Fabrics play a vital role in setting the tone of a space and with the plethora of options available, the process of choosing fabrics can be daunting or downright overwhelming. Colors, patterns, textures and the durability of fabrics must all factor into the choice. Where do you even start?

We’re here for you! Our fabrics styling guide will help you narrow down the choices so that you can get on to the fun part … shopping!

1) Color Palette and Scale: You obviously want colors that coordinate well with the other colors in the space. You also want to ensure that the scale of the different fabrics used in the same room does not compete with one another.

2) Functionality of the Fabric: Will the fabric be used frequently and be subject to significant wear; or is it an accent fabric that will not be prone to daily abuse? Do you need a fabric content that will be easy to clean (Crypton, Sunbrella, polyester, etc.)? Consider a more heavy-weight fabric for applications that need to withstand the constant wear and tear of daily use.
3) Weight of the Fabric: For upholstery, you want a heavier, more durable fabric that will age well and withstand consistent use. For window treatments, heavier fabrics can look too stiff. You want lighter weight fabrics that fall naturally and stack back seamlessly.
4) Texture of the Fabric: Pay close attention to the tone and texture of the fabrics you are considering. To achieve an airy feel, it is best to stick with light textures like linen or cotton. For a more collected look, mix various textures together in one space.

Here’s a cheat sheet of different fabrics, suggested uses,
and pros and cons of each:

  • Cotton: Different types of weaves and finishes in cotton fabrics dramatically impact the fabric’s durability. Although cotton is highly resistant to fading and wear, it is also prone to wrinkling.
  • Wool: A great fabric for high traffic areas of the home, wool is known for its sturdiness and durability. Resistant to fading, pilling and wrinkling, you will get a long life out of wool fabric.
  • Leather: Resilient and easy to clean, leather is a good choice for high-use pieces. Just a swipe with a damp cloth will keep it in good condition.
  • Linen: Because linen is so delicate, it’s probably not a great choice for homes with children and pets. You’ll want to use a professional for cleaning to avoid mishaps such as shrinking the fabric.
  • Silk: Similar in characteristics to linen, silk is delicate and not suited to heavy wear. Use it only in lower traffic areas that have limited access to kids and pets.

1) Color Palette and Scale: You obviously want colors that coordinate well with the other colors in the space. You also want to ensure that the scale of the different fabrics used in the same room does not compete with one another.

2) Functionality of the Fabric: Will the fabric be used frequently and be subject to significant wear; or is it an accent fabric that will not be prone to daily abuse? Do you need a fabric content that will be easy to clean (Crypton, Sunbrella, polyester, etc.)? Consider a more heavy-weight fabric for applications that need to withstand the constant wear and tear of daily use.
3) Weight of the Fabric: For upholstery, you want a heavier, more durable fabric that will age well and withstand consistent use. For window treatments, heavier fabrics can look too stiff. You want lighter weight fabrics that fall naturally and stack back seamlessly.
4) Texture of the Fabric: Pay close attention to the tone and texture of the fabrics you are considering. To achieve an airy feel, it is best to stick with light textures like linen or cotton. For a more collected look, mix various textures together in one space.

Here’s a cheat sheet of different fabrics, suggested uses,
and pros and cons of each:

  • Cotton: Different types of weaves and finishes in cotton fabrics dramatically impact the fabric’s durability. Although cotton is highly resistant to fading and wear, it is also prone to wrinkling.
  • Wool: A great fabric for high traffic areas of the home, wool is known for its sturdiness and durability. Resistant to fading, pilling and wrinkling, you will get a long life out of wool fabric.
  • Leather: Resilient and easy to clean, leather is a good choice for high-use pieces. Just a swipe with a damp cloth will keep it in good condition.
  • Linen: Because linen is so delicate, it’s probably not a great choice for homes with children and pets. You’ll want to use a professional for cleaning to avoid mishaps such as shrinking the fabric.
  • Silk: Similar in characteristics to linen, silk is delicate and not suited to heavy wear. Use it only in lower traffic areas that have limited access to kids and pets.