Luxury Upholstery Linen Fabrics

Our fine linen collections are designed to meet your specific needs, being both tactile and beautiful to the eye.

For upholstery linen usage, durability is a key consideration. Many linen fabrics are unsuited to the rigours of use on sofas and chairs. KOTHEA upholstery linens are specifically designed for that job in both domestic and contract scenarios.

Our upholstery linens have Martindale rub test scores varying from 15,000 to 80,000 making them a safe choice for most upholstery uses from residential villas to contract hotels.

We have several natural, 100% linens as well as linen-mixes.

Collections

Relax Linen

Fibre type: Linen

Composition: 100% linen

Martindale rub count: In excess of 15,000

Finish: Pre-washed

Width: 135 cm

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Upholstery, curtains

Weaving origin: Europe

Colourways available: 24

Restful Linen

Fibre type: Linen

Composition: 100% linen

Martindale rub count: In excess of 45,000

Finish: Pre-washed

Width: 135 cm

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Upholstery, curtains

Weaving origin: Europe

Colourways available: 4

Recline Linen

Fibre type: Linen mix

Composition: 54% linen 35% cotton 11% polyamide

Martindale rub count: 80,000

Finish: Pre-washed

Width: 135 cm

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Upholstery, curtains

Weaving origin: Europe

Colourways available: 24

Linen Velvet

Fibre type: Linen

Composition: 100% linen pile

Martindale rub count: 20,000

Fire rating: SI 1324 cigarette test pass

Width: 140 cm

Pile type: Cut pile

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Upholstery, curtains

Weaving origin: Europe

Colourways available: 12

Raft 2

Fibre type: Linen mix

Composition: Cotton and cellulose

Wyzenbeek rub count: 40,000 double rubs. See Martindale vs Wyzenbeek explained.

FR treatment: Can be treated on request

Width: 132 to 137 cm when trimmed

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Upholstery; general contract and heavy upholstery

Minimum order: 5 metres

Colourways available: 3

Frequently Asked Questions

What Martindale rub count do I need for upholstery linen?

For domestic upholstery such as sofas and occasional chairs in a private residence, a minimum of 15,000 Martindale rubs is generally considered acceptable. For heavier domestic use or rental properties, 25,000 or above is a safer specification. For contract environments such as hotel bedrooms or restaurant seating, 40,000 rubs or above is recommended. Kothea’s upholstery linen range extends from 15,000 to 80,000 Martindale rubs, covering residential through to contract specification. For full guidance on rub count thresholds see our complete guide to the Martindale rub test.

Is linen strong enough for upholstery?

Standard decorative linen is not always suitable for upholstery. Many linen fabrics are woven for curtains or wall covering and lack the thread density and construction required to withstand repeated use on seating. Kothea’s upholstery linens are specifically selected and tested for that application. Each range in the upholstery linen collection carries a confirmed Martindale rub count, which standard decorative linens typically do not.

What is pre-washed linen and why does it matter for upholstery?

Pre-washed linen has been washed before it leaves the mill, which removes the majority of residual shrinkage from the fabric. For upholstery this is important because fabric that shrinks after being applied to a chair or sofa will pucker and distort. Pre-washed linen is dimensionally more stable and reduces the risk of that outcome. The Relax, Restful, and Recline Linen ranges from Kothea are all pre-washed.

What is the difference between 100% linen and a linen mix for upholstery?

Pure linen has a distinctive handle and natural variation in texture that many designers specify for its aesthetic character. A linen mix, such as Recline Linen which combines linen with cotton and polyamide, typically achieves a higher Martindale rub count than pure linen of equivalent weight, making it more suitable for heavier-use contract applications. The polyamide content in particular adds abrasion resistance without significantly changing the appearance of the fabric.

Can upholstery linen be specified for contract hotel use?

Yes, subject to the correct range selection. Recline Linen at 80,000 Martindale rubs and Raft 2 at 40,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs are both suitable for contract environments. Raft 2 can also be treated with a flame-retardant finish on request, which may be required depending on the specific contract fire rating standard applicable to the project.

What is the difference between Martindale and Wyzenbeek rub counts for linen?

Both are standard abrasion tests but they use different methods and are not directly comparable. Martindale is the standard used in the United Kingdom and Europe. Wyzenbeek is more commonly specified in the United States. Most Kothea upholstery linens are tested to Martindale. Raft 2 is tested to Wyzenbeek. If your project specifies one standard, confirm which test applies to the range you are selecting before finalising your specification. For a full comparison see Martindale vs Wyzenbeek explained.