of upholstery fabrics and their characteristics

10 April 2025

Choosing any furniture always starts with selecting the color and fabric type. The material must meet three main criteria – quality, attractive appearance, and affordable price. We offer you six certified FABB fabrics: BLUVEL, BJORN, RAVEN, VARDO, NEA, BREGO.

BLUVEL — The Perfect Upholstery Fabric: Style, Comfort, and Durability

When choosing upholstery fabric, we look not only for something beautiful but also something that combines practicality, aesthetics, and comfort. BLUVEL offers exactly that — a modern premium-class velvet.

What is BLUVEL?
BLUVEL is a soft-to-the-touch velvety fabric made of 100% polyester. It has a density of 320 g/m² and a minimum roll width of 140 cm, making it perfect for all types of upholstery — from chairs to large corner sofas. The fabric features a distinct velvety texture, rich deep colors, and a subtle sheen — everything you need to create a cozy and elegant interior.

Key Advantages:

🔹 Exceptional Durability
BLUVEL has passed the Martindale test with 100,000 cycles, proving its high durability. It’s an excellent choice for both residential and commercial furniture — in cafés, hotels, or offices.

🔹 Pet-Friendly
It has passed the snagging test with a score of 4–5 in category G, meaning it’s resistant to pet claws — perfect for homes with cats or dogs.

🔹 Pilling and Fade Resistance
Rated 4–5 for resistance to pilling, the fabric maintains a neat appearance over time. It also performs well under artificial light and friction, retaining its vibrant color.

🔹 Safe to Use
Flame retardancy is certified according to international standards: DIN EN 1021-1 and BS 5852:2006 Source 0 — an important feature for public spaces.

Where is it used?
BLUVEL is a versatile fabric, ideal for:

Upholstering soft furniture: sofas, armchairs, poufs, chairs;
Decorative elements like cushions and wall panels;
Interiors where both beauty and functionality matter.

Care Instructions:
The fabric is easy to clean but, like all velvet materials, requires delicate care. Avoid harsh snagging, and use mild cleaning agents. Keep in mind that light fluffing is natural and depends on usage conditions.

BJORN — a reliable fabric with character: the perfect choice for a practical interior

When it comes to upholstery fabrics, it's important to strike a balance between durability, aesthetics, and comfort. BJORN is exactly that type of fabric. Designed for those who seek everyday reliability without sacrificing style.

What is BJORN fabric?

BJORN is a dense, pleasant-to-the-touch fabric made of 100% polyester. It has a density of 360 g/m² and a roll width of at least 140 cm. Thanks to its texture and matte finish, BJORN looks great on furniture and adds a refined touch to interiors. It not only looks stylish but also withstands intensive daily use.

Main advantages of BJORN fabric

🔸 Durability – 50,000 Martindale cycles, meaning it maintains a fresh look even with active use.

🔸 Pilling resistance – Rated 4 out of 5, ensuring long-term neat appearance.

🔸 Fade and friction resistance – Scores 4–5 in tests for light exposure and dry/wet rubbing.

🔸 Pet-proof – Passed the snagging test with a 4–5 rating, category G — perfect for pet owners.

🔸 Tear and tensile strength – Withstands up to 700 N and holds well at seams (2.5 mm displacement on both warp and weft).

Where is BJORN fabric used?

Upholstery for sofas, armchairs, chairs, ottomans;
Hotel and office furniture;
High-traffic interiors, including public spaces;
Decorative items requiring strong yet elegant fabric.

How to care for BJORN fabric?

BJORN is easy to clean and does not require complicated maintenance. Dry cleaning or mild detergents are recommended. Avoid aggressive snagging or rubbing. Light fuzzing is a natural process and does not affect functionality.

RAVEN – elegance in every fibre

In modern interior design, more and more emphasis is placed not only on the visual appearance of items but also on their functionality and durability. That’s why choosing the right upholstery fabric plays a crucial role in creating a cozy, stylish, and practical space. If you are looking for a material that combines beauty, strength, and ease of maintenance – RAVEN is worth your attention.

