The Martindale test is a standard method used to measure the abrasion resistance of furniture fabric. In the test, a machine rubs against the fabric a specific number of times to simulate regular use over time. The higher the number of Martindale cycles a fabric can withstand, the more durable it is. This is an important indicator when choosing fabric for furniture that will be frequently used, such as a sofa or armchair. 10,000 to 15,000 Martindale: Suitable for light use and decorative purposes. 15,000 to 25,000 Martindale: Good for regular use in private homes. 25,000 to 30,000 Martindale: Very durable, suitable for frequent use in most homes. Over 30,000 Martindale: Extremely durable, suitable for frequent use in public spaces.

Pilling on furniture refers to the formation of small, fuzz-like balls on the surface of the fabric. This often occurs as a result of friction or wear, when fibers loosen from the fabric and roll into small knots. Pilling is not necessarily a sign of low quality, but it can affect the fabric's appearance and texture. Pilling is typically assessed on a scale from 1 to 5 in tests, where 5 is the best score with minimal pilling and 1 indicates a high degree of pilling. For upholstery fabric, it is ideal to choose a material with a higher pilling score to ensure that it retains its beautiful appearance over time, especially in frequently used furniture like sofas and armchairs. It is also worth noting that some textiles, like wool, may naturally pill more at the beginning, but this will often decrease over time and with use. There are also tools and methods for removing pilling, such as a fabric shaver, which can help maintain the fabric's appearance.

Lightfastness refers to a fabric's ability to resist color changes when exposed to light, especially sunlight. This is an important characteristic, as furniture is often placed in areas where it can be exposed to direct or indirect sunlight, which can lead to fading or changes in color over time. Lightfastness is assessed on a scale from 1 to 8, where 8 indicates the highest degree of resistance to light-induced fading. A fabric with a high lightfastness value, for example, 6-8, is ideal for furniture in sunny rooms or close to windows, as it will retain its color better over a longer period. Fabrics with lower lightfastness values, such as 1-3, are more prone to fade quickly and are better suited for areas with less direct light.