Recliner Chair Fabric Types

If you’re investing in a recliner chair, it’s important to take the time to think about the fabric you’ll choose. The right upholstery can elevate your furniture’s look, turning functional furniture into a stand-out, statement piece in your home.

Different materials need different levels of maintenance, and some are more durable than others, so it’s important to consider not only how you want your furniture to look but also what material works for your lifestyle.

Here at HSL, we have a wide-ranging selection of beautiful collections to choose from, available in a wealth of fabrics and leathers to match your own personal taste. Leather is popular for its luxurious feel and easy-to-clean surface, meaning it’s a great choice if you have pets, children or grandchildren. Fabric, on the other hand, offers a great choice of colours and patterns, so you can choose a material that matches your home.

It’s also important to consider the environmental impact of materials, too. Many sustainable fabrics are available now, letting you make eco-friendly choices without sacrificing comfort or style.

To help you choose the right fabric for you, you first need to know what all the options are. Let us guide you through the different chair fabric types, so you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your comfort needs and lifestyle preferences.

When it comes to recliner chairs, you want to make sure that you have the right balance of comfort, durability and style – and the fabric you choose can have an impact on that. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options for fabrics and leathers, to help you make that all-important decision.

Leather is a timeless choice for your recliner. It oozes sophistication and aesthetic appeal, instantly elevating any room. It never goes out of style – and because leather is naturally resistant to spills and tear, it’s a durable option that will last for many years to come.

Leather ages beautifully as it’s exposed to elements like sunlight, regular wear and tear, and oils from your skin. These elements give the leather a unique patina, which describes the slight darkening, supple texture and soft sheen of the leather as it’s exposed to everyday life. It gives the leather a charming lived-in character that develops even further through the life of the furniture. 

Most leathers last a long time, but full-grain and top-grain leathers are the highest quality types, and are particularly durable, making them a great choice for a recliner.

But to keep your leather furniture looking at its best for years to come, you do need to give it a little TLC as it can be prone to scratches and cracks. Luckily, leather is easy to clean – simply wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to clean it. Please refer to manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines for any cleaning requirements.

Fabric upholstery for your furniture gives you a huge range of textures, colours and patterns to choose from. That means it’s a great choice if you want to express your personal style through your chairs, whether you want a look that blends in the rest of your home’s interior, or are looking to make a statement.

Here at HSL, we have a wide selection of fabrics, including our designer range from brands like Moon, Morris & Co and Sanderson, so you can really put your own stamp on your furniture.

You can order a swatch online today.

The porous nature of fabric materials means air can circulate, which can help to regulate your body temperature. This breathability can offer added comfort, especially if you’re sitting for long periods. 

Look out for fabrics that are specifically designed for heavy usage, like Aquaclean. If you have pets, you may want to opt for tightly woven fabrics as they’re less likely to be scratched or snagged on claws. And if you’re concerned about marks or stains on your seats, dark colours and patterns can help to make blemishes less noticeable. Regular vacuuming and prompt stain removal can help extend the life of your fabric upholstery.

Read about our Pet-Friendly Sofas That Are Practical and Stylish.

Velvet is synonymous with luxury – and velvet furniture offers a classic look that never goes out of style. Its timeless elegance complements any style of chair, adding depth and character through its unique sheen and texture.

And even though it’s a luxurious fabric, it’s surprisingly durable. Because velvet is a tightly woven fabric, it has no loose threads or raised weaves, meaning it’s less likely to be scratched – perfect if you have pets at home.

As with other types of fabric upholstery, the best way to ensure velvet chairs stay pristine is to incorporate them into your regular cleaning routine. Stay vigilant for marks and work quickly to clean up spills, to avoid any stains from developing.

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your living room, you’ll find a range of velvet fabrics here at HSL. Whether you prefer traditional looks or modern designs, you’re sure to find something to suit your style.

Linen is a fantastic choice for your furniture. It’s breathable and soft, making it extremely comfortable to sit on – especially during the warmer months, as it’ll help to keep you cool. Linen is also a strong and durable material, which ensures your furniture will last for a long time (while still looking great).

