What is chenille? If you've found yourself asking that question while upgrading to new furniture or browsing area rugs, you aren't alone. Keep reading below for answers to your most-asked chenille questions.

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What Is Chenille Fabric?

Chenille is a fabric made from yarn that is woven in a specific way. First, two short pieces of yarn are placed beside each other and then they're twisted together to produce the plush pile. The ends of the pile stick out, creating the softness we know and love. The yarn is usually made of cotton, but it can also be made of acrylic, rayon, wool or silk.

Chenille is actually the French word for caterpillar, as the material's fuzziness resembles that of the insect. Because of the way the yarn is woven, the fibres catch the light at different angles – making the fabric look somewhat iridescent. Chenille is most commonly used in bedspreads, quilts, curtains, upholstered furniture and rugs.

Why Choose Chenille?

Chenille is a gorgeous and warm fabric and its durability makes it perfect for furniture pieces that are used often, such as sofas and armchairs. Tightly woven chenille rugs can also be placed in any room.

Pros of Chenille:

• It's soft, thick and durable.
• It has a slight sheen.
• It's resistant to abrasion.
• It retains heat – making it super warm.

Things to Consider:

• It's prone to stretching and shrinkage.
• It requires maintenance, so make sure you have a furniture brush to keep the chenille in its best shape.

Styling Chenille

Chenille is the ideal fabric for glam or traditional homes. It's incredibly versatile and high quality. Chenille is also considered luxurious as it is often used in small accents or statement furniture rather than throughout an entire room.

For example, a chenille throw or decorative pillow can transform a plush, luxe space to an elegant oasis. It also adds visual softness to an ornate wood piece of furniture that is often seen in traditional homes. Think a sofa with rolled arms, a tufted back and mahogany trim. You can also consider using a chenille chaise lounge to lighten a room with heavy velvet curtains and drapes.

Chenille pairs well with other fabrics and textures because of its subtle luster. Whether your home is glam or traditional, chenille will look even more elegant when accented by accessories, like a crystal chandelier, mirrored side table or metal decor.

Caring for Chenille

Chenille is an incredibly soft and durable fabric that becomes softer over time. To make sure your chenille ages well, it's crucial to follow its care instructions. We recommend vacuuming and spot-cleaning. To easily clean your chenille, follow the tips below:

1. To remove dirt, brush chenille along the pile using an upholstery brush.
2. Vacuum the fabric. For seat cushions, vacuum from back to front. For back cushions, vacuum from top to bottom.
3. Spot-clean with water and a white or light-coloured rag (to avoid discolouration). Dab and wipe very gently. Rubbing chenille too harshly or using too much water can flatten the plush pile.
4. Dry the fabric using a fan or hair dryer.

If you can, have your chenille furniture and decor occasionally cleaned by a professional. This will prolong its life and help prevent shrinkage.