Designing for Real Life, Not Just Visual Impact
The CAFE LIGHTING & LIVING Approach to Upholstery Durability
At CAFE LIGHTING & LIVING, we believe great design goes beyond aesthetics, it's about how a piece performs, endures, and continues to feel considered long after installation.
Across our Sofas, Occasional Chairs and Dining Chairs & Seating collections, material selection plays a critical role in ensuring each piece not only looks refined but performs in real environments.
This is where the Martindale Test becomes essential.
Why the Martindale Test Matters
When specifying furniture for high-use environments, durability isn't a secondary consideration—it's foundational.
The Martindale Test is the industry benchmark for measuring abrasion resistance. By simulating everyday wear through repeated friction, it provides a reliable indication of how fabric will hold up over time. Results are measured in rub cycles, with higher numbers reflecting greater resilience.
Understanding Martindale Ratings
Different environments call for different levels of durability:
| Martindale Rating | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| 10,000–15,000 cycles | Occasional or decorative use |
| 15,000–25,000 cycles | General residential settings |
| 25,000–50,000 cycles | Heavy domestic or light commercial |
| 50,000+ cycles | Commercial-grade durability |
For commercial applications, a minimum of 30,000 cycles is typically recommended to ensure long-term performance.
CL&L Martindale Performance
From luxurious velvets to cotton and pure linen; our selection of free upholstery swatches are available as your perfect design resource. View the full range of swatches here.
| Upholstery Range | Martindale Rating | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| FCITY, FLOOPED | 25,000+ rubs | Residential living, occasional chairs, styled spaces |
| FHARMONY, FMEG, FMUNICH, FPRESENT, FSHARE |
40,000+ rubs | High-use residential, light commercial, dining chairs, bar stools |
| FMELBOURNE | 100,000+ rubs | Demanding commercial settings, commercial projects and fitouts |
(pictured: 34257 Paltrow Dining Chair - Speckle Gold, 34256 Paltrow Dining Chair - Speckle Ivory, 34255 Paltrow Dining Chair - Cinnamon, 34254 Paltrow Dining Chair - Rust)
Designing with Longevity in Mind
- Support long-term visual integrity
- Reduce maintenance and replacement costs
- Deliver greater value across a project's lifecycle
- Contribute to more sustainable design decisions
A well-resolved interior should feel as elevated months down the track as it did on day one. Higher Martindale ratings:
It's about specifying with intention, not just inspiration.
Final Thought
Choosing the right Martindale rating aligns performance with purpose. When fabric selection matches the demands of the environment, design moves beyond first impression and into lasting impact.
At CAFE LIGHTING & LIVING, we design with this balance in mind—where beauty meets performance, and every piece is made to be lived with, not just admired.
Explore our full range of Furniture & Lighting Collections to specify with confidence.
Care Tips for Upholstered Furniture
- Protect from sunlight — Use curtains or blinds to prevent UV damage and fading.
- Vacuum regularly — Remove dust and dirt with an upholstery brush attachment.
- Rotate cushions — Minimise wear on frequently used seats and prevent uneven fading.
- Professional cleaning — Recommended every 12 months (or every 6 months for daily-use pieces).
- Avoid dragging — Always lift furniture with two people when repositioning.
View our upholstery care guidelines for more information