An educated approach to fabric selection helps ensure every detail supports the overall design intent. Different materials offer distinct qualities such as durability, softness, or visual impact, making them best suited to particular uses throughout the home.

This guide provides a clear overview of how fabric choices enhance interior design. The following sections offer practical advice and insights based on professional decorating principles to help create spaces that balance comfort, function, and visual appeal.

The Power of Fabrics in Home Decor

Fabrics contribute much more than color and pattern to a room’s design. The textures and materials selected can affect acoustics, regulate light, and add tangible warmth. For example, the softness of chenille upholstery can make a living area feel welcoming, while crisp cotton drapes add a sense of freshness to windows. In each case, the chosen textile helps establish the overall mood.

Subtle details, such as layering a lightweight throw on a leather armchair or mixing linen cushions with wool blankets, invite comfort and visual interest. These choices not only enhance daily living but can also connect different elements of a room, creating a balanced and cohesive design. Thoughtful fabric placement allows any space to better reflect the personalities and lifestyles of its residents.

Exploring Fabric Types: Options for Every Room

Selecting the right fabric begins with understanding the wide range of materials available. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool are valued for their breathability, soft textures, and classic appeal, making them popular choices for many interiors. Each natural fabric brings unique qualities, such as the crispness of linen or the gentle sheen of silk, that suit different design goals.

Synthetic fabrics, including polyester, acrylic, and nylon, have evolved to offer durability, resistance to stains, and colorfastness. These options are especially useful in homes with children, pets, or high-traffic areas, where easy maintenance is a priority. Blended fabrics combine the best qualities of natural and synthetic fibers, offering both comfort and resilience. Some interiors benefit from specialty fabrics like chenille, velvet, or suede, each bringing a distinct texture and character to furniture or accents. By considering both the function and feel of a fabric, it becomes easier to select an option that will look attractive and perform well throughout the lifespan of the piece.

Elevating Spaces with Elegant and Durable Fabrics

High-quality fabrics play a significant role in creating interiors that feel refined and timeless. Materials like linen, silk, and velvet often serve as focal points in a room, providing luxurious texture and depth. These fabrics are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the unique character they add to upholstered furniture, window treatments, and decorative accents.

Durability is an important factor when selecting elegant fabrics. Blended options, such as linen-cotton or performance velvets, deliver the look and feel of luxury while standing up to everyday use. Advanced weaving techniques and fabric finishes can also enhance resistance to fading, staining, or wear, making these selections practical as well as beautiful.

Decorators frequently recommend combining a statement fabric with more understated companions to achieve harmony and balance. Whether used in a formal living area or a relaxed family space, well-chosen textiles contribute to interiors that stand out for both their comfort and sophistication.

Coordinating Fabrics and Wall Coverings

Achieving a cohesive interior design often involves pairing fabric choices with the walls of each room. Whether the space features painted surfaces, textured finishes, or patterned wallpaper, the relationship between fabrics and wall coverings can have a major visual impact. Complementary color palettes and thoughtfully chosen textures help unify all elements in a room.

For a harmonious look, decorators might choose fabrics that echo the tones or motifs found in existing wall treatments. For example, selecting draperies or cushions in shades that coordinate with a wallpaper’s accent color can tie the room together. Conversely, using fabrics with subtle patterns or solid hues alongside bold wall coverings can provide a pleasing balance, preventing a space from feeling overwhelming.

Experimenting with scale is also effective. Pairing large-scale patterns on the walls with smaller prints or textured solids in fabrics creates variety without clutter.

Smart Fabric Selection by Room and Lifestyle

Different areas of a home present unique demands for fabric selection. In high-traffic zones such as living rooms, hallways, or entryways, durability and stain resistance are important. Fabrics like tightly woven synthetics, blends, or treated natural fibers can handle frequent use and are easier to clean. Upholstery designed for performance is often recommended in these busy spaces.

Relaxation areas, including bedrooms and reading nooks, benefit from softer, more tactile fabrics. Materials such as linen, cotton, and brushed chenille lend a sense of comfort and warmth, making these spaces feel inviting. Curtain and bedding choices in these zones may also prioritize gentle textures and light filtration.

Kitchen and dining spaces call for practicality as well. Easy-care fabrics on cushions or window treatments simplify maintenance, especially in households with children or pets. For families looking to balance style and everyday function, exploring washable and durable fabric options provides long-term satisfaction.

What to Look For When Shopping for Fabrics

Choosing fabric for home projects calls for a careful look at details beyond color and style. It's important to consider aspects like thickness, weave, and how the fabric feels to the touch, as these impact both comfort and suitability for particular uses. Heavier or tightly woven fabrics are ideal for upholstery where strength and resistance to wear are priorities, while lighter materials often work best for curtains, sheers, or decorative throws.

