Interior Design

Fabrics
fabdes
Acetate
Synthetic fabric obtained from natural fibers as the result of special treatment. It is soft to touch
and is often called “artificial silk”. Care: acetates do not crease and can be easily washed,
preferably at a temperature below 40 degrees. Use: acetates are used in home decor the same
way as silks – curtains, cushions, bedclothes.

Batik
Fabric named after technique of drawing on cotton cloth, which appeared in Indonesia and
Malaysia. It consists of applying a wax layer on those areas which should not be painted. After
the wax is dry, it is removed and the tissue obtains the distinctive “cracked” effect. Care: at the
time of purchase, consult your dealer if you can wash the material in the washing machine. Use:
batik is good for making blankets and quilts in ethnic style.

Brocade
Fabric embroidered with metal threads in the form of flowers and arabesques, creating a
luxurious embossing on the surface. Currently brocades can be made on the basis of
linen, cotton and silk, embroidered with threads of different colors. Care: brocade is an
expensive and delicate fabric which is recommended to dry clean to preserve the
colours and texture. Use: it is a very durable fabric, suitable for upholstery and curtains
in classic style.

Calico (in British usage, 1505,[1] AmE "muslin") is a plain-woventextile made from

unbleached and often not fully processedcotton. It may contain unseparated husk parts,
for example. The fabric is less coarse and thick than canvas or denim, but it is still very
cheap owing to its unfinished and undyed appearance.

Cashmere
This fabric is made of yarn obtained from the undercoat of goats living in Kashmir – India
region on the border with Pakistan. The diameter of the cashmere yarn is much thinner
than other types of wool, which makes it much more pleasant and soft. Its natural color
is gray or brown, but can also be white and black. Care: Like any other wool, cashmere
doesn’t like water, so it is not recommended to wash it using the washing machine and
tumble dryer – instead use dry cleaning. Use: in home decor cashmere is usually used
for making throws and plaids, which create a warm and luxurious feel.

Chenille
Fabric made from the special yarn with velvety surface and short thick pile. It is usually
produced from silk in a combination with wool or cotton, using special technology which
results in amazing softness and unique light reflecting qualities. Use: chenille is perfect if
you want to create a vintage ambiance in your house – use it for cushions, bedspreads,
throws, upholstery and even rugs. Care: most of chenille fabrics should be dry cleaned,
if washed in the machine they shouldn’t be dried on high heat, never hang them as they
will be strained.

Chiffon
Very lightweight fabric used for making curtains, blinds and canopies. Thanks to the
transparency and vaporous texture chiffon is ideal for draperies. Care: Despite its
delicate appearance, chiffon is possible to clean in the washing machine. Properties:
Although originally chiffon was made ​from silk fibers, today you can find alternatives
made from cotton, linen and nylon, which are more durable.
Chintz
Chintz is a glazed calico textile with designs usually featuring colourful flowers or
oriental arabesques.Use: for creating informal, fresh and feminine look chintz is
a perfect choice. Use it for draperies – curtains, canopy beds and upholstery –
headboards, chairs, cushions. Care: refer to the fabrics label for care
instructions. Dry cleaning is usually recommended to keep the glazed surface.

Cotton
Natural fabric produced from cotton-plants. Cotton is very durable and strong, it
is often added to other tissues – natural and artificial. Usually it is very
soft. Care: it has the quality to shrink after the first wash. Can be washed in the
washing machine and then tumble dried.  Use: it is one of the most commonly
used materials for upholstery and curtains

Damask
The fabric made of silk, cotton or linen, which got its name from the capital city of
Syria. The fabric has an opaque background with weaved shiny patterns usually
featuring flowers or arabesques. Care: dry cleaning. Use: damask works well in
interiors done in classic style, use it for upholstery and curtains. 

Jacquard
Fabric got its name from the French industrialist, who invented the machine for
its production. It simplifies the manufacturing process of complex textiles, such
as Damask and brocade. Care: Jacquard is very durable and wear-resistant.
However, to keep it in top condition dry cleaning is preferable. Although there are
Jacquards made of wool or viscose, the most common are produced from
cotton. Use – this fabric is very popular for upholstery in classic style.

Jute
Jute is extremely strong natural fabric produced from vegetable fibers. Care: dry
cleaning is preferable so the fabric does not lose its original colour. Use: jute can
be made in different colors and is widely used in the interiors decorated in a
rustic style.

