How to Choose Tartan Upholstery Fabric

Choosing tartan upholstery fabric is about far more than selecting a pattern you like online. The colours, scale and character of a tartan can look very different once applied to a sofa, armchair or footstool. Taking a little time to assess samples and consider your room as a whole will help ensure you're delighted with the finished result.

Step 1: Order Fabric Samples

The best place to start is by ordering samples of the tartans you are considering.

Colours can appear very different from one screen to another and a tartan that catches your eye online may feel quite different when viewed in person.

Samples allow you to assess:

• Colour combinations
• Pattern scale
• Texture
• Overall character

Seeing several tartans side by side often makes the decision much easier.

Step 2: View Samples in Your Room

Place the samples where the furniture will be used and view them throughout the day.

Look at them:

• In morning light
• During the afternoon
• In the evening
• Under artificial lighting

Many tartans reveal different qualities depending on the light. Deep reds, greens and blues often become much richer in the evening, while lighter tartans can feel softer and more relaxed in natural daylight.

The tartan that continues to work well in all conditions is usually the strongest choice.

Step 3: Consider the Size of the Furniture

Pattern scale is particularly important with upholstery.

A tartan that looks subtle on a small sample can become a dramatic feature when stretched across a large sofa. Likewise, a tartan that seems bold on a sample may look perfectly balanced once upholstered.

Consider how the tartan will appear on:

• A three-seater sofa
• A wingback chair
• A footstool
• Dining chairs
• A window seat

Try to imagine the pattern repeated across the entire piece rather than focusing on the sample alone.

Step 4: Think About Existing Colours

One of the easiest ways to choose a tartan is to identify colours already present in the room.

Look at:

• Wall colours
• Flooring
• Rugs
• Curtains
• Cushions
• Wood finishes

The most successful interiors often pick up one or two colours from elsewhere in the room.

For example:

Green Tartans

Work beautifully with:

• Oak furniture
• Natural stone
• Country interiors

Blue Tartans

Often suit:

• Coastal themes
• Contemporary schemes
• Neutral backgrounds

Red Tartans

Create:

• Warmth
• Character
• Traditional country house style

Weathered Tartans

Offer a softer, more relaxed appearance and often work well in both traditional and modern interiors.

Step 5: Decide How Bold You Want to Be

Ask yourself:

Feature Piece?

If the furniture is intended to be a focal point, a larger or more colourful tartan can work extremely well.

Supporting Piece?

If the furniture needs to sit comfortably within an established scheme, a quieter tartan may be more appropriate.

Some customers choose tartan for:

• Entire sofas

Others prefer it for:

• Armchairs
• Footstools
• Cushions
• Window seats

There is no right answer. The key is understanding how much visual impact you want the tartan to have.

Step 6: Speak to Your Upholsterer

Before ordering fabric, obtain a fabric estimate from your upholsterer.

Tartan upholstery often requires additional fabric to allow patterns to be positioned and matched correctly.

Fabric requirements depend on:

• Furniture size
• Cushion arrangement
• Pattern repeat
• Upholstery style

An experienced upholsterer will be able to calculate this accurately and help avoid ordering too little fabric.

Step 7: Order with Confidence

Once you have:

• Compared samples
• Assessed colours in your room
• Chosen your preferred tartan
• Confirmed fabric quantities

you can place your order with confidence.

Taking these additional steps significantly increases the likelihood of achieving a beautiful result that you'll enjoy for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tartan suitable for modern interiors?

Yes. Contemporary and weathered tartans can work exceptionally well in modern interiors, particularly when paired with neutral colours and natural materials.

Should I choose a large or small tartan?

This depends on the size of the furniture and the visual impact you want to create. Larger tartans tend to make a stronger statement, while smaller checks often feel more traditional and understated.

Do tartans work on sofas?

Absolutely. Tartan can create anything from a classic country house look to a contemporary statement piece depending on the colours and design chosen.

How much fabric will I need?

Requirements vary by project. Your upholsterer should provide an accurate estimate before fabric is ordered.