Texture also plays an important role in a room's atmosphere. Smooth textiles can lend a crisp, clean appearance, whereas textured options can add softness or visual depth. Before making a final decision, viewing fabric swatches within the intended space allows a better sense of how the material will respond to light and existing decor.

Durability is frequently measured by factors such as rub count, which indicates how well a fabric withstands repeated use. Reviewing information on fiber content and care requirements makes it easier to select materials that will look attractive while standing up to regular wear.

Bedding and Upholstery: Comfort Meets Durability

Choosing the right fabric for bedding and upholstery affects both comfort and longevity. For bedding, natural materials like cotton and linen provide breathability and a soft touch, making them excellent for year-round use. Higher thread counts often mean greater comfort, while easy-care fabrics help maintain freshness with minimal effort.

When it comes to upholstery, fabrics need to withstand daily wear. Durable fibers like tightly woven polyester blends or performance-treated fabrics are practical for family rooms and high-use furniture. Considering factors such as stain resistance, cleanability, and rub count helps ensure long-lasting results.

Current Trends and Future Directions

Fabric trends evolve to balance classic style with modern innovation. Earthy tones, rich textures, and natural patterns are popular for creating a sense of grounding and comfort. Sustainable materials and artisan craftsmanship are increasingly in demand, reflecting a commitment to lasting quality and environmental consciousness.

Looking forward, advancements in textile technology continue to introduce recycled and plant-based materials, alongside treatments for improved stain or fade resistance. This allows for greater creativity while keeping maintenance simple.

Layering, Mixing, and Creating Cohesion

A well-dressed interior often combines different fabrics for depth and harmony. Layering cushions, throws, and rugs in complementary tones adds dimension, while mixing textures ensures the design feels dynamic rather than flat. Balancing bold patterns or colors with subtle neutrals creates cohesive rooms without overwhelming the senses.

To unify different choices, decorators often repeat a color or texture across various elements of the room. Sampling swatches and viewing them together in the space aids in creating a well-coordinated look.

Practical Tips for Selecting Fabrics

Choosing the right fabrics for interiors requires a thoughtful approach that blends functionality, style, and context. These key tips can help guide the decision-making process:

• Assess the Purpose: Think about how the fabric will be used and the demands of the space. High-traffic areas and family rooms benefit from durable and stain-resistant materials, while bedrooms and lounges can prioritize softness and comfort.
• Prioritize Durability: Investigate the wear rating (such as rub count) and composition of the fabric. Tightly woven textiles, performance blends, or treated fibers are ideal for furniture that will get frequent use.
• Consider Maintenance Needs: Some fabrics are easier to clean and maintain than others. Machine-washable, easy-care options are best where spills and pet hair are common, while specialty fabrics like silk or velvet may be best reserved for accent pieces.
• Test with Swatches: Always request fabric samples before making a final decision. Place swatches in the room, observe them in natural and artificial light, and see how they coordinate with existing colors, flooring, or wallpaper.
• Balance Textures and Patterns: Mixing textures creates visual interest and comfort. Pair smooth and textured fabrics or alternate bold patterns with subtle solids for a dynamic yet cohesive look.
• Match Style and Mood: Fabrics contribute to the mood of a space. Lighter cottons and linens can evoke freshness and simplicity, while heavier velvets or tweeds add a sense of richness and warmth.
• Plan for Longevity: Choose versatile, classic fabrics for foundational pieces, and introduce trends through smaller accents such as pillows or throws.

Making Fabric Choices with Confidence

Thoughtfully selected fabrics can elevate every aspect of a home’s design. By balancing durability, comfort, and visual appeal, it is possible to create spaces that are both welcoming and practical. The right fabric choices reflect the character of a room and support daily living, providing texture, warmth, and personality in equal measure.

For readers seeking inspiration, material insights, or specific guidance on fabrics for any project, exploring the resources and collections at fabriccarolina.com can help turn design ideas into reality. Take the next step by discovering fabric options that bring your vision for a beautiful and functional home to life. Be sure to check out our leading brands we offer and contact us for guidance and information on purchasing.

History of Upholstery

The use of fabric for upholstery dates to as far back as the times of the ancient Egyptians. Aside from that, the Greeks and Romans also used upholstery fabric. But during these times, upholstery fabric was used mostly in churches and were only associated with the wealthy families. The use of fabric was also prevalent on carpets and curtains, especially on palatial residences of kings and other monarchs.

The use of upholstery fabric during ancient times continued until the 16^th century. This trend continued on until the modern era and has greatly evolved to offer a wide range of fabrics available for use.

Velvet as Upholstery Fabric

Since their initial use during the ancient times, upholstery fabric has evolved greatly. But one of the most reliable and classic options for fabric is velvet. The production of velvet began in the 12^th century in Europe. The following centuries, this fabric grew in popularity in Italy and then in France by the 18^th century.

