Buying Guide for Upholstery Fabrics

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Buying Guide for Upholstery Fabrics

Fabrics are an important part of home decor, from sofas and chairs to headboards and sheets to decorative items such as cushions, blankets, and tablecloths. There are no hard and fast rules about which fabric to use, but certain properties of textiles make it more suitable for a variety of fields. Upholstery in heavy-use areas such as dining chairs, sofas, and headboards requires a heavier, thicker fabric to withstand daily use, accidental spills, and wear.
Delicate fabrics like silk can be used on sofas, but are more suitable for those that are not used very often. Medium weight and sheer fabrics are more suitable for decorative items such as curtains or cushions. Also, keep in mind climatic conditions like humidity. Homes with small children or pets need durable and easy-to-clean fabrics for upholstery and curtains.
With so many colors, finishes, and textures to choose from, the thing to do is find out what's right for your decorating style. Maximum and opulent environments are complemented by rich fabrics such as velvet and silk, while natural fabrics such as linen are better for a rustic or organic look.
If you like to constantly change the look of a room, a great way to do this is through color. You can choose pastel or neutral tones for larger and permanent features like sofas and headboards, and change smaller features like curtains, cushions, drapes, or tablecloths. Shades like beige and cool gray work well with contrasting and complementary colors, bold and subtle pastels, and plains and patterns.
When looking at patterned fabrics, especially those with continuous patterns, keep in mind pattern repetition (the distance between two identical patterns) and scale (the size of each pattern). Mixing different patterns is also a great way to draw visual interest.