How to choose your fabric
PRIVATE HOMES AND EVERYDAY DESIGN
Choose a fabric that suits both the way your furniture will be used and the atmosphere you want to create. Practical woven fabrics, refined chenilles, easy-care finishes and suitable leather or faux leather can work beautifully in private kitchens, dining areas and open-plan interiors, while richer textures can add a more individual designer character.
ARMCHAIRS AND ACCENT CHAIRS
You can consider a wider range of textures, bouclé, velvets, designer patterns and tactile finishes. These fabrics can create a stronger statement, particularly on a sculptural armchair or occasional chair.
BESPOKE AND DESIGNER PROJECTS
Statement patterns, expressive textures, long-pile fabrics and couture upholstery can create a distinctive finish in private design-led homes. They are especially effective on sculptural armchairs, occasional chairs, feature dining chairs and carefully chosen bar stools, with guidance helping to coordinate pattern, pile direction and the construction of the selected piece.
Explore the Price Groups
Explore the fabrics available in each Price Group:
Price Group 1 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 2 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 3 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 4 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 5 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 6 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 7 — View the fabric collection
Recommended fabrics by Price Group
Price Group 1 — Everyday Texture and Versatile Upholstery
Price Group 1 is a practical starting point for customers looking for an elegant fabric at an accessible price level. These fabrics work particularly well on dining chairs, swivel chairs and domestic bar stools, while selected textures can also create a relaxed armchair.
Recommended fabrics
Deluxe — A versatile starting point for customers who want an understated upholstered finish for everyday chairs, stools and armchairs.
Torre — A refined option for contemporary dining chairs and bar stools, especially where a calm, tailored look is preferred.
Matuu — A practical choice for modern interiors, with a balanced appearance that works across chairs, stools and occasional seating.
Tilda — A strong everyday recommendation where easy maintenance and a family-friendly upholstery choice are important, subject to the exact specification.
Antique — A versatile fabric for customers who want a classic, softly textured look on dining chairs or an armchair.
Galaxy — A dependable all-round option for contemporary furniture, suitable for coordinated dining seating and selected bar stools.
Shout — A structured woven choice that adds quiet texture without overpowering the shape of the furniture.
Asset — A modern textured fabric for customers who want a tailored, contemporary finish on a chair or armchair.
Aosta — A subtle woven option that complements natural wood finishes and understated interiors.
Tunis — A versatile structured fabric for modern chairs, stools and armchairs where texture is more important than a bold pattern.
Who this group is for
Choose Price Group 1 for first homes, family dining areas, everyday seating, customers who prefer understated colours and projects where value and versatility are important.
Best for
Dining chairs, swivel chairs, domestic bar stools and relaxed armchairs.
Consider this group for
Choose the individual fabric that best complements your furniture design and interior. Textured, bouclé, high-pile and directional options can create a beautiful result on accent chairs, armchairs and occasional seating, while more understated fabrics are well suited to dining chairs and everyday stools.
Price Group 2 — Everyday Performance and Easy-Care Choices
Price Group 2 is one of our strongest starting points for everyday furniture. It brings together practical, versatile fabrics for customers who want their dining chairs, swivel chairs or bar stools to look refined while coping with regular domestic use.
Recommended fabrics
Brigadier — An easy-clean chenille and a strong choice for dining chairs and bar stools used regularly.
Astico — A performance chenille suitable for customers looking for a practical option for everyday seating.
Cavalry — A performance chenille well suited to kitchens, dining areas and busy family interiors.
Albany — An elegant, subtly textured chenille that works across dining chairs, armchairs and selected bar stools.
Cetara — A calm, textured semi-plain fabric that is easy to coordinate with a wide range of furniture styles.
Linoso — A contemporary fabric with a natural linen-like appearance, suitable for dining chairs and relaxed interiors.
Perfecto — A modern textured plain fabric that works well across chairs and armchairs.
Bronco — A soft, smooth chenille offering a practical and versatile upholstery option for chairs and armchairs.
Watson — A British chenille containing recycled fibres, for customers looking for a more considered material choice.