One of the reasons why velvet fabric appealed to homeowners and interior decorators was its luxurious charm. But aside from that aura of luxury, there is one more characteristic that has made velvet a frontrunner in the hospitality and interior décor industry: its comfort. Indeed, velvet feels comfortable on your skin because it has a soft and smooth finish. When used on upholstery, it provides comfort and warmth to the user. It is no wonder why it is a favorite option in the hospitality industry, especially in luxurious hotels.

Modern velvet sofas are one of the most sought after items for homeowners and interior decorators. This particular type of upholstery is not just luxurious but it can go well with any interior decorating theme. This style of upholstery also does not go out of trend – it is a classic that will endure for many years, as it has already endured centuries of history and evolution.

While it was abandoned for some time, velvet sofas are making a resurgence in today’s home decorating industry. The contemporary velvet sofas are characterized by bold and bright colors, which add a beautiful aesthetic accent to your home interior. From the rich reds, blues, and emerald greens, these color options infuse a contemporary vibe to your home while the velvet texture brings that timeless detail.

Want to add that contemporary yet timeless detail to your home? Make sure to consider the use of velvet fabric for your furniture upholstery project.

Read More: Luxurious and Cozy Home Interior Decorating for Winter with Velvet Fabric

With the new year comes a new set of trends that you need to know about for 2020. Make sure you stay abreast on the latest designer curtain trends for 2020 to give you new ideas on how to create trendy home interior designs.

Trend 1: Curtain Fabric Made With Natural Materials

One of the prevailing trends for 2020 is the prevalence of natural fabric and prints. For 2020, expect natural fabrics for curtains such as linen, silk, or cotton to be among the top choices for curtains. Natural prints will also be making an appearance on the list of top curtains for the new year. In fact, plain curtains might very well be a good option for anyone who is into giving your room a finished look while keeping the atmosphere classic.

As mentioned above, natural prints are also a big trend for 2020. Expect to see more plants and animal prints on fabric shop aisles.

Trend 2: Saturated Tones

Another big trend for 2020 is the curtain of saturated tones. This type of curtain looks best when you have neutral (such as beige or sand) or pastel colored walls. By choosing this type of color on your curtains, it will help to add vitality and a burst of freshness into the room. This type of curtain looks best when complemented with neutral tones such as beige, green, brown, and blue.

Trend 3: Single Layer Curtains

For years now, you might have seen the extensive use of multi-layered curtains for home interior designs. But that is about to change this 2020. Not only is there a growing preference for simplicity and natural elements, but single-layer curtains are going to take the center stage. The concept of multi-layering curtains is eventually losing its relevance in the home interior industry.

Trend 4: French Curtains

One of the big curtain trends for 2020 is the prevalence of French curtains. Technically, this style never went out of trend. It boasts of an unrivaled classic chic standard that is perennially a favorite among homeowners. But you can expect it to be bigger and more prevalent in 2020. The use of French curtains for home interior is preferred due to its ability to complement spacious rooms. With that being said, this type of curtain is only ideal for big rooms as they tend to look bulky on small spaces.

Trend 5: Floral Prints

As mentioned above, natural prints are going to be big this 2020. When you are shopping for curtains, you will find a wide range of floral patterns to choose from. Whichever pattern you choose, you can expect that floral prints are going to add a romantic yet tender mood to your home interior.

Here is our Expert Tips for a Well-Designed Drapery

The performance characteristics of an outdoor fabric are what set it apart from other fabric types in the market. It does not fade or stain easily, even when exposed to harsh environmental elements. They are also available in a diverse range of patterns, prints, and textures. Decorating your outdoor spaces is now more fun than ever before. Indeed, they are as luxurious and beautiful as the indoor fabrics.

What Makes Outdoor Performance Fabric Superior?

One of the most distinctive characteristics that outdoor fabric has is that they are made of solution-dyed fibers. For this type of fiber, the pigment and the polymer are blended and then go through a process that enables the fibers to attain a color.

This process enables you to clean the fabric with ease and also make it extra durable. Most yarns naturally repel or attract water or other types of moisture. But synthetic fabric is able to repel any kind of liquid. This makes them easier to clean, even with the use of bleach.