Lace
Openwork fabric produced from cotton, silk or synthetic yarn. It has complex
ornament which has open holes done by humans or machines. Care: hand wash
it in cold water with mild detergent. Never use dryer – all lace should be air-
dried. Use: in home decor lace is usually used for curtains, drapery and
decorative cushions.

Linen
The natural fabric produced from flax fibers with beautiful rich texture. Care: the
main disadvantage of linen is that it is easily wrinkled. To decrease it, synthetic
fibers are often added to linen, which also helps to avoid the reducing of fabric
after washing. Use: the strength and durability of linen make it ideal for sewing
curtains and upholstery. Also it is often used for tablecloths and bedding.
Linen Union
Cotton-linen blend. It is very durable and strong, used for upholstery, cushions,
tablecloths, curtains.Care: can be washed in the washing machine with spin, no
wring, with maximum temperature 40%. Linen union is very universal fabric, it can be
used for different interior styles, but especially it suits traditional and country interiors.

Moire
Cotton or silk fabric with rippled surface, solar rays reflected from it at different angles
create an interesting effect resembling sea waves. Care: Depending on the
composition it can be washed or dry-cleaned. Use: this fabric is often used to make
curtains, decorative cushions, but it is not recommended for upholstery because after
frequent touches it loses its luster.

Muslin
A kind of finely woven cotton fabric, introduced to Europe from the Middle East in the
XVII century. The name of the fabric comes from Mosul – a town in northern Iraq
where this fabric was initially made. In England this textile is also sometimes called
Calico. Most of Muslins are made from 100% cotton, but there are some blends with
synthetic fibers as well. Care – it can be washed in washing machine and tumble
dried. It is better to iron it when it is still damp. Use – muslin is one of the most
frequently used fabrics in interior design, mostly for bed linens, slip covers, sheets,
shades and curtains.

Organza
Organza is a very thin and sheer fabric produced from silk or synthetic yarn.  Care:
organza is easy to wash and dry, although it is better not to do it very frequently. Use:
the ability to pass the sunlight makes it ideal for manufacturing curtains and blinds.

Rayon
Rayon is often considered as artificial fabric which is a mistake. In fact it is made from
cellulose waste products. Care: the main enemy of this light and breathable material
is water, so rayon should be dry cleaned only. Use: Rayon is used as artificial silk,
although it can also imitate wool and cotton.

Satin
Derived from silk, satin has distinctive shine and smooth texture. Use: satin is very
fragile, that’s why  it is used mainly for decorative cushions and never for upholstery
or window treatments.

Silk
The fabric is obtained from the cocoons of silkworms. Silk yarn is very strong and
durable, and, as a result smooth, soft and shining fabric is produced.  Care: the
disadvantage of silk is that it fades in the sun and should be dry cleaned only, so it is
often replaced by a more practical synthetic fabrics. Use: the silk is used to make
elegant flowing curtains and less often for furniture upholstery.

Ticking
Ticking is usually linen or cotton textiles with typical stripes pattern. Use: perfect for
marine of nautical style interiors, it can be used for upholstery, curtains and cushion
covers.
Toile de Jouy
Toile de Jouy or simply Toile is a type of pattern with a plain background, usually white
or cream, and repeated patterns of very complex scenes – pastoral plots or flower
compositions. Use: toiles work great for upholstery, cushion covers, bed linen and
tablecloths. They look good in traditional, country style houses or contemporary
interiors with vintage twist. Care: dry cleaning only.

Velvet
Woolen fabric, originally made with addition of silk or viscose, and now other synthetic
fibers that make it more practical. Care: the main drawback of velvet is that it tends to
trample when used, and the fact that it can not be washed, only dry cleaned. Use:
velvet looks nice as curtains or cushions in combination with antique furniture.

Velveteen
Dense fabric made of cotton or synthetic yarn, it resembles velvet, but has a shorter
pile. Produced in a large range of colors and densities. Care: velveteen should be dry
cleaned. Use: it is used for furniture upholstery to create an informal or rustic style. Can
be smooth or ribbed.

Voile
A light, sheer, plain-weave fabric usually made from pure cotton or cotton blends with
polyester and viscose. Use: mainly for soft furnishings – curtains and canopies. Care: it
is easy to clean: it can be washed in a washing machine in cold water and on delicate
regime. It can be hung to dry and later ironed with warm iron.