What is RAVEN fabric?

RAVEN is a modern upholstery fabric made from 100% polyester. It is specially designed for those who value a balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality. The material has a pleasant texture, a smooth surface, and holds its shape well on upholstered furniture. Thanks to advanced manufacturing technologies, the fabric meets strict European standards of quality and safety.

Key advantages of RAVEN fabric

RAVEN offers a range of features that make it the perfect choice for both residential and commercial use:

High density (400 g/m²) – ensures strength and durability, even with intensive use.
Abrasion resistance – withstands up to 50,000 cycles according to the Martindale test, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Lightfastness – the fabric does not fade in sunlight, maintaining its colour even after prolonged UV exposure.
Tear strength – withstands tension up to 600 N along the warp, ensuring reliability in use.
Pilling resistance – remains free of lint balls, even after long-term use.
Excellent snagging resistance – Grade 5, the highest rating according to the BS 8479 test.
Easy to maintain – thanks to its synthetic base, the fabric is easy to clean from dust and stains.

Where is RAVEN fabric used?

Thanks to its characteristics, RAVEN is ideal for:

upholstering soft furniture: sofas, armchairs, ottomans;
use in public spaces: restaurants, hotels, coworking spaces;
children’s room furniture: safe and easy to maintain;
office furniture: stylish appearance and high wear resistance;
automotive accessories: seats, headrests, decorative elements.

How to care for RAVEN fabric?

To maintain the aesthetic look of the fabric over time, follow these simple care instructions:

Clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth. A soft brush or cloth can be used.
Do not machine wash – mechanical washing may damage the fibres.
Do not iron – the fabric does not require ironing.
Dry cleaning is allowed – using a perchloroethylene-based solvent.
Avoid harsh cleaners and aggressive rubbing.

VARDO — textile that creates atmosphere

We live in a world where details matter. The way our surroundings look affects our mood, well-being, and even productivity. That’s why the fabrics we use to decorate our furniture play not just an aesthetic, but also a functional role. One such versatile solution is VARDO — an upholstery fabric that combines elegant design with exceptional durability. It’s a material created for comfort, style, and longevity.

What is VARDO and why is it worth your attention?

VARDO is a modern upholstery fabric made of 95% polyester and 5% polyamide. This blend makes it extremely strong, pleasant to the touch, and easy to use. It has a smooth, slightly soft surface that looks great in both classic and contemporary interiors. It’s more than just a fabric — it’s a visual and tactile experience that transforms ordinary furniture into a stylish statement for your home or office.

Advantages you feel from the very first touch

✔️ Years of durability
With a density of 370 g/m², VARDO can handle heavy daily use while maintaining its appearance. It's a material that will serve you well for many years.

✔️ Outstanding abrasion resistance
The Martindale abrasion test showed 50,000 cycles — meaning the fabric does not wear out, even with prolonged use.

✔️ Anti-pilling protection
With a rating of 4–5 for pilling resistance, the fabric retains its flawless appearance over time.

✔️ Impressive tear strength
839 N (warp), 599 N (weft) — far beyond what’s required for everyday furniture use.

✔️ Perfect for pet owners
Snagging resistance test: class 5 (maximum). Great news for homes with furry friends — no more worries about claw damage.

✔️ Lightfastness
VARDO doesn’t fade, even after long exposure to sunlight — your interior will remain as vibrant as day one.

Where does VARDO perform best?

Thanks to its properties, VARDO is suitable for almost any environment:

Sofas, armchairs, ottomans — ideal for everyday use at home.
Hotels, restaurants, cafés — looks premium and maintains its appearance even in high-traffic areas.
Children’s rooms — safe, easy to clean, and resistant to active play.
Office furniture — adds a professional and polished look to the workspace.
Pet furniture or furniture designed with pets in mind — no snagging or damage risks.

Taking care of VARDO — it’s easy

This fabric doesn’t require complex maintenance. Just follow a few simple rules:

🔹 Clean dry or slightly damp — with a soft cloth or brush.🔹 Do not machine wash — it may damage the fabric’s structure.

