Key upholstery fabric trends for 2025: the designers' guide

The upholstery fabric landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation as we move into 2025, reflecting broader shifts in consumer preferences and design philosophies.

Based on our extensive experience in textile manufacturing and market analysis, we're seeing several key trends emerge that are reshaping how designers approach fabric selection. It looks set to be an exciting year ahead!

Taking sustainability in products and manufacturing even further

Sustainability has become a central theme in design, and furniture materials are following suit. More consumers are seeking furniture that is eco-conscious yet luxurious.

“Sustainability will remain top of mind as we look for materials sourced from renewable resources, vintage, and antiques.” – designer Rebecca Ward

On a health and safety front, 2025 sees the availability of transparent information around harmful substances becoming even more urgent. We’re glad to see that consumers can find accurate information easier than ever before, allowing them to streamline their purchasing choices.

Of course, this affects us as well, as a business that strives to be environmentally conscious, socially responsible and economically viable.

FibreGuard’s upholstery is safe and non toxic: get the full story.

Bold colour choices dominate textile selection

Following years of neutral dominance, the market is witnessing a dramatic return to colour. Magenta and tangerine have emerged as particularly influential hues, though their application varies by market segment.

“Bold, saturated colours are making a comeback in 2025. Colour-drenched rooms, featuring a single hue in varying shades, create a cohesive and impactful look.” – Essential Home

Our textile development teams report increasing requests for rich, saturated base cloths that can support these bold colourways while maintaining depth and texture.

“These colour palettes are truly the epitome of luxury,” said Kristen Moonjian, of Fashion Snoops. “They feel rich and very sophisticated, and they pull in a lot of these waxed jewel tones and saturated mid-tones for a very rich and surprisingly cozy range of colour.”

We've been watching this colour evolution since March 2023, with our article exploring burgundy and jewel tone fabrics. Read it here.

Textured upholstery fabrics: a focal design element in 2025

The technical aspects of fabric construction are taking centre stage as texture becomes a primary design consideration. This shift represents more than aesthetic preference – it's about creating multisensory experiences in interior spaces.

“Layering them is in—it’s really lavish! The trend signals a move toward texture as the focal point of design, creating a more sensory experience at home.” – Erika Cross, furniture designer and founder of Erika Cross Studio.

Manufacturing innovations have enabled the development of complex weaves that combine durability with visual and tactile interest.

Designers are particularly drawn to fabrics that offer contrasting surface treatments within the same piece. This might manifest as subtle variations in pile height or the interplay of matte and lustrous yarns within a single weave structure.

Need more info? Check out Textured Furnishing Fabrics: A Guide.

The curve continues to make waves (in furniture design)

Curved sofas, rounded armchairs, and scalloped edges have been growing ever more popular since we first wrote about it in 2022.

“A curved sofa is a great way to make a strong visual statement with what is arguably the most important piece of furniture in your living room. I love that a curved sofa has the potential to feel very modern and upscale, but also very organically inspired and soft and cozy. If you select a beautifully made curved sofa in a versatile colour and with high-quality upholstery, there's no reason to think it wouldn't have the same level of staying power as any other style. It's all about trusting your aesthetic instincts!'’ – Kathy Kuo, CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, a recognized tv personality and aspirational interior designer, as featured in Homes & Gardens

The current emphasis in interior design in general lies squarely on creating cosy, relaxing, mood-boosting homes, and with their soft lines and wavy edges, curves are undeniably fun. This surge in demand presents unique challenges and opportunities in upholstery fabric selection, of course.

It’s been interesting to see which of our collections are becoming favourites in the market for rounded furniture. We’re seeing the following features of our upholstery fabrics becoming the most important for this market:

1. Focus on Durability and Flexibility: Curved sofas need upholstery fabrics that are two things: durable and flexible. They must be, to maintain their appearance and functionality over time. FibreGuard’s performance upholstery have both qualities as standard: we’re curve-ready.
2. Emphasis on Texture and Tactility: We’re seeing a sort of fusion here between two hot trends: curvy furniture, and textured upholstery. Our plusher fabric ranges are popular, with velvet or bouclé, because they offer a rich sensory experience that enhances the visual appeal of curved furniture.
3. Sustainability Considerations: Consumers who are up on furniture trends tend to also be highly sensitive to sustainability concerns. We take sustainability very seriously at FibreGuard, and it’s one of the core values of our company. Our easy clean fabric collections range from recycled fabrics to organic fibres, and other sustainable options. FibreGuard: easy clean, eco-friendly performance fabrics for everyone.

Looking forward to 2025 with FibreGuard

As we head into 2025, these trends are likely to evolve further. Technological advancements in textile manufacturing, along with shifting consumer preferences, are the drivers of this.

The successful integration of these elements – sustainability, colour, texture, and technical performance – will be crucial for designers seeking to create winning spaces.

For designers navigating these trends, the key lies in understanding that certain fabrics are suitable for specific applications. It’s a fine balance between the visual appeal of a certain upholstery fabric with the technical characteristics demanded.

As textile manufacturers continue to innovate, the possibilities for creating distinctive and sustainable interiors will only expand.