Jade — An easy-clean velvet for elegant chairs and armchairs; consider the intended level of use before choosing it for frequently used bar stools.
Who this group is for
Choose Price Group 2 for busy households, kitchen islands, regular dining, family seating, customers who want easy-to-coordinate neutrals and anyone looking for a strong balance between price, appearance and everyday practicality.
Best for
Dining chairs, swivel chairs, bar stools and frequently used armchairs, subject to the exact fabric specification.
Consider this group for
This group is an excellent choice for customers looking for attractive, practical upholstery for everyday furniture. Choose a plain or subtly textured fabric for dining chairs and bar stools, or select a richer chenille, velvet or patterned option when you want your chair or armchair to have more character.
Additional fabrics in this group
Other fabrics available in Price Group 2 include Aurora, Georges, Thames, Marmellata, Deli, Dalia, Denso, Yarra, Niagara, Bingo, Cannes, San Remo, Danube, Rhapsody, Imagine Me, Tease Me, Need Me, Chopper, Tracy, Alice, IKOO, Amazon, Bolti, Comfi, Palma, Emoji, Opal and Island. Some fabrics, including Bingo, Marmellata, Emoji, Island and Dress Me, may be better suited to more decorative or carefully considered projects because of their stripes, jacquard character or pronounced texture.
Price Group 3 — Premium Performance and Refined Texture
Price Group 3 is designed for customers looking for a more elevated finish, richer texture or additional technical features. It is suitable for premium dining chairs, bar stools, swivel chairs and statement armchairs.
Recommended fabrics
Cambone — A refined performance-led option for customers who want a practical fabric with a more premium appearance.
Futura — A contemporary fabric for modern dining chairs, swivel chairs and bar stools where clean design and texture matter.
Barletta — A polished choice for premium seating, combining an elegant surface with a versatile interior character.
Barnard — A sophisticated option for customers who want their chairs or stools to feel more considered and substantial.
StyleCare — A practical premium recommendation where cleanability and a refined appearance are both important, subject to confirmation of the exact specification.
Innovation — A modern performance-oriented choice for regular-use seating and contemporary interiors.
Bull — A confident, durable-looking option for customers who want a stronger visual character on a chair, stool or armchair.
Cameron FR — A strong option for projects where a fabric with an FR designation is being considered; the exact certification and suitability must be confirmed before ordering.
Padova — A refined fabric for elegant dining chairs, swivel chairs and armchairs in a more elevated interior scheme.
Rocco — A premium-looking option with a richer character, particularly effective on sculptural chairs and occasional armchairs.
Who this group is for
Choose Price Group 3 for private design-led homes, refined neutral schemes, premium dining areas, open-plan kitchens, larger residential projects and customers seeking a step up from everyday upholstery. Selected commercial applications may also be possible where the exact specification is confirmed.
Best for
Premium dining chairs, swivel chairs, bar stools and armchairs.
Consider this group for
Choose the fabric that best suits the role of your furniture. Performance plains and refined weaves are strong choices for dining chairs, swivel chairs and bar stools, while chenilles, tactile textures and FR options can create a distinctive finish on armchairs, statement chairs and private design-led interiors and selected commercial projects where the exact specification is confirmed.
Price Group 4 — Designer Textures and Statement Weaves
Price Group 4 introduces more expressive textures, designer weaves, bouclé and distinctive finishes. These fabrics are ideal when the upholstery is intended to become part of the interior design rather than simply provide a neutral covering.
Recommended fabrics
Artesia Weaves — A strong designer-woven choice for sophisticated dining chairs, armchairs and selected stools.
Protegé — A refined textured option for customers who want a distinctive but controlled upholstery finish.
Moquette — A rich tactile choice for statement chairs and armchairs with a more luxurious presence.
Madison — A versatile designer option for elegant chairs, stools and contemporary armchairs.
Ruskin — A considered textured fabric for interiors that value depth, structure and a tailored finish.
Lines — A directional choice that can emphasise the clean silhouette of a contemporary chair or armchair.
