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