If you're browsing upholstery fabrics, you're almost certain to come across the word "Martindale," which at first sounds quite technical and isn't really clear what it means. In fact, it shows a very simple thing: how durable a fabric is.
The Martindale test is conducted by a machine that rubs the fabric in a circular motion, counting how many rubs it can withstand before visible wear begins. The higher this number, the more resistant the fabric is to everyday use.
This is important because it matters whether a piece of furniture is just for decoration or if it's truly used every day, sat on, laid on, or perhaps even used by pets. For a home sofa, for example, a fabric with a Martindale value between 20,000 and 40,000 is usually a perfectly good choice, as it can easily withstand normal daily use. However, if there are children or pets, it's worth choosing a value above 40,000, as these materials are much more durable.
However, it's not worth looking at just this one number, because even if a fabric has a very high Martindale value, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be comfortable or have a pleasant feel. Often, the better decision is to choose according to use, rather than seeking the highest possible number.
Overall, for an average home living room, a Martindale value above 25,000 is already a safe choice, and the main thing is that the fabric should not only be durable but also visually and tactilely fit your home.