Alston — A sophisticated woven option for premium dining spaces and individual statement pieces.
Southwest — A distinctive textured choice for customers looking for a stronger design identity.
Soren — A soft bouclé-inspired option, best suited to armchairs, occasional chairs and carefully selected dining chairs.
Vellutto — A luxurious velvety choice for armchairs and elegant chairs where depth of colour and surface movement are desired.
Who this group is for
Choose Price Group 4 for design-conscious private clients, interior designers, design-led homes, statement dining chairs, accent chairs and armchairs that need more visual character.
Best for
Armchairs, accent chairs, selected dining chairs and carefully specified bar stools.
Consider this group for
These fabrics are ideal when you want the upholstery to become part of the interior design. Use expressive textures, directional weaves and bouclé to highlight curved chairs, armchairs and occasional pieces, or choose a more understated design for an elegant dining chair or carefully considered bar stool.
Price Group 5 — Designer Luxury Upholstery
Price Group 5 is for customers looking for distinctive designer fabrics, richer textures and a more individual finish. These fabrics are particularly effective on sculptural armchairs, premium dining chairs and bespoke projects.
Recommended fabrics
Dieter Vander Velpen Textures — A distinctive designer texture for customers seeking a more architectural, tactile finish.
Dieter Vander Velpen Velvets — A luxurious option for armchairs and statement seating where colour depth and softness are central to the design.
Dieter Vander Velpen Weaves — A refined woven choice for premium chairs and armchairs with a contemporary character.
Highgrove — A sophisticated option for elegant dining chairs and bespoke armchairs.
Teddy FR — A tactile statement choice with an FR designation; the exact certification and application must be confirmed before ordering.
Timeless Textures — A premium textural option for customers who want depth without relying on a bold pattern.
Juego — A distinctive designer fabric for individual pieces and carefully considered interiors.
Zkara — A refined choice for statement chairs and armchairs where the upholstery is intended to be noticed.
Istoria — A characterful option for bespoke projects and elegant accent seating.
Nuala — A premium fabric for customers seeking a sophisticated, tactile finish on an armchair or dining chair.
Who this group is for
Choose Price Group 5 for private design-led homes, bespoke interiors, interior designers, one-off armchairs, premium dining chairs and customers who want the fabric to be a key part of the finished piece.
Best for
Armchairs, accent chairs, premium dining chairs and bespoke projects.
Consider this group for
Choose this group when you want your furniture to make a confident design statement. Rich textures, designer velvets and distinctive weaves work especially well on sculptural armchairs, accent chairs and premium dining chairs. For a bar stool, select a fabric that complements both the shape of the design and the way the stool will be used.
Price Group 6 — Dedar and Italian Couture Fabrics
Price Group 6 is our Italian couture upholstery selection. These fabrics are chosen for exceptional visual character, refined texture and a distinctive design presence. They are particularly suited to luxury armchairs, statement chairs and carefully specified bespoke furniture.
Recommended fabrics
Adamo & Eva — A refined Italian option for elegant chairs and armchairs where a luxurious, composed finish is desired.
Rododendro — A distinctive designer fabric for customers who want texture and character on a premium upholstered piece.
Vézac — A sophisticated choice for bespoke chairs and armchairs in elevated interiors.
Marabou — A tactile Italian option for statement seating and carefully selected accent chairs.
Plushy — A soft, expressive choice for armchairs and occasional chairs with a luxurious presence.
Crystal Castle — A distinctive premium fabric for customers looking for a more individual, design-led finish.
Alcantara — A contemporary luxury option for modern chairs and armchairs; suitability depends on the exact specification and model.
Karakorum — A dramatic tactile choice for statement armchairs and selected sculptural chairs.
Nimbus — A soft, expressive option for premium accent seating where texture is central to the design.
Belsuede — An elegant suede-look choice for customers seeking a sophisticated, enveloping finish.
Who this group is for
Choose Price Group 6 for private design-led homes, Italian design lovers, luxury interiors, interior designers, statement armchairs, premium accent chairs and one-off bespoke commissions.
