Selecting The Right Fabric For Your Restaurant

When designing or refurbishing a restaurant, it's easy to get caught up in colour schemes, lighting, or layout. But one often-overlooked detail that makes a big impact on comfort, atmosphere, and longevity is your choice of fabric.

From upholstered dining chairs to banquette seating and decorative soft furnishings, the right fabric not only enhances your restaurant's aesthetic—it also ensures long-term durability, stain resistance, and compliance with commercial safety standards.

Here’s what to consider when selecting the right fabric for your restaurant.

1. Durability: Go for Contract-Grade Fabrics

Not all fabrics are created equal. Residential fabrics may look great on day one, but in a busy restaurant environment, they simply won’t last.

Always choose contract-grade fabrics, specifically designed for commercial settings. These fabrics are tested for:

• Martindale (measuring abrasion resistance)

• Pilling resistance

• Seam strength

Look for a Martindale rating of at least 30,000+ rubs for dining chairs or banquette seating in busy venues.

2. Stain and Spill Resistance

Spills are inevitable—especially in food and beverage settings. Fabrics with built-in stain resistance or moisture barriers are essential to keep your furniture looking fresh.

Popular options include:

• Crypton® or Aquaclean® fabrics (with built-in stain resistance)

• Vinyl or faux leather (easy to wipe down, great for high turnover tables)

• Treated polyester blends (durable and budget-friendly)

3. Fire Retardancy and Safety Compliance

In the UK and across much of Europe, fire safety regulations are strict for commercial interiors. Your fabric must comply with Crib 5 (BS 5852) standards for hospitality environments, especially for:

• Upholstered chairs and fixed seating

• Lounge areas and soft furnishings

If your supplier can't confirm fire ratings—walk away.

4. Style, Texture, and Colour

While performance is key, style matters too. Your fabric should complement your overall design concept and brand identity.

Consider:

• Bold colours or prints for standout feature seating

• Neutral tones for flexibility and timeless appeal

• Velvets and boucle for a soft, luxurious feel

• Leather and faux leathers for a sleek, modern finish

Tip: If your venue has lots of natural light, opt for UV-resistant fabrics to prevent fading.

5. Ease of Maintenance

The best-looking fabric won’t last if it’s a nightmare to clean. Look for fabrics that offer:

• Wipe-clean surfaces

• Removable covers (for cushions or loose upholstery)

• Antimicrobial finishes (especially useful in high-turnover or family-friendly environments)

Ask your fabric supplier or furniture manufacturer for cleaning guides before committing.

6. Acoustic Qualities

In busy restaurants, sound control matters. Soft, upholstered surfaces can help absorb sound and reduce echo—especially on walls, ceilings, and banquette seating.

If your space feels overly noisy or cavernous, adding upholstered panels or fabric-wrapped features can significantly improve acoustics.

7. Sustainability

Sustainable design is more important than ever. Look for fabrics made from recycled fibres, eco-friendly dyeing processes, or certified by sustainability standards such as:

• OEKO-TEX®

• GREENGUARD

• REPREVE® recycled yarns

Durable fabric is inherently sustainable too—because less frequent replacement means less waste.

8. Budget vs Longevity

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest option when watching your fit-out budget—but with fabric, you really do get what you pay for. A lower-cost fabric may wear or stain quickly, leading to early reupholstery costs.

Instead, invest a little more upfront in durable, commercial-quality fabrics that will last for years with minimal upkeep.

Final Thoughts

Your fabric choices do more than complete the look—they influence how customers feel, how long they stay, and how well your furniture performs over time.

When choosing the right fabric for your restaurant:

• Prioritise commercial-grade durability

• Ensure fire safety compliance

• Balance style, texture, and practicality

• Don’t overlook cleanability and maintenance

Need help selecting the right fabric for your bar, café or restaurant?
We supply a wide range of commercial-grade upholstery options tailored for hospitality venues. From hard-wearing vinyls to luxurious velvets, we’ll help you match comfort, style, and performance. Get in touch today to start your project.