Fabrics for interiors
Choosing interior fabrics is one of the most impactful decisions for the look, feel, comfort of a space.
The choice of fabric depends on function, location, durability needs, maintenance, and aesthetic goals.
1. Key Factors to Consider
Before specific fabrics, ask yourself:
A. Durability
How often will the piece be used?
Is it in a high-traffic area?
Will kids/pets be present?
Use these to determine the required strength (e.g., rub count).
choose recycled wool
use pillows for softness and accents
B. Maintenance
Do you want washable fabrics?
Can the fabric handle spot cleaning?
Will it require professional cleaning?
C. Aesthetic & Feel
Do you want soft and cozy or sleek and cool?
Are you aiming for luxury, casual, minimalist, or eclectic?
D. Sustainability
Are eco-friendly or natural fibers important?
Are there formal certifications (e.g., GOTS, OEKO-TEX)?
2. Best Fabrics for Different Interior Uses
Upholstery (Sofas, Chairs, Ottomans)
Heavy-Duty & Durable = Performance Fabrics
Engineered for stain resistance, abrasion resistance, and easy cleaning
Great for families and pets
Examples: recycled Polyester blends, Acrylic, Crypton, Sunbrella (indoor performance)
Classic & Comfortable = sustainable Wool & Wool Blends
Naturally resilient, warm, and long-lasting
Excellent for European and traditional interiors
Modern & Elegant = Cotton Velvet
Luxuriously soft
Ideal for formal living areas and accent chairs
Care Tip: Avoid heavy use with pets; choose abrasion-resistant velvet blends.
Casual & Breathable = Linen / Linen Blends
Fresh, relaxed texture
Slight wrinkling is characteristic, not a flaw
Tip: Blend with cotton or rayon for strength and reduced stretch.
choose furniture that can be reupholstered
Bedroom – Bed Linens, Duvets, Headboards
Soft & Breathable = Cotton
Classic choice for sheets and duvet covers
Look for:
Percale → crisp and cool
Sateen → smooth and slightly lustrous
Luxurious = bamboo Silk or Tencel Lyocell
Breathable and skin-friendly
Silk adds a refined sheen
Cozy & Warm = introduce Throws
Excellent for texture and comfort in cooler climates
Drapery & Curtains
Light & Airy = Sheer Voile
soften walls with curtains
Allows natural light, Great for layered look
Elegant & Formal = Heavy Linen, bamboo Silk, Damask
Adds depth and richness
Choose lining to reduce sun-fade
Blackout Needs = recycled Polyester/Performance Blackout
Great for bedrooms or media rooms
Provides thermal and acoustic benefits
never go wrong with linen
the amazing cotton
Accent Fabrics (Cushions, Throws, Accessories)
Velvet → depth and luxury
Tapestry / Jacquard → patterned elegance
Embroidered linen → artisanal detail
recycled Wool blends → seasonal texture
3. Durability Measure – Martindale/Rub Count
10,000+ – Moderate use (bedrooms, guest rooms)
15,000–25,000+ – Everyday use
30,000+ – Heavy use (living room sofas, family rooms)
For high-traffic upholstery, aim for 30,000+ martindale or equivalent durability spec.
4. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Options
Organic Cotton – Certified, no harmful chemicals
Linen (Flax) – Naturally biodegradable
Hemp – Durable and low-impact
Tencel (Lyocell) – Eco-processed fiber
Recycled Polyester – Performance without virgin plastics
Look for certifications like:
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
5. Practical Tips for Selecting Fabric
✔ Test in space: Lighting changes color perception.
✔ Bring swatches home: View near walls, floors, and lighting.
✔ Consider contrast: Mix textures (smooth + nubby + woven).
✔ Think long term: Classic neutrals last longer than fads.
✔ Layer textures: Adds depth and comfort.