Choosing the right upholstery fabric goes far beyond picking a swatch. As a professional upholsterer, you're the expert your clients turn to for advice on performance, durability, cleanability, and sustainability. This guide simplifies fabric consultation—using real examples from Greenhouse Fabrics—so you can deliver confident, clear, and stylish recommendations tailored to real-life use.

Start With Lifestyle Questions

Fabric selection begins with a meaningful conversation. Understanding how a space is used daily gives you vital insight into the right textile choices. A high-traffic family room where kids watch TV and dogs curl up on the couch requires very different materials than a formal living room used just a few times a year. Start by asking your client open-ended questions like, "Tell me about who uses this space and how," or "What types of messes are common in your home?" These details help narrow down fabric options that align with your client's daily realities. Before diving into fabrics, ask:

  • How will the space be used?
  • Is this for a family room, a formal living area, or a pet-friendly space?

Direct these answers toward options like performance or multipurpose fabrics, designed for everyday durability.

Simplify Fabric Durability

Durability is a critical factor that’s often overlooked by clients who focus solely on color or style. It's your job to introduce them to terms like "double rubs," which measure how many times a fabric can be rubbed before it starts to wear out. A 30,000+ double rub fabric is perfect for a well-loved family sofa, while something around 10,000 may be better suited for a decorative chair in the foyer.  Framing the conversation around longevity—"How long do you want this piece to last in heavy use?"—helps clients shift their thinking from short-term aesthetics to long-term satisfaction. Explain "double rubs" in everyday terms:

  • 30,000+ = high-traffic, commercial quality
  • 15,000 or less = great for accent chairs or light use

Greenhouse provides double rub specs directly on each individual fabric page, with many being well above the industry standard.

Discuss Cleanability & Maintenance

Clients often fall in love with a look, only to realize later that maintenance is more than they bargained for. That’s why cleanability should be a central part of the fabric discussion. For homes with young children, pets, or messy hobbies, steer clients toward performance fabrics. These not only handle stains and moisture but also offer peace of mind. Introduce the benefits of Crypton technology as well—it's one of the most advanced solutions for resisting spills, odors, and microbes. By offering easy-maintenance solutions, you're helping your clients choose fabrics that support—not complicate—their daily lives. Match fabric care to lifestyle. For families or pet owners, point them to:

Offer Sustainable Choices

Sustainability matters to many clients. Recommend some sustainable fabrics or those made with recycled content. Whether it’s a natural cotton blend or repurposed material, you can align your recommendations with their values. Explore more in Your Trusted Source for Earth-Friendly Fabric Options.

Talk Longevity Over Price

Budget is almost always part of the conversation—but it shouldn’t be the only one. When clients focus only on upfront cost, help them look at the bigger picture: how long will the fabric last, and how well will it perform over time? A less expensive fabric may save money today, but if it wears out quickly, pills, or fades, they’ll be paying again for replacement sooner than expected.

Greenhouse Fabrics offers options that strike the right balance between cost and performance. From value-priced basics to premium designer-quality textiles, there’s something to suit every budget and application. Educate your clients on how durable fabrics reduce the need for frequent reupholstery, and how investing a bit more can lead to long-term savings.

For help interpreting fabric quality, check out Textile Terminology: Part 2.

Confirm Lead Times Early

Keep your projects running smoothly by verifying fabric stock early. Greenhouse Fabrics guarantees that if your in-stock order is placed by 3 p.m. EST, it will ship out the same day. This reliability helps you meet deadlines with confidence. Using in-stock fabrics is the best way to ensure timelines are met, especially when reupholstery is already booked or your client is working toward a specific goal. Be the fabric expert they trust! Clients count on you to merge beauty, comfort, and practicality. With tools from Greenhouse Fabrics, you’ll be ready to guide any fabric conversation with ease.

Call us to place your order today at 866.755.5000!