| Shopping for fabrics for drapery and | | | | easily kept clean. It can be very tempting to |
| upholstery can be a daunting task, and if two | | | | go for the flashier, more aesthetically |
| are involved in making the decision, it can | | | | pleasing option, but function is critical in |
| get downright overwhelming. But rest assured, | | | | the long-term to making the right choice - |
| there are some very clear ways to tackle the | | | | try to find a balance between pizzazz and |
| problem: first, to identify all the various | | | | practicality. |
| factors to consider and then arrive at some | | | | |
| guidelines for making that final decision. | | | | This list of commonly found upholstery |
| | | | fabrics and their appropriate uses will help |
| Now when attempting to select the kind of | | | | you to select which material is best for you: |
| fabrics you're going to need, you will come | | | | |
| across a seemingly endless assortment of | | | | Acrylic - Synthetic fiber, developed as |
| patterns, textures and weights from which to | | | | imitation wool, that resists wear, wrinkling, |
| choose. In addition, you will need to be | | | | soiling, and fading |
| aware of each type of fabric's durability, | | | | |
| ease of cleaning, and resistance to dirt and | | | | Cotton - Natural fiber that is resistant to |
| fading. | | | | wear, fading, and pilling |
| | | | |
| It can definitely feel like staring up at | | | | Linen - Used in formal living rooms and |
| Mount Everest right at the beginning of the | | | | adult-only areas |
| journey. But now let's zone in on what's | | | | |
| really important during this phase, so that | | | | Nylon - Typically blended with other fibers |
| we can clear the first decision making hurdle | | | | to make it one of the strongest upholstery |
| with ease. | | | | fabrics |
| | | | |
| The two most important factors that you must | | | | Polyester - Blended with other fibers to add |
| consider when selecting a fabric are form and | | | | wrinkle resistance, eliminate crushing of |
| function. I like to describe it like this: | | | | napped fabrics, and reduce fading |
| Form is what you want the fabric to look | | | | |
| like. What colors and patterns do you want? | | | | Silk - Delicate fabric that must be |
| Function relates to how the fabric will be | | | | professionally cleaned if soiled. Suitable |
| used. Is it a showpiece that will not be | | | | for formal living room and other adult-only |
| subject to wear and tear, or is it something | | | | areas. |
| that will be constantly used by small | | | | |
| children? Will there be household pets | | | | Vinyl - Easy-care and less expensive than |
| jumping up and down on it? Are they | | | | leather, ideal for busy family living and |
| particularly hairy and prone to shedding? | | | | dining rooms |
| Really think about the variables for a few | | | | |
| minutes and you begin to eliminate a lot of | | | | Wool - Offers good resistance to pilling, |
| possibilities right out the gate. | | | | fading, wrinkling, and soil |
| | | | |
| The answers to the questions you ask yourself | | | | Defining the decision making process and |
| will assist you in determining whether you | | | | listing the options available to you has |
| should be focusing on finding a material that | | | | hopefully been helpful in shaping the way you |
| is durable and resistant to dirt and stains | | | | will approach choosing the right material for |
| (and on finding a color that hides stains | | | | your drapes or upholstery. Good decorating! |
| well), or one that is delicate and not as | | | | |