🔹 Do not iron — the fabric doesn’t wrinkle, so ironing is unnecessary.

🔹 Dry cleaning is allowed, using solvents based on perchloroethylene.

🔹 Avoid aggressive chemicals and harsh scrubbing — the fabric is already easy to maintain.

NEA — Timeless Classic for Modern Interiors

In a world where functionality must go hand in hand with style, NEA fabric is a fail-safe choice for furniture upholstery. It is designed to withstand intensive use while maintaining aesthetic appeal and tactile comfort. NEA represents the perfect harmony of reliability, durability, and contemporary looks, making it suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.

A Fabric You Can Rely On

NEA is made from 100% polyester — a fiber known for its abrasion resistance, easy maintenance, and long lifespan. With a density of 350 g/m², the material has enough weight to drape nicely over furniture without deforming or stretching over time.

Thanks to its roll width of 140 cm, NEA is ideal for upholstering large furniture elements, ensuring minimal seams and a neat appearance.

Specifications That Speak for Themselves

🔸 60,000 Martindale cycles — excellent wear resistance, perfect for high-traffic areas like restaurants, offices, and public spaces.
🔸 Pilling grade 4 — the fabric resists pilling and retains its elegant look for years.
🔸 Lightfastness — 4/5 — even under strong sunlight, NEA maintains rich color.
🔸 Dry rubbing — 4–5, wet rubbing — 4 — the fabric won’t bleed or fade and withstands frequent cleaning.
🔸 Tensile strength (1000 N / 500 N) — reliable under high stress.
🔸 Tear strength (60 N / 45 N) — resistant to tearing and sagging over time.
🔸 Seam slippage resistance — up to 3 mm — seams remain intact under tension.
🔸 Pet-proof (snagging test): class 2–3 — performs well with pets, though claws may require extra care.

Where Does NEA Perform Best?

Residential interiors — sofas, armchairs, benches, and any furniture that demands both style and strength.
Commercial settings — cafes, restaurants, hotels, offices. NEA withstands heavy use and looks great in any space.
Public areas — waiting rooms, receptions, children's rooms, coworking spaces.
Pet furniture or pet-friendly spaces — thanks to its snag resistance.

Caring for NEA — Simple and Effective

Clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
Do not machine wash — the fabric structure may be damaged.
Do not iron — NEA is wrinkle-resistant and doesn’t require ironing.
Dry cleaning is allowed using perchloroethylene-based solvents.
Avoid harsh chemicals and stiff brushes — NEA cleans easily and keeps its appearance.

BREGO — Strength, Comfort, and Aesthetics in One Fabric

A modern interior demands not only beauty but also functionality. That’s why choosing the right upholstery fabric is a key step in creating a cozy and practical space. BREGO is a perfect combination of elegant appearance, high technical performance, and practicality — making it an ideal solution for homes, offices, and commercial environments.

What is BREGO Fabric?

BREGO is a high-quality upholstery material made of 100% polyester. It meets strict European standards, including EU 1007/2011, ensuring safety, durability, and reliability. With a weight of 380 g/m² and a minimum roll width of 140 cm, BREGO is well-suited for large-scale furniture or decorative textile production.

Key Benefits of BREGO

Impressive Durability

BREGO withstands 30,000 Martindale rub cycles, making it suitable for heavy daily use — ideal for residential furniture, offices, cafés, and hotels.

Damage Resistance

Pilling resistance: 4–5 (on a 5-point scale), meaning the surface stays smooth and attractive over time.
Tear strength: 1500 N (warp) and 700 N (weft), ensuring the fabric doesn’t easily tear or lose its shape.

Resistant to External Factors

BREGO is resistant to light fading (score 4), dry rubbing (4–5), and wet rubbing (4). It also has excellent tensile strength for long-term performance.

Safe to Use

Made without toxic substances, BREGO is safe for children and pets, offering peace of mind for any environment.

Where is BREGO Used?