Different furnishing fabrics
The importance of using soft furnishing is determined by the architectural elements of the interior spaces. The soft furnishings are usually used different in varied environments with regard to the function requirement. There is a wide range of home or soft furnishing fabrics that can be used for the interior décor. This is because this fabric gives a soothing design and colours to the surrounding. The fabrics used for upholstery piece are usually the most visible sign for the style and quality. The upholstery fabrics are used for the cover furniture or the cushions. The upholstery fabric is highly likely to show signs of wear and dirt (Boğaç, 2005). For the most soft furnishing which include curtains and blinds, using natural curtain fabrics is more appealing. Below are some of the soft furnishing fabrics that can be used differently in the interior décor. Some of the fabrics include silk, linen, velvet, and cotton.
Linen fabric
This is the most suitable fabric for the formal living rooms or areas that is mostly used by adults because they have a tendency of soiling and wrinkling easily. Linen does not also withstand heavy wear, but it is resistant to fading and pilling. Linen is suitable as an upholstery fabric. When soiled it requires professional cleaning to prevent shrinking and damaging the fabric. The linen fabrics are suitable for curtains, roman blinds and other soft furnishings (Nielson, 2007).
Figure 1: Linen fabric (Nielson, 2007)
Silk fabrics
This is a delicate fabric that is only used in the adult areas or areas that children cannot reach easily while playing. It is suitable for the interior of the formal living rooms and requires professional cleaning if soiled or stained. The silk fabrics are suitable for the roman blinds, curtains, cushions and other soft furnishings (Boğaç, 2005).
Figure 2: silk fabrics (Boğaç, 2005)
Cotton fabrics
This natural fabric is popular in most interior décors. It is preferred because of its resistance against fading, pilling, and wear. However, cotton fabric is less resistant to wrinkling, soiling, and fire. It can also undergo surface treatment and blending using other fibers in order to cover up for these weaknesses. Its durability and use is dependent on the weaving and the type of finish given. The cotton curtain fabrics are suitable for the curtains, cushions and soft furnishing as it works well for both the modern and traditional home interiors (Ching, 2007). The cotton fabrics are easy to clean, are durable, easy to dye, and launders very well. It is however subject to the mildew.
Figure 3: Cotton fabrics (Boğaç, 2005)
Velvet fabrics
Velvet fabrics are common for interior décor because they make a home feel luxurious as it has a shining and shimmering characteristic which bright up the room. The velvet fabrics when used in the curtains, they really stand out compared to other fabrics. There are, however a range of velvet fabrics ranging from shine to non-shine options. There are also the options for stretch and non-stretch, which could also be considered. Using the velvet fabric for the upholstery cushions or entire cover makes the chair feel soft and relaxing (Grimley & Love, 2007).
Figure 4: Velvet fabrics (Grimley & Love, 2007)
In conclusion, the soft furnishing is used in the interior spaces based on the user’s preferences. However, in any option of the fabric it is important to put into consideration the properties and characteristic of each fabric because this could also act as a guide when making decision. Different fabrics bring out different results when used for interior décor or for upholstery covers. Understanding the architectural spaces and design in the room is critical for the best outcome.
References
Boğaç, C. (2005). Architecture for Meaning- Expression of Social Values through Urban Housing in Gazimağusa, North Cyprus: Lambert Academic Publishing.
Ching, F. (2007). Architecture-form, space and order, Canada: John Wiley& Sons, Inc.
Grimley C. and Love M. (2007). Color, Space, and Style, United States of America: Rockport Publishers, Inc
Nielson, K. J. (2007). Interior Textiles- Fabrics, Application, and Historic Style, John Wiley and Sons