With a distinct, slightly textured appearance, linen has a casual yet elegant feel that suits any home. It’s versatile, so whether you prefer a rustic or contemporary style, linen could be the perfect choice for your chairs.

Aquaclean fabrics are designed for easy cleaning. These fabrics are treated with a special coating that allows you to remove most household stains using just water. They also have antibacterial properties, helping to keep your chairs hygienic.

That means they’re the perfect choice for homes with pets or children, where spills and stains can be all too common. Keep your chairs clean and hygienic without the hassle of harsh chemicals or frequent professional cleaning. Plus, their long-lasting stain resistance helps maintain the fabric's appearance over time, ensuring your furniture continues to look fresh and new even with everyday use.

Wool and other natural fibres are a great choice for those looking for natural resilience and comfort in their recliner chairs. These materials are fire-resistant and naturally hypoallergenic, making them safe and comfortable choices for any living room.

Wool is a robust, hard-wearing material that can stand up to wear and tear. That means it’s ideal for chairs that are used on a regular basis, such as those in your living room. It’s also an extremely comfortable and cosy fabric, ensuring you stay warm in winter and cooler in the summer months.

To keep your wool upholstery looking good, regularly vacuum your chairs to remove dust and debris. You should speak to a specialist if you’re looking for more thorough cleaning - they can provide expert advice on how your furniture should be cleaned to ensure it’s protected and left looking amazing.

We have a wide range of fabric choices here at HSL, including options from various heritage designer brands.

Sanderson is one of the oldest English soft furnishing brands, and it infuses that heritage into its designs today – while adding a modern touch. Their fabrics combine classic, hand-drawn patterns with beautifully vibrant patterns for beautifully intricate designs that combine the modern and classic. Try their Dahlia and Rosehip for an iconic floral look, with all the original detail.

Morris & Co is the home of celebrated British textile designer William Morris. He had a huge influence on the revival of traditional British textile arts and production methods in the 19th century, championing handmade production rather than industrial methods. Morris & Co’s designs honour William Morris’ vision, with beautiful classic designs like the iconic Strawberry Thief print, sure to make a statement in any home.

Moon is a brand with a long heritage. Founded in 1837, it’s one of the last remaining vertical woollen mills in Great Britain – and their Yorkshire mill controls all of their processes, from dying the raw wool fibres to finishing the fabrics. They offer timeless designs that will elevate any home – check out their beautiful checked fabrics for a cosy style.

When choosing a fabric for your recliner, durability is key. Think about whether you need your fabric to be durable, and how important it is that it’s easy to clean.

• Wear and tear: Leather is known for its durability and resistance to everyday wear. Tightly woven fabrics are also a good choice if you’re looking for a more durable fabric. 

• Easy clean: Leather is a great wipe-clean fabric – or if you prefer fabric, check out our Aquaclean materials with antibacterial and stain release technology which allows you to clean household stains with just water.

• High quality: Whether you choose fabric or leather, all of our materials are high quality and designed for long-term durability, comfort and visual appeal.

Keeping your chair clean will ensure it looks its best for years to come.

• Regular cleaning: Regularly vacuum your fabric recliner to reduce the build-up of dirt. If you opt for leather, make sure you regularly clean it with a soft, damp cloth. Always refer to manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning information. 

• Proper handling and care: To prevent fading, avoid placing your recliner in direct sunlight – this is particularly important for leather chairs. You can also rotate your cushions regularly to distribute wear more evenly.

• Protection from stains and spills: We advise that cleaning of upholstered furniture should be carried out by a specialist.

Choosing the right recliner chair fabric is a big decision. You should carefully consider your lifestyle needs – such as how much wear and tear the chair will endure – along with environmental factors, and personal style preferences. Taking the time to weigh up your options will ensure you select a material that enhances your living space for years to come.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Whether you choose a traditional or modern material, each type of fabric has its own unique appeal.

If you’re unsure about what chair (or fabric) is right for you, take a trip to one of our local showrooms. Or let us bring the showroom to you with our Home Visit service, so you can find the perfect chair from the comfort of your own home.

And whether you choose to shop at home or in store, our exclusive Chair Fitting service ensures that every customer finds the perfect fit for your body, providing maximum support and comfort.