Wool
One of the most commonly used fabrics in home decoration produced from sheep’s
wool. Care: the perfect care for wool is dry cleaning. Use: woolen cushions and throws
will bring warmth to any corner of the house.

Rayon:
Also known to many designers as “art silk,” rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric that is a great
alternative to silk. It has a bright shiny texture to it and is a great choice for many homes that is
looking for something that is more durable than silk is. The one major drawback of rayon is that
it will wrinkle so it is better to use it on a surface that won’t have a lot of people lounging on it.

Olefin:
If you want to find a material that is comfortable and functional, then you should choose this
synthetic fabric. Olefin is a very common material that is used in furniture since the fabric is
durable, holds color and stain resistant. This is the perfect fabric for those high traffic areas and
for smaller fabric areas; you can find olefin combined with other fabrics to create beauty and
function.

Polyester:
Usually seen in drapes and bed sheets, most people do not use a straight polyester fabric to
decorate with, or really at any time. What they do use instead is a polyester blend with a variety
of other fabrics. Polyester is a synthetic fibre that is used in a variety of ways and can be found
in a large number of textures. It, or a polyester blend, is a good choice for sitting areas since
polyester is resistant to wrinkles.
Acrylic:
Acrylic, also known as Acrylic fiber, is a synthetic fabric that was created as an alternative to
wool and it has begun seeing use as an alternative to cashmere. The fabric is surprisingly soft
and comfortable and its durability makes it an excellent choice for home decor. Generally,
acrylic fabrics hold color extremely well and resist shrinkage, which is excellent when you
have to clean some of your fabrics. Acrylic fabric also resists stains and wear and tear. It is
also resistant to wrinkles.

Nylon:
Another synthetic fabric, nylon is a resilient fabric that has a silky texture to it. It is usually
resistant to stains and it holds color extremely well. Although it is a strong fabric it tends to
only be used in blends and not on its own. Since it is a strong and resilient fabric, the uses for
nylon, or nylon blends, is practically endless when it comes to your home decor.

Leather:
The last fabric that I am going to look at is leather, which is a natural fabric that is produced
by tanning various hides, usually cow but not always. Leather can add a rich element to a
home and many people love it but this is not the easiest fabric to have in your home. Leather
requires a lot of work and the color can fade if it is placed in direct sunlight. Another problem
with leather is that it can become scratched and stained quite easily. Still, it does make a
statement wherever you use it and can be an excellent choice for many rooms.

Denim: Denim can be durable, but it also gives a casual look. This is often best suited
for children’s rooms and family rooms. Denim does not always have to be blue either. It
can be dyed to many colors including black and red.

microfiber - this refers to fabrics that are made using extremely thin synthetic fibers,
most often polyester. The exact shape, size, and combination of synthetic fibers
depends on the desired characteristics of the final fabric, including softness, durability,
absorption, water repellency, and wicking properties, or breathability.

Cotton Blend: Depending on the weave, cotton blends can be sturdy, family-friendly fabrics.
A stain-resistant finish should be applied for everyday use.

Vinyl Grey

Waverly Santa Maria Desert F

lower

Premier Prints Arrow Twill Premier Navy/White

Swavelle/Mill Creek Dalusio Damask Denim

Premier Prints Indoor/Outdoor Sea Friends

Ocean

Tommy Bahama Indoor/Outd

oor Island Hopping 

Udder Madness Cow Upholstery Milk

Premier Prints Schooner Nautical

Premier Prints Air Traffic Felix/Natural

Eroica Cosmo Linen Graphite

Eroica Cosmo Linen Latte

10 oz. Bull Denim White

Eroica Cosmo Linen Aqua

 burlap in America and Canada, is a woven fabric usually made from

skin of the jute plant or sisal fibres, which may be combined with other
vegetable fibres to make rope, nets, and similar products. 

Gunny cloth is similar in texture and construction.

source

• http://essenziale-hd.com/2013/04/24/textiles-glos
sary-home-decorating-fabrics-from-a-to-z/
• http://freshome.com/2009/01/26/understanding-f
abrics-in-your-interior-decorating/
• http://www.brandtsinteriors.com/choosing-fabrics-
for-interior-design
• http://hotelexecutive.com/business_review/2273/
understanding-fabrics-and-how-to-use-them
• http://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/basics/gu
ide-to-upholstery-fabrics/#page=1