Romo Fabric Buying FAQ: Velvet, Knit, Performance Fabric, and More

What makes Romo velvet different from cheaper velvets?

Honestly, the biggest difference I see in our orders is pile density and backing. Romo's velvet has a dense pile, so it doesn't flatten as quickly in high-contact spots like armrests. Cheaper velvet can feel soft on day one but crush after a season. I'm not a textile chemist, so I can't speak to every manufacturing detail. What I can tell you from a procurement perspective is this: when we used a budget velvet on a 4-chair dining set, we got a callback about flattening within 9 months. With Romo velvet on a comparable set, the same client ordered 6 more chairs a year later without a complaint.

Is Romo fabric worth the extra cost?

For some projects, yes. For others, no. Here's what you need to know: it depends on where the fabric will live. If it's a reception sofa that needs to look good for years, Romo's texture and pattern clarity are part of the product. If it's a one-season rental refresh, a lower-priced fabric might do the job. In Q2 2024, we compared two fabrics for a 12-suite hospitality project. The Romo option was $4.20 per yard more, but the pattern repeat was smaller, so we wasted 11% less yardage. Net cost difference was about $1,900. The client's feedback? The room "felt more expensive." That's not a fluff metric; that's retention.

What is performance fabric made of?

Performance fabric is basically upholstery engineered for real life. Most of it is made from synthetic fibers — polyester, nylon, acrylic, or olefin — because those resist moisture, UV, and abrasion better than untreated cotton or linen. Some performance fabrics are solution-dyed, meaning the color is added before the fiber is extruded. That's what makes them harder to fade. Others get a protective topcoat or a stain-resistant finish. The actual construction can be a weave, knit, or coated textile. So the honest answer is: it depends on the line. Check the spec sheet for fiber content and abrasion test results. The word "performance" isn't a regulated standard in every country, so don't trust the label alone.

What's the deal with "jersy knit fabric" (and can I use Romo knit on a sofa)?

First, a spelling note: "jersy knit fabric" is one of the most misspelled searches we see. The correct spelling is "jersey knit fabric." Now, can you use it on a sofa? Yes — but think about the use. Jersey knit has stretch and a soft drape, so it works well on curved headboards, seat cushions, and modern bench seating. On a high-traffic sofa, though, it's not my first choice. Knit can snag and stretch over time, especially if people sit in the same spot every day. If you're drawn to the texture, ask Romo for the knit's abrasion test results. If it doesn't have a contract-level rub count, use it on a piece that won't take daily abuse.

Which Romo fabric is best on a textured upholstery fabric sofa?

A textured upholstery fabric sofa is usually specified because it hides wear. That's smart. A smooth, tight-weave fabric shows dust and pilling faster than a slubbed or structured weave. From our project notes, twill and textured weaves are the go-to for family rooms and rental properties. Romo's twill options have a slightly raised diagonal texture that reads as high-end but doesn't cling to pet hair the way velvet can. If you want the linen look without the wrinkles, Romo's Linara range has a nubby, textured hand — it's become our default for residential sofas that need to look relaxed but stay presentable. For an adult-only formal living room, Romo velvet is beautiful, but I'd want a rub count above 30,000 Wyzenbeek for a sofa. ACT guidelines use that as heavy duty. If the spec sheet doesn't list it, ask for it.

What do people mean by "Romo mattress and furniture"?

If you landed here after searching "Romo mattress and furniture," let me clarify one thing: Romo doesn't make mattresses. They're a decorative fabric and wallcovering brand. What the search term usually means is someone using Romo fabric on bedroom furniture — headboards, bench cushions, bed frames. For a headboard, yes, Romo's velvet and woven fabrics are excellent. For an actual mattress, that's a different story. Mattress ticking has to meet flammability and wear standards that decorative fabric may not. I'd check with Romo or a certified workroom before using any upholstery fabric on a mattress surface. Don't assume because it looks durable, it's compliant. And if you're doing a full bedroom rebuild, Romo wallcoverings can carry the same texture from the headboard to the feature wall.

How do I sample Romo without wasting my budget?

Here's where I admit a mistake. We didn't have a formal sample-tracking process. It cost us when a client-approved Romo velvet turned out to be from the wrong dye lot. The third time something like that happened, I created a rule: every sample request goes into our cost tracking system, attached to the project number, the spec date, and the expected use. It sounds obvious, but it catches mistakes. Also, order sample cuts before you quote a full order. The sample cost is negligible next to a $4,200 reorder because you guessed the color wrong. If you're comparing vendors, base it on total cost of ownership — yes, I use that phrase — not just per-yard price. Fabric with a long pattern repeat can cost extra in matching waste, so add 10-15% for pattern matching on large sofas.

How do I explain Romo's price to a client?

Don't sell fabric. Sell the consequence. When I switch a client from a budget fabric to a Romo texture, I say: "This fabric will determine how a person feels when they sit down. That's the thing they'll touch, not our floor plan." I've had clients push back on the price until I show them what a cheaper fabric does to the atmosphere. In 2023, one hospitality client asked why we specified Romo for lobby seating when the other quote was half. We explained the durability and the perception. The room got a 23% higher satisfaction score in post-install surveys. That's not the fabric alone — but it's not nothing. If the client's budget genuinely can't handle it, that's fine. There are good lower-cost options. Just don't pretend the difference won't show up in small ways.