Interior Decorating Fabric Guide

Posted on December 25, 2011 | Decorating.

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.

Bathroom Furniture Ideas – Styles And Finishes

Posted on December 24, 2011 | Bathroom, Furniture.

Bathroom furniture is an important element of any home. It has the ability to completely change the style of your bathroom as well as storing vast amounts of sanitary necessities. Deciding not only where to put your furniture but also what shape, style and finish to buy should be carefully considered before you begin shopping.

Bathroom furniture’s general purpose is to create a tidy and clutter free space in your home. Furniture allows you to store away any unsightly bathroom products such as shampoos, razors and other bathroom necessities. Without bathroom furniture, the home would appear much more cluttered and slightly claustrophobic, therefore choosing the right furniture for you and your home is crucial.

The first aspect you need to consider is the size of your new furniture. If you decide to go with relatively large units, then thinking about the finish is an important task. Light finishes such as white are recommended to allow your bathroom to remain looking spacious and clean. A large dark unit will seem a lot larger in the bathroom and will create a cramped feel if it is too big for the space it is spaced in. Dark wood finish furniture can look great if you have the space to accommodate it.

You also need to find a style that isn’t just going to be in line with your bathroom, but your entire home too. Ensure that the furniture will coordinate well with any existing fixtures n the bathroom especially. Combining dark ceramics such as black with a dark wood finish cabinet can create a dull and not very relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom, which is not what you want in a room you use to unwind and relax in.

Bathroom furniture also comes in an extensive range of different shapes and can also be fitted in various points in your bathroom. If space is going to potentially be an issue in your bathroom space, then wall hung cabinets and vanity units provide the perfect solution to save you valuable floor space. Finding ideas for your bathroom space will depend entirely on your particular preferences as well as the space you have available to you. It is important to consider your furniture thoroughly before you purchase anything as this generally tends to be in the bathroom for a reasonable length of time. Browse the market extensively to ensure you find the furniture that is the best value for money as well.