| One of the most formidable chores involved | | | | prettier, daintier fabric that looks so nice |
| with redecorating is trying to find the right | | | | will hold up to heavy wear. Find a fabric |
| fabric for upholstery or drapery. If two of | | | | that balances practicality with the look you |
| you are involved in the decision making, it | | | | want. |
| may seem like an impossible task. But don't | | | | |
| worry, this article will provide several | | | | There are many upholstery fabrics that can be |
| solutions to make your mission less | | | | found almost anywhere, so knowing their |
| impossible. | | | | appropriate uses will aid in selecting the |
| | | | material that will be the best choice for |
| The first step is identifying all the factors | | | | you. Consult the following list before |
| you need to consider and come up with some | | | | beginning our search for the best upholstery |
| guidelines to help you agree on the final | | | | or drapery fabric for your needs. |
| decision. You'll find an endless assortment | | | | |
| of weights, textures, and patterns to choose | | | | Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that resists |
| from, and you'll need a good idea of each | | | | fading, soiling, wear, and wrinkling. It was |
| fabric's qualities - ease of cleaning, | | | | developed as imitation wool. |
| resistance to dirt, and durability. Although | | | | |
| the hurdles at the beginning of your journey | | | | Cotton is a natural fiber that resists |
| may seem insurmountable, we'll focus on | | | | fading, wear, and piling. |
| what's really important at this first step | | | | |
| and make the initial decision a little | | | | Nylon can be blended with many other fibers |
| clearer. | | | | to create one of the longest wearing |
| | | | upholstery fabrics. |
| There are only two important factors to | | | | |
| consider when beginning your search for a | | | | Polyester is blended to many other fibers to |
| fabric: form and function. Form can be | | | | help reduce wrinkles, crushing, and fading. |
| described as what the fabric will look like, | | | | |
| and function is how the fabric will be used. | | | | Silk is a delicate fabric that should only be |
| The colors and patterns you want will | | | | used in areas where there are no children or |
| influence the form. How much the fabric will | | | | pets. Silk requires professional cleaning |
| actually be used will classify the function | | | | when soiled. |
| you'll need. Will it be in a room that's | | | | |
| off-limits to children and pets, like a | | | | Vinyl, on the other hand, is ideal for any |
| formal dining room, only used on holidays? Or | | | | area where the kids play, such as family |
| will Fido and the kids be jumping all over it | | | | rooms and basements. It is an inexpensive |
| while playing? Take some time to reflect on | | | | alternative to leather and is very easy to |
| the different ways it may be used and you'll | | | | clean. |
| be able to narrow down your search | | | | |
| considerably right from the beginning. | | | | Wool is another fabric that resists fading |
| | | | and wrinkling, as well as dirt and pilling. |
| Your answers will help you decide whether to | | | | |
| focus on a durable, stain-resistant material | | | | You'll find shopping for fabric much simpler |
| in a color that hides stains well, or one | | | | if you are aware of the type of fabric you |
| that won't be kept clean as easily and may be | | | | need and the options that are available. Now |
| much more delicate, but won't be subjected to | | | | you can begin the process of shopping for new |
| much use. Function is critical: don't let | | | | drapes or upholstery without feeling so |
| yourself be fooled into thinking the | | | | intimidated! |