Emily just posted today an EXCELLENT break down of the ins and outs of hired-out upholstery (and even some tips on fabric choices)! Check it out here and enjoy the eye candy (she is getting ready for a One Kings Lane sale and her vintage finds are crazy-awesome).
PS Emily loves Grayline linen as much as I do. It is my favorite source for really affordable linen in almost every color including metallic linen! Can't beat $9 a yard!