Best for
Armchairs, occasional chairs, statement dining chairs and selected bespoke projects.
Consider this group for
These Italian and designer fabrics are an excellent choice for customers who want a truly distinctive piece. Use expressive textures, velvet, tactile surfaces and statement weaves to enhance armchairs, occasional chairs and feature dining chairs. They can also create an exceptional bar stool when the fabric is selected to suit the design and setting.
Price Group 7 — Leather, Faux Leather and Special Finishes
Price Group 7 brings together leather, faux leather and specialist surfaces. These materials are particularly effective on bar stools, dining chairs and armchairs where a more structured, easy-to-wipe or premium natural finish is preferred.
Recommended fabrics and leathers
Canyon — A strong starting point for customers seeking a practical leather-look finish for bar stools, dining chairs and busy kitchen spaces, subject to confirmation of the exact specification.
Omega — A versatile option for everyday chairs and stools with a clean, tailored appearance.
Colorado — A practical leather-look choice for contemporary dining chairs, bar stools and selected armchairs.
Modena — A sophisticated option for customers who want an elegant leather-look surface with a refined interior character.
Uruguay — A versatile choice for modern chairs, stools and armchairs where a structured surface is preferred.
Nappatech — A contemporary specialist finish for customers looking for a sleek, tailored appearance.
Sunhide — A strong option for modern seating and projects where a leather-inspired look is important.
Torro — A characterful choice for chairs, stools and selected armchairs, subject to the technical specification of the chosen colourway.
Milano — A premium natural leather option for customers who value authentic material character and a refined finish.
Full Grain — A luxury natural leather choice where natural variation, texture and longevity are part of the appeal.
Who this group is for
Choose Price Group 7 for private kitchens, open-plan dining areas, contemporary homes, design-led apartments and customers who prefer leather or leather-look upholstery. Commercial enquiries can also be considered where the exact specification is confirmed.
Best for
Bar stools, dining chairs, swivel chairs and premium armchairs.
Consider this group for
Choose this group for a structured, tailored finish on bar stools, dining chairs, swivel chairs and armchairs. Leather, faux leather and specialist surfaces can work particularly well in private kitchens, dining areas, contemporary homes and design-led interiors. Natural variation and surface character can make each finished piece feel individual and personal.
Our quick recommendations by furniture type
FOR BAR STOOLS
Start with Price Groups 2, 3 and 7. Recommended Price Group 2 choices include Brigadier, Astico, Cavalry, Albany, Cetara, Linoso, Perfecto, Bronco, Watson and Jade. For a more decorative stool, consider selected fabrics from Groups 4–6 after confirming suitability and pattern placement.
FOR DINING CHAIRS
Start with Price Groups 1–3 for versatile everyday upholstery. Recommended Price Group 2 choices include Albany, Cetara, Linoso, Perfecto, Bronco, Watson and Jade, alongside suitable options from the other Price Groups.
FOR SWIVEL CHAIRS
Choose fabrics with a composed surface and suitable durability for repeated contact. Strong starting points include Brigadier, Sherlock, Albany, Cambone, Futura, StyleCare, Bull, Canyon, Colorado and Milano.
FOR ARMCHAIRS
You can explore the widest selection. Consider Rocco, Vellutto, Dieter Vander Velpen Velvets, Highgrove, Nuala, Adamo & Eva, Karakorum, Nimbus, Belsuede and Full Grain. Bouclé, velvet, designer patterns and tactile finishes can work beautifully when selected for the model and intended use.
Fabric samples and final suitability
Our fabric recommendations are intended to make choosing your MEK Design piece simple and enjoyable. Colours and textures can appear slightly different on screen depending on lighting, display settings and surrounding colours. If you would like to see a fabric in person before ordering, samples are available on request. Please contact MEK Design UK if you would like help confirming the chosen fabric, model, upholstery layout, piping or any two-tone combination. For private design projects, we can also help you consider how the fabric will work with the room, surrounding materials and overall interior scheme.