NYC Upholstery Finds?

March 20, 2008 4:53 AM

NYC fabric filter: where can I find cool upholstery fabric?

You guys were so helpful with my previous question I thought I'd ask again.

I'm staying in Midtown and have been asked to get some cool upholstery fabric. Ideally deep red or jewel tones with an "Asian feel."

I am a guy who doesn't know the first thing about fabric so any and all help is appreciated.

I saw Mood Fabrics recommended on another site and they look fine to me. Is there anywhere else I should go? I'll be going this afternoon if that matters. Thanks!

posted by Atom12 to Shopping (7 answers total)

Best answer: Zarin Fabrics, on the Lower East Side, has both an upstairs bargain section (with ROWS of fabric, helpfully arranged by color) and a downstairs high-end business. Honestly, it's where I'd go first. You'll probably find what you want (and probably get a good deal).

If you're in the midtown, take the F (entrances on 6th Avenue at 50th and at 42nd and at 34th) the Delancey Street, then walk south to Grand and then West to the corner of Allen. Map.
posted by minervous at 5:17 AM on March 20, 2008

Best answer: I received a ton of good advice in this thread.

Mood is pretty expensive, but they do have a fabulous selection. P & S fabrics just off of Canal street has a upholstery bargain basement that has decent prices and selection. They even had a few things I'd never seen before.

It might also be worth it just to take a stroll around the garment district. There will be tons of hole-in-the-wall fabric stores operating out of tiny spaces. You'll get a pretty good price if you haggle. I've found some of my favorite fabric purchases in places like these. There are hundreds, none are quite organized, so it pays to have a look around.
posted by Alison at 7:01 AM on March 20, 2008

Response by poster: Is P&S still open? I did a cursory search and found an article from 2006 I think that said they were having a going out of business sale.

Thanks for the tips!
posted by Atom12 at 7:59 AM on March 20, 2008

P&S did close, but they reopened right across the street from their old place.
posted by moonmilk at 8:04 AM on March 20, 2008

Best answer: A lot of the upholstery fabric stores are on lower Broadway; take the 6 or the N/R to Canal street and walk down Broadway from Canal and you will be sure some stores that will do the trick.
posted by kenzi23 at 8:21 AM on March 20, 2008

You might try ABC Carpet on Broadway and 19th, which has and upholstery department and carries Asian-inspired goods. There's also a whole bunch of places that specialize in upholstery fabrics near 59th and 3rd (near Bloomingdale's). Those places might be on the expensive side, though.
posted by Lycaste at 11:12 AM on March 20, 2008

Response by poster: Just got back. I didn't go to Mood and/or the fashion district, but there was a decent selection to choose from along Canal Street. P&S was good. Thanks everybody!
posted by Atom12 at 1:58 PM on March 20, 2008