If you’re looking for upholstery fabric that blends heritage, quality and a distinctive aesthetic, look no further than Harris Tweed. This authentic tweed weave is used across fashion and furnishing and is one of the most eco-conscious, naturally beautiful fabrics you can embrace in your home.
From cosy fireside armchairs to statement sofas, Harris Tweed is an incredible fabric for our handcrafted upholstered furniture. Read on to learn more about Harris Tweed in our buying guide, and be sure to pop into your nearest showroom for one-to-one advice tailored to your home.
We also supply up to 8 free fabric samples to give you a sense of this fabric in the comfort of your own home.
The story of Harris Tweed upholstery
Harris Tweed is steeped in a rich history that spans centuries, with its origins rooted in the rugged landscapes of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. This remarkable fabric has been handwoven by islanders on these remote islands since the 19th century, using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Each piece of Harris Tweed is crafted from 100% pure new wool, sourced from local sheep and dyed with natural pigments inspired by the surrounding Hebrides. What makes Harris Tweed truly special is its authenticity. Every metre of fabric is produced entirely by hand, on a treadle loom, in the weaver’s own home. The Harris Tweed Orb Mark guarantees that you’re getting a fabric of unmatched heritage and craftsmanship.
Why choose Harris Tweed upholstery for your home?
We’re proud to offer a selection of authentic Harris Tweed upholstery fabrics for upholstering our bespoke sofas, chairs and beds. Available in several beautiful colourways, this is a fabric that will never go out of style.
Here are some additional reasons why you might select a Harris Tweed upholstery fabric for your Sofas & Stuff creation:
- It tells a story: Harris Tweed is a fabric with a story to tell. Its rich heritage and classic look speak volumes and add an authentic charm and character to your space.
- It’s durable: Alongside its visual appeal, Harris Tweed is a practical upholstery fabric too. Crafted from 100% wool, and with a dense weave, it has a natural resistance to wear and tear.
- It’s eco-conscious: We all want to create a home which is kinder to our planet. Harris Tweed is one of the best ways to do so; it is naturally renewable, biodegradable and recyclable, and woven by hand within a local community collective.
- It’s original: Every metre of Harris Tweed is handwoven, meaning no two pieces are exactly alike. This makes your Sofas & Stuff creation truly one-of-a-kind, exclusive to you.
Harris Tweed and other textiles
To choose an upholstery fabric that suits your home perfectly, and that will fit seamlessly into your daily life, it can be fruitful to compare your different options.
Harris Tweed is suitable – and a standout option – for upholstery for many reasons but comparing it to other upholstery materials will help you to decide if it is the right fabric for you:
- Velvet is generally softer to the touch than Harris Tweed, which some might find a touch on the scratchy or rough side.
- From a care and maintenance standpoint, Harris Tweed is a more practical choice for its durability, though a polyester velvet can stand up to stains and markings well.
- Both Harris Tweed and velvet have their own distinctive look; velvet is a favourite for contemporary spaces, while Harris Tweed adds a traditional feel to a room.
- Cotton is known for being an especially breathable fabric, though both pure wool Harris Tweed and cotton will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Harris Tweed is often chosen for its singular look. Although tweed is available in several colourways, a cotton upholstery fabric will offer more freedom to play with prints and patterns.
- As with other fabrics, Harris Tweed can be trusted to provide a little extra durability than a pure cotton when it comes to high-traffic areas.
- Linen and Harris Tweed offer opposing aesthetics and feels. Where Harris Tweed is thick and tailored with an almost formal look, linen is crisp, light and airy.
- Harris Tweed offers a smoother finish, while linen is more prone to creasing due to the stiff cellulose fibres of the flax plant.
- Both Harris Tweed and linen are seen as more responsible choices which are kinder to the planet, and therefore both have a place in eco-conscious homes.
Harris Tweed maintenance and care
Although Harris Tweed is a particularly hard-wearing fabric, there are some maintenance and care considerations to keep it looking its very best. By keeping the following in mind, you can be prepared to welcome this heritage fabric into your home:
- Regular upkeep is the best way to prolong the life of your Harris Tweed upholstered furniture. Gently hoover the fabric with a soft brush attachment every now and then, removing any dust or dirt which has accumulated.
- Harris Tweed is naturally water-resistant, so spills can be easier to manage – though it goes without saying to take extra care nevertheless. For unfortunate mishaps, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth and avoid rubbing.
- Steam cleaning is recommended as it refreshes the fabric without soaking it. Avoid using too much water or harsh chemicals, which can cause shrinkage or damage the weave.
- Despite Harris Tweed’s suitability for busy, high-traffic spaces, it is not generally recommended for pet-friendly homes as the fabric’s weave can trap pet hair, dirt and odours.
Our Harris Tweed fabrics
We have a curated selection of Harris Tweed fabrics in our library, coming to us directly from Scotland. Woven with pure wool which has been dyed, carded and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and available in a number of different colourways, you can see our full range in our showrooms.
Harris Tweed House: Green
Harris Tweed House: Grey
Harris Tweed House: Midnight Blue
Embrace Harris Tweed upholstery in your home
Harris Tweed’s heritage and distinctive qualities make it a truly timeless choice for any home. Whether you appreciate its storied craftsmanship, natural resilience or the character it brings to every piece, Harris Tweed fabrics enhance the beauty of our handcrafted sofas, chairs and beds.
We invite you to visit one of our 23 nationwide showrooms to explore our Harris Tweed collections in person. Our expert design consultants are on hand to help you find the perfect fabric for your bespoke furniture. Alternatively, book a one-to-one design consultation for tailored advice. Don’t forget, you can also order up to 8 free fabric samples to experience the beauty of Harris Tweed in your own home.