Fabric choice tips for the abode’s décor

There are so many decorating and furnishing stores that a shopping trip can turn into a confusing nightmare often resulting in an exhausting day out, arguing and settling just to get your shopping trip over with.

Shopping for upholstered furniture can be overwhelming.

It is important to understand that there are many options of fabrics that will hold up under the daily beatings that your furniture can undertake.

Before heading out be familiar with the different fabrics and option that will be presented to you. You will feel more comfortable with your choices after doing your homework.

• Leatheris probably the first option that people consider for the active family room or bachelor pad. Many feel leather is the only way to go in the family room, thinking that leather is the only upholstery that will take a beating. There are many aspects of leather to consider.

  

Family Room Fabrics should be easy to clean and durable for the daily use and abuse.

• Printed fabrics will start to show wear as the design fades with use. If you want a pattern, pick a woven fabric with a tight weave to prevent any pulls and snags for a longer wear.

• As with bed sheets, be aware of the thread count. A higher thread count means a better quality which will result in a better wear.

• Obviously lighter colors will show the dirt, so be careful with your color choices.

• For high traffic stay away for Acrylic blends; just as with a sweater this fabric will pill resulting in your furnishings to look worn before they actually are.

There are many stain resistant fabrics to choose from.

• Crypton fabrics repel just about everything and come in weaves and chenille.

  

• Teflon coated fabrics are stain resistant as well.

  

• Look for 100 percent polyester microfiber which comes in an array of colors and is durable and stain resistant.

For a sunny location take fade resistance fabrics into consideration.

• For a piece in front of a picture window you should choose a fabric that is sunlight resistant. Sunbrellafabrics are made specifically for sunny applications. They come in more than just the old fashioned awning stripes of the past. These fabrics can be found in beautiful patterns, textures, and colors.

  

The upholstery fabrics for a formal room that is not used as a daily gathering place can be geared more towards beauty than durability.

There are many natural fiber fabrics from which to choose from.

• Cotton and Linen are very durable, and do not fade easily. These natural fabrics can susceptible to wrinkling and are not always easy to clean.

• Silks are beautiful, can be costly, and difficult to prevent staining. If you love a silk fabric consider using it on an accent chair or a pillow that will not be used as much.

  

• Wool mohair is beautiful and wears very well but is very costly.

Whatever you choose to purchase, make sure that you inspect the furniture first for quality.

• Confirm that the cushions are finished on both sides in order to be flipped.

• Make sure that there are zippers on cushions in order to remove the covers to be cleaned.

• Furniture should be constructed with hardwood frame and high-resiliency foam.

Be careful when offered stain protection, even if for free.

• A lot of fabrics have a stain treatment built-in when they are manufactured. An additional stain treatment can cancel out the incorporated treatment resulting in an increased vulnerability to staining.

Love your furniture. It should be comfortable and promote relaxation and beauty. Be confidant in your purchases and never be afraid to dance!

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