FEELING OVERWHELMED ABOUT CHOOSING TEXTILES FOR YOUR HOME? READ THIS FIRST
With so many options of fabric types, weaves and prints available on the market, we can understand why many of our customers come to us feeling overwhelmed when deciding on textiles for their home. Choosing between natural or synthetic, textured, large, or small print, or no print at all is just the beginning. With a little professional guidance (and insight) we feel warmed when we see our clients feeling they have made the right decision for their home (and investment).
To get you started, here’s a few things to consider, when choosing textiles for your home.
Natural is beautiful, but not always practical.
Whilst we do love a natural weave here at Thornton & Blake, the results of choosing a pure linen, cotton, silk or wool, for example, might not always be the most suitable textile for the environment in which you choose to use it in.
Natural fabrics have a higher absorption of moisture.
This means, in humid environments, natural linens, wools and cottons can be prone to mildew, which is much harder to clean from a natural fibre. Therefore, selecting a natural linen for a position near a bathroom or a darkened space with little airflow and prone to moisture, such as a south facing hallway window, may not be the best choice. Instead, we would recommend opting for a poly blend or a full synthetic which is less likely to hold moisture and therefore be less prone to mildew and easier to clean, if required.
Natural fabrics are also prone to movement.
Natural fibres offer less structural integrity than a synthetic. Paired with the higher capacity for absorption, this may change the weight and height of your curtains. In simple terms, a natural linen curtain will flex in height and width, according to the absorption of moisture, raising and lowering the hemline. Some of our clients love the drama of a drape which falls to the floor, during the humid months, raising off the ground during drier months.
Natural fibres may also be subject to shrinkage if they are dry cleaned. Therefore, adding extra hemline during the manufacturing process is important, particularly if you have to do an ‘emergency clean’ of a single drape for an unforeseen accident.
If you prefer your drape line to stay in the one place all year ‘round, you may like to choose a blend or synthetic fabric, which is less prone to absorption and offers a higher structural integrity and is less prone to shrinkage if it is dry cleaned.
Natural fibres do have their pride of place.
Especially in our beautiful, natural, Blue Mountains location. We do support the choice of Natural textiles for our clients who have their heart set on them, especially in spaces that are airy and well ventilated or where puddling a drape can add a touch of luxury and glamour to a bedroom, study or formal lounge room. Natural fibres, especially linen, cotton and wool have a wonderful feel, texture and nature, which is unsurpassed by Synthetic textiles.
Synthetic fabrics are less likely to fade.
If you are choosing a textile for a North facing window covering, window seat cushion or a piece of furniture which will receive direct sunlight, it is important to think about UV protection. Polyester, Nylon and Acrylic generally have a better resistance to the sun’s powerful rays and therefore, are less likely to fade. If you do choose a natural fibre for your window coverings, a block out backing will offer better protection from fading.
Synthetic fabrics are easier to clean.
If you have pets or children in your home, synthetic fabrics are more hard wearing and easier to clean. This is particularly important in high traffic areas or areas where food is served such as a dining room, children’s bedroom, hallway or family room. You may also consider synthetic fabrics for a kitchen window, which has both a wet area and food preparation space, where splashes and spills inevitably happen. When choosing a fabric for a banquette or window seat, once again, consider the ease of laundering a piece which is frequently sat upon by adults, children, or pets alike.
Prints, patterns or plain.
A big bold statement print can do wonders in adding colour, movement, and personality to a space. However, choosing a pattern can be a huge commitment, especially when there are considerations to be made surrounding the size, light, proportion, and context of the space you intend on dressing.
Layering prints can also be an art for the experienced eye.
If you decide you would like to layer prints, we recommend choosing one large statement print, then pairing with a smaller print, a stripe or even a texture (such as a linen weave). This will ensure the larger print has the space to feature amongst the secondary pieces.
In choosing your secondary prints, you may like to highlight a feature colour within the feature print, along with bridging that same colour with other pieces in the room.
Of course, working with an experienced interior designer will offer you the insight of a professional who selects textiles for all uses as a daily practice. Investing correctly the first time may save you down the track in replacement costs, through ensuring you have selected the right type of fabric for your space, as well as patterns and prints that work together, harmoniously.
With our very own textile library in the Thornton & Blake showroom and a little black book of reputable suppliers, you may also find you save up front with an experienced designers’ suggestions, including alternatives that will meet your budget, saving you unnecessary over-spending.
