Ask the Experts: Household Textiles & Fabrics
Fabrics for home furnishings and more.
From upholstery to bedding, window treatments and throw pillows, home fabrics play a key role in our home decor and interior style. But with so many household textiles to choose from, deciding which is right for your home can be overwhelming. Read on as we run through the most common fabrics used in home furnishings, there to help you choose the best furniture fabrics for your home.
Overview: Fabric Types
Wool
Known for its durability, softness and versatility, wool is one of the foremost natural home fabrics. Though it can be expensive, wool fabric is a rewarding investment for your home. Wool does tend to fade when exposed to light so aim to place wool rugs in areas that don't receive direct sunlight and place wool blankets in a cool, dark storage bin when they're not in use.
Benefits: durable, soft, dust-resistant and vibrant.
Good for: rugs, throw blankets and throw pillows.
Cotton
Cotton it comes in many different weaves and finishes and therefore can range from casual to formal. Cotton is moderately durable, making it a good option for items that can be washed frequently, such as slipcovers. Cotton is prone to wrinkling and stretching.
Benefits: durable, soft, lightweight and machine-washable.
Good for: upholstery, curtains, rugs, bedding, throw blankets, throw pillows and towels.
Polyester / Synthetic
Polyester and other synthetic fabrics like nylon are soft and affordable. Generally, polyester has a less natural feel than cotton or wool but is still very durable.
Benefits: durable, soft, wrinkle- and fade-resistant and vibrant.
Good for: curtains, rugs, bedding and towels.
Leather
Leather softens and develops character with age and although it generally trends more expensive, its durability makes it a worthwhile investment that should last you a lifetime. To ensure small scratches don't become bigger issues, take care of them immediately.
Benefits: easy to wipe clean, durable and ages well.
Good for: upholstery.
Tip: Faux leather is a vegan alternative to real leather. Although it provides the leather look at a lower price, it also lacks softness and wears down much faster.
Linen
Linen holds dye well and resists bacteria, so it’s recommended for fabrics that regularly come have human contact. Linen is highly breathable making it perfect for summer. We recommend getting linen professionally cleaned.
Benefits: resists pilling and fading, anti-bacterial and vibrant.
Good for: upholstery, curtains, sheets, throw pillows and towels.
Microfiber
Microfiber is an inexpensive and incredibly soft material made from synthetic fibers. It's stain-resistant, fade-resistant, allergen-resistant and extremely durable.
Benefits: soft, lightweight, absorbent and stain and allergen-resistant.
Good for: upholstery, sheets and cleaning cloths and towels.
Sunbrella
Sunbrella fabrics block 98% of UV rays and is fade-resistant. Sunbrella is made to prevent fabrics from mildew, mould and general rot.
Benefits: indoor/outdoor, easy to clean and fade-resistant.
Good for: umbrellas, awnings and outdoor covers.
Chenille
Chenille is commonly made out of cotton or cotton blends. It's considered a family-favourite thanks to it's ability to stand the test of time and comfort.
Benefits: durable and soft.
Good for: upholstery and rugs.
Velvet
Velvet is a luxuriously textured fabric made of silk, cotton, rayon, linen or wool. Though velvet can be difficult to clean due to its fragility, its luxury appearance more than makes up for its maintenance needs.
Benefits: soft and richly textured.
Good for: upholstery, curtains and throw pillows.
Silk
Light and luxurious, silk is a natural fiber that can be dyed in a wide range of beautiful colours. It doesn’t hold up well against moisture and can be expensive.
Benefits: soft and vibrant.
Good for: curtains and sheets.
Tip: Want to diving deeper into the world of home textiles? Check out our rug material buying guide or head over to our guide on bathroom towels.
