Manalto wrote:
I priced mohair fabric for an old car I had years ago (in the 1930s it went into the most ordinary models) and the price was prohibitive. Natural fibers, especially the ones no longer commonly in production, are climbing in price. Sorry to say, eventually it will be polyester everything.
Upholstery materials are their own special racket. Many are available to the trade only (ie you must be a designer or upholsterer of some status to purchase the better ones from the distributor) and the prices are just insane.
Like 100% silk peau de soie for garments (a heavy, almost satin-like material, used for things like bridal gowns) can cost about $ 35.00 per yd, if it is of Chinese origin, from a wholesaler. An identical peau de soie, from Italy can cost $ 100.00 or more, retail. To my eye/hand they look nearly identical. Polyester peau de soie costs about $ 10.00/yd.
Yet a synthetic upholstery material, that looks similar, of a similar weight/weave can be priced anywhere from $ 45.00/yd and up. A pure silk upholstery material can cost $ 150.00/yd to more than $ 500.00/yd, if there is a designer brand attached to it !
Many of the older materials (like mohair velvets) wear so much better than the newer synthetics. Same with regards to the construction of the sofas. Hardwood frames, hand tied springs and horsehair stuffing can last for decades until they need a tune - up - and can be reused. Meanwhile the sofa that is mostly foam, with a synthetic covering material starts to break down within a decade.
There are some upstart companies that are focussed on using organic and ethically sourced materials, with things like natural latex foam, or low VOC foam. They can't compete with the range of a larger corporation, though, and are only a niche market. I guess this is why there are only a couple of horsehair upholstery fabric manufacturers left, since their raw materials are now much scarcer than 130 years ago.
I have seen more than a couple of antique settees with original horsehair fabric be posted for sale - and unless they had water or mold damage many of them still looked great. Ikea would go out of business if their sofas lasted for 150 years !
