The Secret Of Selecting A Suitable Material For Upholstery
May 28, 2011 by bunda
Filed under upholstery fabric
Shopping for fabrics for drapery and upholstery can be a daunting task, and if two are involved in making the decision, it can get downright overwhelming. But rest assured, there are some very clear ways to tackle the problem: first, to identify all the various factors to consider and then arrive at some guidelines for making that final decision.
Now when attempting to select the kind of fabrics you’re going to need, you will come across a seemingly endless assortment of patterns, textures and weights from which to choose. In addition, you will need to be aware of each type of fabric’s durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to dirt and fading.
It can definitely feel like staring up at Mount Everest right at the beginning of the journey. But now let’s zone in on what’s really important during this phase, so that we can clear the first decision making hurdle with ease.
The two most important factors that you must consider when selecting a fabric are form and function. I like to describe it like this: Form is what you want the fabric to look like. What colors and patterns do you want? Function relates to how the fabric will be used. Is it a showpiece that will not be subject to wear and tear, or is it something that will be constantly used by small children? Will there be household pets jumping up and down on it? Are they particularly hairy and prone to shedding? Really think about the variables for a few minutes and you begin to eliminate a lot of possibilities right out the gate.
The answers to the questions you ask yourself will assist you in determining whether you should be focusing on finding a material that is durable and resistant to dirt and stains (and on finding a color that hides stains well), or one that is delicate and not as easily kept clean. It can be very tempting to go for the flashier, more aesthetically pleasing option, but function is critical in the long-term to making the right choice – try to find a balance between pizzazz and practicality.
This list of commonly found upholstery fabrics and their appropriate uses will help you to select which material is best for you:
Acrylic – Synthetic fiber, developed as imitation wool, that resists wear, wrinkling, soiling, and fading
Cotton – Natural fiber that is resistant to wear, fading, and pilling
Linen - Used in formal living rooms and adult-only areas
Nylon – Typically blended with other fibers to make it one of the strongest upholstery fabrics
Polyester – Blended with other fibers to add wrinkle resistance, eliminate crushing of napped fabrics, and reduce fading
Silk – Delicate fabric that must be professionally cleaned if soiled. Suitable for formal living room and other adult-only areas.
Vinyl – Easy-care and less expensive than leather, ideal for busy family living and dining rooms
Wool – Offers good resistance to pilling, fading, wrinkling, and soil
Defining the decision making process and listing the options available to you has hopefully been helpful in shaping the way you will approach choosing the right material for your drapes or upholstery. Good decorating!
Peter Figgins
Worth to search:
Mission Possible – How To Choose The Right Upholstery And Drapery Fabrics
May 28, 2011 by bunda
Filed under upholstery fabric
One of the most formidable chores involved with redecorating is trying to find the right fabric for upholstery or drapery. If two of you are involved in the decision making, it may seem like an impossible task. But don’t worry, this article will provide several solutions to make your mission less impossible.
The first step is identifying all the factors you need to consider and come up with some guidelines to help you agree on the final decision. You’ll find an endless assortment of weights, textures, and patterns to choose from, and you’ll need a good idea of each fabric’s qualities – ease of cleaning, resistance to dirt, and durability. Although the hurdles at the beginning of your journey may seem insurmountable, we’ll focus on what’s really important at this first step and make the initial decision a little clearer.
There are only two important factors to consider when beginning your search for a fabric: form and function. Form can be described as what the fabric will look like, and function is how the fabric will be used. The colors and patterns you want will influence the form. How much the fabric will actually be used will classify the function you’ll need. Will it be in a room that’s off-limits to children and pets, like a formal dining room, only used on holidays? Or will Fido and the kids be jumping all over it while playing? Take some time to reflect on the different ways it may be used and you’ll be able to narrow down your search considerably right from the beginning.
Your answers will help you decide whether to focus on a durable, stain-resistant material in a color that hides stains well, or one that won’t be kept clean as easily and may be much more delicate, but won’t be subjected to much use. Function is critical: don’t let yourself be fooled into thinking the prettier, daintier fabric that looks so nice will hold up to heavy wear. Find a fabric that balances practicality with the look you want.
There are many upholstery fabrics that can be found almost anywhere, so knowing their appropriate uses will aid in selecting the material that will be the best choice for you. Consult the following list before beginning our search for the best upholstery or drapery fabric for your needs.
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that resists fading, soiling, wear, and wrinkling. It was developed as imitation wool.
Cotton is a natural fiber that resists fading, wear, and piling.
Nylon can be blended with many other fibers to create one of the longest wearing upholstery fabrics.
Polyester is blended to many other fibers to help reduce wrinkles, crushing, and fading.
Silk is a delicate fabric that should only be used in areas where there are no children or pets. Silk requires professional cleaning when soiled.
Vinyl, on the other hand, is ideal for any area where the kids play, such as family rooms and basements. It is an inexpensive alternative to leather and is very easy to clean.
Wool is another fabric that resists fading and wrinkling, as well as dirt and pilling.
You’ll find shopping for fabric much simpler if you are aware of the type of fabric you need and the options that are available. Now you can begin the process of shopping for new drapes or upholstery without feeling so intimidated!
Vince Nitti