When choosing a piece of furniture, it is important to consider not only the design but also the function. Perhaps you’d like a two-seater couch upholstered in an organic fabric in a neutral colour to complement your Delphine curtains, however, you need to consider whether this couch will be functional for the weekly visits from your young grandchildren.
Below are the key points the interior design salesperson will need to guide your selection of a fabric that you love and fit your needs, while also setting expectations around how the textiles will age.
Fabrics differ in their construction, durability, and appearance. Those made from natural fibres such as silk, cotton, linen, and viscose offer their own unique personality and look when ageing. They also require more care than synthetic fabrics which are more resilient to pilling, fading, colour transfer, seam slippage, and staining.
Refer to our Under the microscope: pairing fibre characteristics article.
It is important to manage our expectations of perfection when buying furniture. New pieces begin pristine because they are yet to withstand the stresses of daily life or to serve their functional purpose. When a fabric is exposed to conditions beyond its specifications, the performance will not be optimum and premature aging of the material will occur.
