One of my favourite interior design projects to work on with a client is choosing fabrics for window treatments and furniture reupholstery. As you know, there are thousands of choices for colour, texture, and pattern. So, the question is, how should you choose fabrics for your home?
Keep in mind the colour, pattern, and, perhaps more importantly, the intended use and required durability. It’s easy to look through dozens of beautiful fabrics but forget that they must stand up over time. New draperies or reupholstering furniture can be expensive, so getting them right is essential.
Choose Fabrics for Your Home Based on Three Important Factors
Draperies: Functionality and Light Control. Consider how much light you want the window treatments to block or filter. For rooms where you want more privacy or darkness (like bedrooms), heavier fabrics such as velvet, brocade, or thick cotton work well. For spaces where you want more light to flow in (like living rooms or kitchens), lighter fabrics like linen, cotton, or sheer materials are ideal. Remember that different lining types can change the fabric’s opacity for your window treatments. Linings can be light filtering, light blocking, or blackout. Choose the weight of your fabric to suit the lining you require.
Upholstery: Durability and Maintenance. Fabrics are often exposed to sunlight and can fade over time. Depending on the room and level of use, they can get dirty due to spills and wear and tear. So, choosing durable, easy-to-clean fabrics is important if you are in this situation. Synthetic blends or treated natural fibres resist fading and are more durable. Consider whether the fabric is washable or requires dry cleaning – especially if you have children or pets. Indoor/outdoor fabrics can be an excellent choice and come in various patterns and textures. Typically, manufacturers list the “rub count” on the back of the fabric swatch, which indicates its durability. (Check out this video that shows how manufacturers determine rub count.)
Style and Aesthetics: The Fun Part. Choosing fabrics for your home is fun, but the number of choices can make it overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. The fabric’s texture, pattern, and colour should complement your room’s décor. Heavy, luxurious fabrics give a formal look, while light, breezy fabrics create a more casual or airy feel. Consider how the fabric fits with the room’s design elements.
Finding Inspiration When Choosing Fabrics
Finding inspiration when choosing fabrics for your home can be a fun process! Here are some of the factors I consider when working with clients.
Artwork: If you have a favourite piece of artwork in your room, this is a great place to start for inspiration. Of course, you can pull colours from the art piece, but also consider the mood and style of the piece. Is it more traditional, transitional, or contemporary? Perhaps, like me, you enjoy a carefully curated mix of styles. Even something as simple as a vase of flowers can inform your colour choices.
Existing Patterns and Textures in Your Home: If you have some statement pieces that make you smile, such as a patterned area rug, table lamp, or piece of furniture, use these as a jumping-off point. Here’s a radical idea for inspiration. Look through your clothes closet and pick a favourite garment to help you get started.
Paint Colours: Typically, you would choose your fabrics before considering paint colours. However, if you absolutely love the colours of your walls and you’re not in the mood for a repainting project, paint can inspire fabric choices. I prefer to go to a fabric showroom with paint chips in hand and quickly flip through sample books. In fact, it’s easier than you think. For example, if you are looking for drapery fabric, it instantly eliminates all the upholstery fabric books so that you can focus on drapery or multi-purpose samples. Many fabric suppliers will have a colourway on the book’s spine, so it’s easy to know which ones to look at. Consider a combination of patterns and solid colours to create a cohesive look.
Creating a mood board by combining fabric swatches, paint samples, and design elements can be a great way to visualize your space. You can use online tools like Canva or physical boards to bring together your ideas.
Your Interior Decorator Can Help
Remember that your trusted interior decorator or designer can be a huge help when you are ready to choose fabrics for your home. Investing in a few hours of their time can save you a lot of headaches and purchases you may regret later. Many decorators/designers have trade accounts with one or more fabric suppliers, saving you (and them) time and money. Additionally, they likely have trusted tradespeople in their network who can manufacture your draperies or reupholster your furniture.
Choosing the best fabrics for your home is about balancing functionality, durability, style, and, of course, your budget. If you’re ready to pick fabrics that reflect your style and complement your space, contact me today to help make your vision a reality.