Home decorating fabrics are available in various colors, textures, qualities, and prices. The right choice will create a great look and be durable enough to last. Whether it's for a new upholstery project, a room makeover or making a new runner for your foyer table, the choice of fabric is an important step in creating your unique style. It's also important to consider the amount of natural light in your space as some fabrics can darken the space.

Different fabrics are appropriate for different types of projects. For example, a silk fabric is a luxurious option for furniture that requires a more delicate drape, while velvet is often used for curtains and bedding. The type of pattern and texture should match the overall room design, so it's to choose a fabric that blends well with other elements in the room.

Some fabrics are decorated with embroidery, applique or needlework to add a custom touch. Other fabrics may be dyed to achieve a specific effect. There are also iron-on fusible webbings that allow you to fuse decorative trims onto your project, such as lace, rickrack or ribbon. Iron-on piping can also be added to seams and edges to create a crisp line. The use of beads, buttons and tassels adds a casual or formal touch to any project. For a more permanent embellishment, try screen printing or batik techniques, which involve applying wax to the surface of the fabric that then resists the dyes.

In addition to the color, pattern and texture of the fabric, you should also think about the weight, thickness and sheen. A heavyweight fabric is a good choice for upholstery projects because it is durable and can stand up to the elements, but it's not suitable for drapery or other lightweight applications. If you're working on a light-colored project, a thinner cotton fabric will be more comfortable to sit in and will look better with natural lighting than a thick polyester fabric.

Another factor when choosing a fabric for your project is the type of weave. The weave refers to the way the threads are woven together, and it has an impact on how the fabric looks and how it behaves. A tighter weave will feel rough and is often more difficult to work with, while a looser weave can be softer and more flexible.

Once you've chosen the fabric for your project, it's time to decorate it. You can use paints and markers that are specially made for fabric, or you can buy decorative fabric sprays that will help you get a professional look. If you have children, fabric markers are a fun and easy way for them to customize their own projects with colorful designs that they can apply to t-shirts and other clothing. There are also fabric pens that make it easy for adults to create bold, beautiful drawings on any surface. The fabric pens have a soft tip that won't scratch or smudge the surface of the fabric, and they come in a variety of colors to coordinate with any color palette.