Choosing the right animal print upholstery material sets the tone for your furniture and the entire room. You’re not just picking a pattern; you’re selecting a fabric that needs to withstand daily use, cleaning, and time.
Understanding fabric types for animal print upholstery
The look and feel of animal print upholstery depend heavily on the fabric base. Common options include:
- Polyester: This is a workhorse for upholstery. It’s durable, resistant to wrinkles and shrinking, and often more affordable. Many polyester blends mimic the feel of natural fibers but offer better stain resistance. For animal prints, polyester holds dye well, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting patterns. Look for a polyester with a tight weave for better wear.
- Cotton: Natural and breathable, cotton offers a soft hand. However, it’s more prone to staining, fading, and wrinkling than synthetics. If you opt for cotton, consider a heavier weight duck or canvas for upholstery, and be prepared for more diligent cleaning. It’s best suited for accent pieces or low-traffic areas.
- Linen: Known for its natural texture and elegant drape, linen can be beautiful for animal prints. However, like cotton, it can stain easily and wrinkles readily. Blends with polyester can improve durability and wrinkle resistance. For a sophisticated look, consider linen if your furniture isn’t subjected to heavy use. You can find more details in our Linen upholstery material guide.
- Velvet: Luxurious and soft, velvet can give animal prints a dramatic and rich appearance. It’s typically made from polyester or silk. Polyester velvet offers good durability and stain resistance. The pile of the velvet can affect how the pattern appears, sometimes muting it slightly, other times making it pop.
- Performance Fabrics: These are engineered for high durability and ease of cleaning. They often have stain-repellent and antimicrobial treatments. Brands like Crypton or Sunbrella offer performance fabrics in various weaves and colors, and many are available with animal print designs. These are excellent choices for families with children or pets.
- Leather/Faux Leather: While not a fabric in the traditional sense, leather and high-quality faux leather can be embossed or printed with animal patterns. Leather is durable and develops a patina over time. Faux leather offers a more budget-friendly option and can be easier to clean, but its longevity can vary significantly by quality.
Durability factors: rub counts and fabric weight
When selecting animal print upholstery material, pay close attention to its durability. The two key metrics are the **rub count** (also known as the Martindale or Wyzenbeek test) and **fabric weight**.
Understanding rub counts
The rub count measures how many abrasion cycles a fabric can withstand before showing significant wear. Standards vary, but generally:
- Light Duty (Under 10,000 double rubs): Best for decorative pillows or items not frequently used.
- Medium Duty (10,000 – 30,000 double rubs): Suitable for casual living room furniture.
- Heavy Duty (30,000+ double rubs): Ideal for high-traffic furniture like sofas, chairs in busy family rooms, or commercial use.
For animal print upholstery on a sofa or accent chair that will see daily use, aim for at least 30,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek) or 50,000 Martindale cycles. The pattern itself can sometimes show wear before the base fabric does, so a higher rub count is always safer.
Fabric weight
Fabric weight is usually measured in ounces per square yard (oz/yd²) or grams per linear meter (g/ml). Heavier fabrics are generally more durable. For upholstery, you typically want fabrics that are at least 6 oz/yd² (approx. 200 g/m²), with heavier options (8-12 oz/yd² or 270-400 g/m²) being preferable for sofas and chairs.
Choosing the right animal print pattern
Animal prints range from subtle to bold. Consider the scale of the pattern relative to your furniture and room.
- Leopard print: Often considered classic, it can range from highly realistic to more abstract interpretations.
- Zebra print: Features bold stripes, offering a graphic and modern feel.
- Cheetah print: Similar to leopard but typically with smaller, more defined spots.
- Snake/Python print: Offers an exotic, often iridescent or textured look.
- Tiger print: Known for its distinctive stripes and color variations.
The color palette of the print also matters. While traditional brown and black animal prints are common, you can find them in bold colors, pastels, or even metallic finishes for a more contemporary look. Consider how the print will coordinate with your existing decor. If you’re hesitant about a full piece of furniture, explore animal print border wallpaper for a complementary accent.
Installation and maintenance considerations
Proper installation and care will ensure your animal print upholstery looks great for years.
Installation tips
If you’re reupholstering furniture yourself, ensure the fabric has enough body and isn’t too stretchy, which can distort the pattern. Some fabrics require a lining to prevent stretching or to add opacity. Always follow the fabric manufacturer’s recommendations for application. For professional reupholstery, discuss your fabric choice and any specific pattern-matching requirements. Pattern matching, especially for stripes or complex animal prints, can require extra yardage and labor.
Cleaning and care
Always check the cleaning code on the fabric label:
- W: Water-based cleaners are safe.
- S: Solvent-based cleaners (water-free) only.
- WS: Both water-based and solvent-based cleaners can be used.
- X: Vacuum only. Do not use water or solvent cleaners.
For most polyester and performance fabrics, spot cleaning with a mild detergent and water is effective. Blot spills immediately rather than rubbing. For velvet, brushing the pile in the correct direction when damp can help prevent matting. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading, especially for natural fibers like cotton and linen.
Where to use animal print upholstery
Animal print upholstery can be used in various ways to add personality to your home:
- Accent chairs: A single chair in a bold animal print can be a striking focal point.
- Sofas: For the truly adventurous, a sofa in animal print can be a dramatic centerpiece. Consider a smaller-scale print or a muted colorway for a less overwhelming look.
- Ottomans and poufs: These are great for introducing a touch of animal print without committing to a large piece.
- Dining chairs: Upholstering the seats of dining chairs can add a chic touch to your dining room.
- Headboards: A custom headboard in animal print fabric can be a luxurious addition to your bedroom. See our guide on headboard materials for more ideas.
- Throw pillows: An easy and affordable way to incorporate the trend.
For a coordinated look, consider pairing animal print upholstery with animal print wallpaper on an accent wall or in a powder room. Remember that animal prints can sometimes be used as a neutral, pairing surprisingly well with a variety of colors and styles, from bohemian to modern.