Microfiber, also known as Ultrasuede, is a synthetic fabric with the look and feel of suede. The first microfiber fabric was invented in 1970 by Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto and has been a favorite upholstery and home décor fabric ever since. It boasts superior durability and stain resistance, making it a great choice for families with children or pets and for high use areas.
Silk is a natural fiber made from the cocoons of silkworms and was invented in China as early as 3500 BC. To this day, China still produces over half of the world’s silk. Silk is considered a fine fabric due to its delicate nature and high cost. It stains easily and is less durable than other fabrics, making it best suited for low-wear areas like draperies or more formal spaces that are less frequently used.
Cotton is one of the most versatile and useful fabrics for home decorating. It is soft, durable, washable, and easily blended with other fibers to create unique fabrics. It can be woven into many different weights and textures, allowing for use in many decorating areas. For instance, a cotton canvas could be used for heavy use upholstery while a thin, gauzy cotton sheer would make a beautiful, wispy curtain.
Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant, which produces a beautiful, textured textile. It is labor intensive to manufacture, making it a more expensive fabric choice. Linen is often backed with a stabilizing knit-backing to provide stability when used on upholstery as the fibers tend to stretch and lose their shape over time. Linen is often blended with other fibers such as cotton and silk to produce beautiful, unique textures.
Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride, is a synthetic material that is a great choice for use on upholstery. It’s waterproof, stain resistant, and wipeable, and can be made to have the appearance of leather, patent leather, ostrich, or other materials. It’s an excellent choice for families with children or pets and for high use areas.
Acrylic is a synthetic material that is a superior choice for use on outdoor furniture, pillows and rugs. It is mold, mildew and fade resistant. Solution dyed acrylic will not fade or discolor with cleaning, even when in contact with bleach.
Your furnishings will be more durable and will last longer when they are made with the right fabrics. Now that you are armed with the knowledge of the properties of these different fabric types, you’ll be able to choose appropriate materials for the different areas in your home.