Martindale: how to know if a fabric will last — a durability guide
Reupholstering a sofa, ordering an armchair in a fabric of your choice or sewing new cushions? Then you have probably come across the word Martindale in the fabric's specifications. The number — often somewhere between 10 000 and 100 000 — is one of the most important measures when choosing an upholstery fabric. Here we explain what Martindale actually means, how the test works and how many cycles your fabric needs to stand up to everyday life.
What is Martindale?
Martindale is a standardised measure of a fabric's abrasion resistance — in other words, how well the fabric withstands wear when something rubs against it, again and again. That is exactly what happens to furniture in everyday use: every time you sit down on the sofa, get up from the armchair or slide onto a dining chair, the fibres of the fabric are worn.
The test is named after the Martindale machine used for the measurement, and the method is internationally standardised (EN ISO 12947). This means a Martindale rating from Morris & Co can be compared directly with one from another brand — the number speaks the same language whatever the brand.
The higher the value, the more hard-wearing the fabric. But — and this is important — a high Martindale rating says nothing about how the fabric feels, drapes or holds its colour over time. It measures one thing only: abrasion.
How the Martindale test works
The test is as simple as it is unforgiving:
- The fabric is clamped into the machine — several specimens are tested at the same time.
- A standardised wool fabric is rubbed against the specimen under constant pressure. The movement follows a figure of eight (a so-called Lissajous figure), so the fabric is worn in every direction — not just back and forth.
- Every "cycle" is counted. The machine works in intervals, and the fabric is inspected after each one.
- The test stops when the fabric gives up — traditionally when two threads have broken, or when the fabric shows clear wear, for example when the pile of a velvet has been worn through.
The number of cycles at which the fabric reaches that point becomes its Martindale rating. A fabric rated 40 000 Martindale has therefore withstood 40 000 rubs in the machine before showing damage.
How much Martindale do you need?
These are the guideline values we use ourselves when helping customers choose a fabric:
| Martindale | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Under 10 000 | Decorative use: curtains, scatter cushions, headboards in bedrooms |
| 10 000–15 000 | Occasionally used furniture: the guest room armchair, rarely used chairs |
| 15 000–25 000 | Normal domestic use: living room sofas and armchairs |
| 25 000–45 000 | Heavy daily use: the family sofa, dining chairs, homes with children and pets |
| Over 45 000 | Very heavy use and public settings: hotels, restaurants, offices |
Our rule of thumb at Brittfurn: for upholstery we recommend at least 15 000 Martindale — which is also the threshold we use when labelling fabrics as upholstery fabrics in our online shop. For dining chairs and sofas used every day we recommend 25 000 or more.
And the other way round: a curtain fabric doesn't need a Martindale rating at all. Curtains aren't exposed to abrasion, so drape, light transmission and feel are what matter. That is why many of our most beautiful curtain fabrics have no stated value — which is entirely normal.
The number isn't everything — think about the whole
Martindale is the best single measure of durability, but a wise choice of fabric takes more into account:
- The fibre matters. Wool is naturally resilient and dirt-repellent. Linen is strong but creases with charm. Velvet can have high Martindale ratings but needs care for its pile. Blends with synthetic fibres often add extra durability.
- The density of the weave determines how the fabric ages — a tight weave with a high thread count holds its shape better.
- Pattern conceals. A patterned or mottled fabric forgives stains and wear more than a pale plain one.
- Pilling is measured in a separate test — a fabric can have a high Martindale rating and still pill.
Unsure? That is exactly what we are here for. On every product page in our fabric department we list the Martindale rating together with composition, width and pattern repeat. See the fabric in your own room with our fabric visualisation — or visit the showroom at Sturegatan 20 in Östermalm, where thousands of samples are there to browse and our interior designers help you find a fabric that both lasts and feels right. And if the fabric is going on one of our bespoke furniture pieces, we'll help you match fabric and furniture all the way.
Frequently asked questions about Martindale
What is a good Martindale rating for a sofa?
At least 15 000 for normal domestic use, ideally 25 000+ if the sofa is used every day or if you have children and pets.
What does Martindale 40 000 mean?
The fabric has withstood 40 000 abrasion cycles in the Martindale machine before showing wear, comfortably enough for heavy daily use in the home.
Do curtain fabrics need a Martindale rating?
No. Curtains are not exposed to abrasion, so many curtain fabrics are never tested. There you choose by drape, light and feel instead.
Can I use a fabric with a low Martindale rating on furniture?
On furniture that is rarely used, such as an accent armchair or a headboard, 10 000–15 000 can work. For furniture used daily, we advise against it.
How is the Martindale test carried out?
Fabric specimens are rubbed against a standard wool fabric under pressure in a figure-of-eight motion until threads break or clear wear appears. The number of cycles becomes the fabric's Martindale rating (EN ISO 12947).