We’re back this week with another care guide for interior finishes that will be best suited for your lifestyle! Last time we talked about countertop materials and today we’re diving into the world of fabrics. Specifically crypton, linen, leather, boucle & sheepskin, velvet and cotton. Our goal for these posts is that they will help you think cautiously before investing in the pieces that make up your home. One thing we always aim to achieve in our client’s projects is timelessness. And how things are going to hold up over time is definitely a factor of that!
When selecting furniture for the home, it can be hard to know which fabrics will be the best investment for your family. Well don’t you worry because today we’re chatting all the pros and cons to each designer friendly fabric on the market! Should you have any more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
C r y p t o n
Advantages: Crypton is one of the most amazing fabric inventions of this century. The reason being, it’s extremely resistant to stains, mildew, bacteria and odor. Any liquid spills will not be immediately absorbed into the material and can simply be wiped off. Making this fabric extremely attractive to families with young children or areas where furniture pieces receive a lot of use. The fabric is also fade resistant, strong and soft. This high-performance durable fabric is all the rage for quality without having to sacrifice beauty.
Disadvantages: Crypton fabrics can be very expensive, but you get what you pay for! It can be hard to find online furniture pieces that come in a Crypton fabric option, so most pieces have to be custom made or reupholstered. Because it is a factory-made material, Crypton fabrics do contain chemicals and will not have natural properties like other fabrics.
L i n e n
Advantages: Linen is hypoallergenic since it only consists of natural fibers. Linen is also said to be one of the cleanest fabrics. Its compact formation ensures tight woven fibers that will not loosen over time. This also means that its going to be very receptible to dust and other particles. It will resist pilling and fading and is promised to be soft and comfortable.
Disadvantages: The biggest disadvantage to linen is it wrinkles. Some don’t mind its natural look, but those who are use to a more tailored furniture piece, will definitely be disappointed. Soiled linen upholstery must be professionally cleaned, as washing this material can result in shrinking.
L e a t h e r
Advantages: Leather is rich in look and feel. Leather furniture pieces have a long lifespan and can potentially outlive a fabric sofa by about four times the length in years. Although, you have to be okay with the natural patina. However, unlike some antique leather sofas you may have seen, modern tanning processes make leather resistant to cracking, peeling or sagging. Leather will get softer as it ages, making it look and feel all the more inviting and cozy. Lastly, leather will not hold dust and allergens like other fabrics.
Disadvantages: Leathers can fade, lose shape and look worn after heavy use. Given its natural characteristic, leather fabrics can be rather limiting when it comes to color options. Lower grade leathers can easily stain and show heavy wear and scratching. So an “affordable” leather sofa may not be what you’re family is looking for after all. Quality leather fabrics can definitely be more pricey, but some call fine leather furniture a wise investment.
B o u c l e & S h e e p s k i n
Advantages: Boucle and sheepskin fabrics offer a unique style with a unique range of benefits. They are usually blended with wool making for a heavy and sturdy construction. But don’t let that description fool you as the two are extremely soft to the touch. They are easy to clean and care for, as common spills will not absorb as quickly and can be spot cleaned. The two offer good resistance to pilling, fading and wrinkling.
Disadvantages: These fabrics are generally more expensive than other options and are much more rare to find. They are susceptible to wear and can fade easily.
V e l v e t
Advantages: Once a finish only available to the extremely wealthy, velvet still carries a sense of luxury with it. Plus we’ve all ran our hands over velvet and there’s nothing quite like its soft touch. Velvet furniture pieces, when cared for, are built to last. The material is less susceptible to marking, fading and crushing. Velvet has a way of disguising imperfections, and its durable nature makes it a great candidate for every day use. This classic fabric has stood the test of time, so you can feel confident in this investment.
Disadvantages: Pet lovers, this may not be the fabric for you as velvet is more susceptible to attracting pet hair. Velvet can also attract dust, among other things, so it’s going to require a regular clean. Be aware that velvet fibers can weaken when exposed to direct sunlight. So it’s best not to place velvet pieces directly in front of a window.
C o t t o n
Advantages: One of the greatest advantages for cotton as an upholstery fabric is it’s breathable. It absorbs heat and moisture from the skin, making for one very comfortable seating arrangement. Woven cotton fibers result in a smooth, strong thread. Premium cotton can sometimes even feel as smooth as silk. And cotton will become softer over time. Many cotton materials are also washable, making them an especially great choice for slipcovers.
Disadvantages: Cotton is not the most stain-resistant fabric. It can easily absorb spills and watch out for your guests’ blue jeans! Lesser grade cottons can sometimes appear fuzzy, dull and can be less durable. So pick your cotton material wisely! Pure cotton is also prone to wrinkling, though not as much as linen. But if you aren’t about that loungey look, it isn’t hard to find a tightly upholstered piece - nicely tailored or even tufted. Lastly, cotton fabrics can fade. So be aware of areas that get a lot of direct sunlight in the home.
