I prefer the oval dot fabric because its a little more dressier than the textured fabric. The colors on my computer are probably off though so I hesitate to go by colors alone.

If I had to choose I'd take the second - the first looks like a more loosely woven chenille rayon and is not liable to wear terribly well; it will get worn down spots that aren't as shiny. The second looks a bit more durable, as well as more style-neutral.

If you want to go full-on H.Regency, do they have any solid color velvets?

Oval dot if you go with the English arm; Pebble fabric for the track arm.

For me, based on the description of the black and white graphic print, the colors, and your eclectic taste, I would choose the pebble fabric. It will be a neutral, modern base that will allow the addition of amazing, outrageous pillows, not fight with an area rug you might choose, and allow other seating pieces to perhaps go a bit more over the top.

I like the second fabric because it's more versatile and subtle. I can't quite imagine the dots on a large piece of furniture because they're so shiny. Though I think the fabric would make cute pillows.

Thanks for your comments, opinions and suggestions. Love em!

Now that I look at the color palette- it sure does look like I'm decorating a circus tent living room! Lol

Chickadee- the dots are not really shiny but have different texture than the background. It's 69%rayon 31% polyester blend. Dots are slightly raised with a chenille-y texture.

Circus-would love to do a velvet but dh has weird textural issues...reminds him of peach fuzz... Gives him the chills. Wanted to do a peacock/turquoise Or yellow sofa. But it's not in the stars ( may do a velvet chair down the line ). I posted some inspiration pics below. The dot fabric is not loosely woven
but doesn't have a coating in the back like the pebbly fabric does.

Les- the pebbly fabric is woven with both dark golden beige thread and off white threads and the background is the darker golden beige. The dot fabric is more of a taupy/gray
Laurie - yes, the dots is a little more dressy so that would go on the English arm sofa rather than the track arm. I would want a more relaxed fabric on the track arm.
Here are a couple of more pics of the fabrics.

This is a side view of the dot fabric:

Not shiny: just different texture:

Pebbly fabric:

Both fabrics:

Inspiration pictures:

Thanks!

Just FYI, our upholsterer told us to stay away from fabrics with more than just a little rayon in them since it doesn't hold up well. HTH!

Hi Hoosiergirl, thank you so much for that information. Upon further Internet research rayon is one of the most unstable least durable fibers. Ugh... Now, I really don't know what to do about fabrics as these are probably the best looking ones out of their whole fabric selection.

Thanks again! BTW, What kind of fabric did you choose for your upholstery?

I'm glad that that was useful info for you!

We went with fabrics from Robert Allen Outlet (online). This one is my favorite (for our loveseat):
http://www.robertallenoutlet.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx
and this covered our sofa:
http://www.robertallenoutlet.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=039543

I'm really, really happy with both of them. We've been using the sofas for over a year now, and they're holding up beautifully. I'm SO glad we reupholstered instead of buying new!

Here is a link that might be useful: Robert Allen Outlet Fabric Search

Rayon is unstable so thats why manufacturers add the backing to it. With the backing on it's supposed to be upholstery weight and ok to use... from what I've read. I have no experience with it.

To check if a fabric is suitable for upholstery, pull the sample fabric on both sides and see if it goes back to it's shape, and then pull it corner to corner and see if it still retains it's shape. If it stretches then it's going to stretch on your sofa and it's not a good material.

Another thing to do is hold the fabric up to a window. The more light that comes through that fabric, the larger the weave is and it won't be as strong as a tighter weave fabric.

Hoosiergirl- The sofa fabric looks great, is it a dark green? Also, the first link to the love seat fabric brought me to a sign in page, not a fabric. Can you repost? Would love to see it Now, I see what you mean about having only a little rayon in the fabric . That second fabric only has 6%rayon.

Lauriedee- only the pebbly fabric has a backing the dot fabric does not. Both retain their shape pretty well. Both let minimal light through. Thank you for the info.

Sorry about that, Dazed! Try this link:
http://www.robertallenoutlet.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=039467
(You can also click on the "1 to 1" just under the ruler to see the pattern better)

One measure of how to tell if a fabric will hold up well to upholstery is the rub count. Anything over 15,000 double rubs should be durable enough, and over 30,000 is considered heavy-duty. (But even with a high rub count, our upholsterer said to stay away from rayon -- if you get anything on it, it's horrible to try to get clean without ruining it.)

Also, if you are interested in buying from Robert Allen, it says to the trade, but you can sign in as a guest and buy fabric from them.

If you are buying a new sofa, the following article may help you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ten Questions To Ask Before Purchasing A Sofa

Thanks That fabric looks nice, Hoosier. I can sign in as guest on the outlet website or the regular Robert Allen website? Did you buy online?

The sofa manufacturer doesn't provide rub counts on their samples, unfortunately.

D

I did buy online, and signed in as a guest on the outlet website. If I remember correctly, there was a tiny link on the right side of the screen that said something like "sign in as guest" when I was going to check out.

Maybe you can ask the manufacturer for that info. Good luck!