Picking the right fabric starts with understanding how the material will be used in your space. Different textures, weights, and finishes work better for certain furniture pieces and decorative projects.
Fabric Types for Home Interior Projects
Home decorating fabric comes in several material types, each suited for different applications around the home. Cotton upholstery fabric is a popular option for dining chair fabric, casual seating, and decorative pillows because it has a soft feel and is relatively easy to maintain. Polyester fabric is often chosen for sofa fabric and accent chair fabric because it handles daily wear well and resists fading over time.
Velvet upholstery fabric adds texture and depth to statement furniture pieces like ottomans and accent chairs. For projects that need added durability, heavy-duty materials like Cordura and canvas-style fabrics are useful for high-traffic seating and DIY reupholstery projects.
Midwest Fabrics also carries designer home decor fabric options in solids, textured fabric styles, and pattern fabric selections that work well across different decorating styles.
How to Choose Fabric for Your Home Project
The best fabric for home decorating depends on how the finished piece will be used. Decorative pillows and drapery fabric can often use lighter materials, while seating areas benefit from thicker upholstery fabric with better abrasion resistance.
For homes with kids or pets, washable home decor fabric and stain resistant fabric are practical choices for sofas, dining chairs, and everyday seating. Pattern scale also matters. Large prints usually work better on bigger furniture pieces, while smaller patterns fit compact projects more naturally.
If you’re unsure about color or texture, ordering fabric samples can help before purchasing larger quantities. Since Midwest Fabrics sells home decor fabric by the yard, it’s easier to order the right amount for your project without overbuying.
Home Decor Fabric Applications
Home decor fabric works across a wide range of furniture and decorative projects, from full reupholstery jobs to smaller home updates.
Upholstery Fabric for Sofas & Chairs
Many customers use upholstery fabric for furniture projects like sofa reupholstery, dining chair seat replacement, accent chairs, and ottomans. Smaller projects like dining chair seats may only require about half a yard to one yard of fabric, while armchairs often need three to five yards. Larger sofas can require ten yards or more depending on the frame size and cushion count.
Cotton and polyester fabrics are common for everyday seating because they balance comfort and durability. Velvet upholstery is often chosen for decorative or formal furniture pieces.
For buyers looking for more project-specific seating materials, this dedicated selection of indoor furniture upholstery fabric offers additional options focused specifically on furniture applications.
Many upholstery projects also involve replacing worn cushions, which is why customers often pair fabric purchases with upholstery foam for seat restoration and cushion support.
Decorative & Accent Projects
Fabric for home decor is also commonly used for throw pillows, table runners, cushion covers, fabric wall panels, and curtain projects. Floral home decor fabric works well for traditional and cottage-inspired interiors, while plaid home decor fabric fits rustic, farmhouse, and casual spaces.
Because most home decor fabric comes in a standard 54 inch width, it’s often suitable for larger decorative projects without requiring multiple seams. Textured fabric and solid fabric options also make it easier to coordinate with existing furniture and paint colors.
For removable pillow covers and soft furnishings, many DIYers also use hook and loop fastener products to simplify assembly and cleaning.
Why Shop Home Decor Fabric at Midwest Fabrics
Midwest Fabrics has supplied upholstery and decorating materials since 1983, helping homeowners, DIYers, and upholstery shops find practical materials for interior projects. Unlike large online marketplaces, the collection focuses on real upholstery and decorating applications with fabrics sold by the yard and no large minimum purchase requirements.
Customers shopping for home decor fabric online can order samples before committing to larger yardage, making it easier to confirm texture and color in person. Midwest Fabrics also regularly carries closeout and discount home decor fabric, giving buyers access to quality materials at lower prices.
For local customers searching for home decor fabric stores, the South St. Paul, MN location offers the ability to browse fabrics in person and compare materials directly. If you’d like to explore additional materials beyond this category, you can also browse the full upholstery fabric collection for more styles and applications.
Browse the full home decor fabric collection above to find the right material for your next upholstery or decorating project.
Home Decor Fabric FAQs