What is it?
Textile and upholstery is the covering of chairs, banquettes, sofas and decorative surfaces with fabric, faux leather or real leather. It directly affects comfort, acoustics and a space's warmth.
- Upholstery fabric: Velvet, linen, bouclé and technical fabrics; gives character through its texture.
- Faux leather (PU/PVC): Easy to clean, durable and economical; for heavy use.
- Foam & inner filling: Filling of different firmness that sets comfort and shape.
Types & varieties
Cover types
- Fabric: Velvet, linen, bouclé — a warm, textured look.
- Faux leather: Wipeable, durable; practical for food venues.
- Real leather: Premium, long-lasting, develops a patina over time.
Stitching & form
Different styles are achieved with plain upholstery, tufted (buttoned), piped and decorative stitching; foam firmness and the spring system set the comfort.
Technical properties
| Upholstery | Fabric, faux leather, real leather |
|---|---|
| Durability | The abrasion (Marchindale) rating matters under heavy use |
| Cleanability | Faux leather wipes easily; stain-resistant options in fabric |
| Inner filling | Foam, fibre and springs of different densities |
| Use | Commercial (contract) grade for busy venues |
| Extra features | Stain-resistant and flame-retardant (fire) fabric options |
Use cases
Wherever comfort and warmth are needed:
- Restaurant/café banquettes and fixed seating
- Chair and stool upholstery
- Booths, sofas and waiting areas
- Decorative wall panels (acoustic/quilted)
- Curtains, blinds and textile accessories
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Adds comfort, warmth and acoustics to a space
- A wide choice of texture and colour in fabric/leather
- Faux leather: easy to clean, durable
- Suitable for heavy use with contract grade
Points to consider
- Fabric upholstery is prone to stains and wear (the right grade is essential)
- Busy venues need periodic care/refreshing
- Cheap foam collapses over time, losing comfort
Care & cleaning
Faux leather wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. On fabric upholstery, stains should be removed quickly with a suitable cleaner and dust removed regularly. In busy commercial venues, high-Marchindale, stain-resistant fabrics are preferred.
How we apply it at Standchi
We produce banquettes, chairs and decorative upholstery with the right foam firmness, stitching technique and contract-grade covers. We select fabric/leather according to the venue's concept and usage intensity, offering seating solutions integrated with wood and metal frames.