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Dear Jessica,
I will be reupholstering my sofa soon and am considering using a cotton duck or linen-like fabric. What do you think of these fabric choices? — John D., Greensboro

Dear John,
There are a wide variety of fabrics suitable for upholstery, but some are better than others. There was a time when cotton was the fabric of choice, but now there are so many great options to add to the list.

While I love the look of 100 percent cotton and linen, you might want to consider a cotton or linen blend instead. There are many man-made synthetic materials that, blended with cotton, add strength and hold color a bit better than cotton alone. The blend results in a more durable fabric. The cotton content keeps the fabric soft, while the synthetic content provides durability and keeps the color true. Without actually seeing your selections, I would be inclined to suggest the blend, which is what the fabric with the linen look you described would likely be.

Selecting the correct fabric truly depends on the use. Most fabrics have different levels of durability. If you have children or pets at home, you already know that you will need a fabric that can withstand wear and tear. Some of the thinner fabrics are just not suitable for everyday use and will not be appropriate for upholstering a sofa. For example, I would use silk to upholster a living room settee or an accent chair, but would not apply it to a piece that will get heavy use.

To help narrow your search, here are some general characteristics of various
fabrics:

• Cotton: This versatile fabric is frequently used in prints and is suitable for all climates.

• Linen: A higher-end fiber, it is durable, tough and has a crisp look.

• Wool: Strong, durable and soft, it naturally resists water.

• Rayon: A soft, smooth and lustrous fiber; on its own it wrinkles easily. When combined with other fibers, it adds a silky luster to a fabric.

• Nylon: Strong, abrasive and mildew-resistant, nylon does not absorb moisture easily, making it ideally suited for outdoor use.

• Acrylic: A man-made fiber that has similar characteristics to wool and is used in plush or fleecy fabrics; this fabric resists fading but tends to pill as it wears.

• Olefin: Strong, resists soil and is used alone or blended with other fibers.

• Polyester: A resilient fiber that is blended well with others.

• Silk: A luxury fiber with a natural sheen, it is strong and resilient. The size of the fiber varies from fine to heavy, as in raw silk.

Regardless of the fabric you choose, I recommend stain and soil protection. If the fabric is not treated, purchase a spray-on, Scotch Guard-type of product or have it applied by a professional company. Stain protection products give you the opportunity to pick up or blot away spills before they soak in and ruin the fabric, however, they do not prevent wear and tear or damage.

There are so many great fabrics available today. You should have no trouble finding a linen-looking fabric that is both stylish and durable.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.