There are so many fabrics you can use in decorating that I can't possibly list them all here. Fabrics are important in decorating because they add a soft finished look to a room. They are also important because they add color, pattern, and texture to a project.
Below is a list of fabrics that can be used for upholstery, slip covers, cushions, pillows, and bed and table covers.
So many choices, so little time:
- Brocade - Cotton or cotton blend with a richly textured woven pattern it is good for cushion covers.
- Burlap - Made from jute or hemp, burlap adds robust texture and can be used for table covers and on walls. Now it comes in a variety of colors.
- Cambric - Closley woven plain weave or cotton, often used for cushion covers.
- Chenille - Tufted velvet cord or yarn with an uneven double sided pile, which drapes well as a throw.
- Chintz - Medium-weighted glazed cotton printed with floral or animal patterns. It is used mainly in living rooms.
- Corduroy - Velvet with a regular ridged texture, great for cushions and covers.
- Damask - Elaborate patterns in contrasting textures through its complicated silk or linen weave structure. It is used for table linen, cushions, and loose covers.
- Gingham - A light, checked cotton or cotton blend that is particularly popular in kitchens.
- Hand-woven cotten fabric - An irregular, rough weave suitable for cushion covers and bed spreads.
- Linen Blend - A heavy hard-wearing linen-and-cotton mix often used for upholstery, but also suitable for table cloths and cushions.
- Madras - Hand woven cotton, dyed, and often patterned.
- Moleskin - for fitted cushions and loose covers because it is a hard-wearing cotton that is sensually soft.
- Poplin - Light- or medium-weighted plain or printed cotton.
- Sateen - Cotton with a slight sheen. It is sometimes mixed with a synthetic material.
- Sheeting - Usually a cotton/polyester blend made extra wide for use as bed linens.
- Ticking - Heavy linen or cotton cloth with narrow stripes.
- Velvet - A heavy cotton or cotton mix with a pile cut in one direction. It is often used for cushion covers.
- When choosing fabric based on the color of your walls, take a piece of white cardboard painted with the main wall color with you to the store.
- Request or buy swatches of your favorite choices to view them in natural and artificial light in your home.
- Check to see if the fabric is flame retardant, if not you might want to treat it with a spray or wash.
- Check on washability. If it isn't preshrunk, allow for 10% shrinkage.
- Suble patterns add a sense of space in small rooms, but tend to get rather lost in larger areas.
- Bold Patterns seem intimate and cozy in a large room, but over powering in a small setting.
- Mix bold patterns with plain fabric for a calmer feel.
- Floral patterns are very traditional in fabric design and are suitable for cushions and small items.
- Ethnic prints are more informal and can work well with abstract-style carpets.
