3 Different Types of Upholstery Batting

Upholstery batting is the fabric padding found between two layers of upholstery covering; it is typically made from materials such as foam, cotton, or polyester. When upholstering a piece of furniture, it is important to consider the intended use the furniture will receive prior to selecting the batting material. It is also helpful to know a little about the characteristics of the different types of batting; this will help you select the most suitable batting for your room décor and for the usage it will receive.

Upholstery batting is often associated with quilting; quilt batting comes in a variety of fabrics and thickness. Several commonly used types of upholstery batting are:

Type 1- Regular Cotton Batting

One of the most common types of upholstery batting to use is cotton batting. The material used is usually a blend of cotton from different plant types. The most common materials that form the cotton felt mix of this batting are the linters and binders. 

The linter material is a wooly and fuzzy fiber that is usually on the seeds of the cotton plants. The procedure to draw out these fibers involves the combing of the “first cut” cotton from the stem. Most batting materials have an indication of the linter to binder content ratio. When purchasing cotton felt batting, take note of the two numbers in this ratio. The first number is the amount of linters in the material and the second number represents the amount of binders. 

Batting with higher linter content may be expected to result in a softer material. Take note however, that durability of the upholstery batting used may not last long with higher linter count.   

Type 2 – Polyester

Polyester is another popular batting material used for upholstery. The polyester is most common in quilts, futons and pillows. Polyester batting is a form of the foam wrap that is commonly used in many upholstered furnishings. One or more wraps are often used in foam cushions; this is to soften the edges of a piece of furniture. Another advantage of polyester upholstery batting is it is mildew resistant. Polyester upholstery batting is typically seen in outdoor furniture, patio cushions and in boat cushions. 

Type 3 – Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is another commonly used upholstery batting. It is soft upholstery batting that is durable and often have an invisible scrim. Organic cotton refers to the fact that the cotton is produced from a non-genetically enhanced cotton plant. This eliminates the risk factor of having the chemicals retained in the cotton which may affect the user of the upholstery. The most common irritants in genetically enhanced cotton materials often lead to skin rashes and other skin conditions in sensitive individuals. Organic cotton upholstery batting is also of a soft and smooth texture. 

Trends of upholstery batting continue to grow as the number of types of batting fabrics and foams also increases. Deciding on which type you want will depend on how comfortable you are with a given material. Some upholstery batting materials use a mix of healthy leaves or herbs with organic cotton to make it healthier.