Buy with confidence
Fabric & Finish Guide
Furniture shopping throws a lot of material names at you. Here is what they actually mean for how a piece looks, holds up and cleans, so you can choose with your own home in mind.
Upholstery, in plain terms
| Material | Feels like | Best for | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance fabric | Soft woven, matte | Family rooms, kids, pets | Water-based spills blot away; check the code on the tag |
| Chenille | Plush, slightly nubby | Cozy, low-traffic seating | Vacuum, spot clean |
| Faux leather | Smooth, cool, leather-look | A leather look on a budget, wipe-clean homes | Wipes down with a damp cloth |
| Genuine leather | Supple, warms to you, ages | Heirloom seating that gains character | Condition twice a year |
| Velvet | Dense, light-catching pile | Statement chairs, formal rooms | Brush the pile, spot clean |
Rule of thumb: the busier the room, the more you want a performance weave or faux leather. Save velvet and delicate wovens for pieces that take less daily punishment.
Wood & case goods
Solid wood
Milled from real boards. Heavy, repairable, and it takes the odd knock as part of its character. The premium option for dressers and tables meant to last decades.
Engineered wood with veneer
A stable core wrapped in a thin layer of real or printed wood grain. Lighter, more affordable, and it will not warp with humidity the way some solids can. Most Signature Design case goods use this for a consistent finish at a friendly price.
What to look for in a drawer
- Dovetail joints at the corners signal a drawer built to be pulled thousands of times.
- Ball-bearing glides mean it opens smoothly even when loaded.
- A dust panel between drawers keeps contents cleaner and adds rigidity.
Next step: once you know the finish you want, use the Measure Guide to be sure the piece fits, or the Care Guide to keep it looking new.