Terms You Need to Know When Shopping Outdoor Performance Fabric

There are many manufacturers of outdoor performance fabric nowadays. While it is good that there are more options now than ever before, it can also lead to confusion among shoppers. The following terms are something that you have to be familiar with in order to choose the right fabric for your intended outdoor use:

• Performance – This refers to any of the must-have qualities that an outdoor fabric must possess: UV-resistance, water-repellant, and durability. When all of these characteristics are present, only then can an outdoor fabric be considered of performance quality.
• Waterproof – This is an important characteristic that homeowners need to look for when buying outdoor performance fabric. It refers to the inability of liquid substances to penetrate into the fibers of the fabric. As such, this type of fabric is not breathable like cotton. It is best used for awnings and for cushion covers.
• Water-Resistance – Waterproof fabric should not be confused with water-resistant fabric. These two are not the same although they have similar properties. When a fabric is water-resistant, the water beads form on the surface of the fabric and are unable to penetrate into the fiber. As such, you can easily clean it and prevent moisture from causing damage to the fabric. The advantage of a water-resistant fabric (over waterproof ones) is that this one is far more breathable. You can use this type of fabric on the upholstery of your outdoor furniture or as drapery or other types of accent.

Have you tried shopping outdoor performance fabric? How did you go about choosing which fabric to buy? 

Material choices range from natural to synthetic, and there are many materials to choose from. The following are considered the “most comfortable” fabrics for comforters.

Cotton

Cotton is the most widely used fiber in the world, and rightfully so, as it is also deemed as the most comfortable material for clothes and comforters. Cotton is soft and smooth to touch, absorbs moisture and sweat easily, and helps your body cool and comfy, making it an incredibly cozy material to sleep on.

However, not all comforters that use cotton are made the same. Many brands also inflate their thread count up to three times the actual number and claim their products are the best in the market, when the truth it, they’re cheap and scratchy. If you want the comfiest cotton, then you need to do your homework to search for the high quality ones.

Wool

Wool is perfect for anyone looking for a warm and cozy comforter. Wool’s unique texture gives it the excellent ability to retain body heat; the thick tangled fabric is ideal for cold climates.

Wool comforters however, are both expensive and hard to find. Meaning, there’s not a lot of options out there when it comes to color, style, and size that you want. Also, they’re not the most comfortable and practical choice come summer time.

Silk

When it comes to soft luxury feel, silk is at the top of the list. As a matter of fact, there aren’t many fabrics that can come close to what silk brings to the table (or in this case, bed). With that said, silk is easily one of the best materials out there for comforter fabrics.

Silk also comes with a lot of benefits. For instance, the texture of silk is better for the skin, especially when you’re battling acne. Its texture causes less friction on skin, which means less damage and irritation. Research shows people who use silk and silk-like pillowcases showed reduction in pimples compared to those who use cotton covers. The same goes for the hair – silk helps minimize hair fall.

Though highly breathable, silk is also 100% hypoallergenic. Thus, anyone who struggles with annoying allergies can breathe and sleep comfortably with silk comforters.

Silk can absorb up to a third of its weight in moisture alone, and still allow excess heat to escape. This means excess moisture will evaporate before it can cause any discomfort.

Aside from being expensive however, silk however, is not the most durable fabric. This means it needs extra care when washing.

Conclusion

There are many fabric choices in the market that are used for making comforters. But the three above are among the top choices you have, especially if you want comfort, quality, and durability. Make sure you weigh the pro’s and con’s of each option so you can make the most of your choices. 

The following is a list of upholstery fabric cleaning codes you need to keep in mind at all times. This will ensure that you can care for the fabric properly to minimize damage and to restore the condition of the fabric.

Cleaning Codes for Upholstery Fabric

• W – This code means you have to use water-based cleaner for washing the fabric. This is also the easiest type of fabric to work with. However, this type of fabric cannot be machine washed. You can do spot cleaning on the fabric with the use of a foam upholstery cleaner or a gentle water-based shampoo. You can always use an upholstery attachment that comes with your cleaner. Make sure not to over-wet the stained area of the fabric.
• S – This code means that the fabric must be dry-cleaned only, or you have to use a solvent for cleaning. A water-free solvent is easily available these days and you can use that to spot treat stains on your upholstery fabric. Make sure that you do the spot cleaning on a well-ventilated room and stay away from open flames.

• W/S – This code means that you can either use a water-based cleaner or solvent for cleaning the fabric. A combination of these two types of cleaning approaches can be used to clean upholstery fabric or get rid of stains. Some of the options available for cleaning are upholstery shampoo, mild foaming detergent, and dry cleaning solvent. For either of these, spot testing is still important. When you have to deal with larger spot stains, it is best to call on a professional to handle the cleaning.
• X – This code refers to light brushing or vacuuming. If your upholstery fabric has this particular code, you should avoid using water or any solvent for caring for it. This type of fabric cannot be washed or cleaned with solvents at all.

Even when you have these cleaning codes as guideline, it is always a good practice to do a spot testing. Test your cleaner on a small yet inconspicuous spot on the fabric so you can determine if the cleaner works, or if it causes the fabric colors to bleed. If you are in doubt, it is best to hire a professional cleaner instead.

If your upholstery fabric is beyond repair, it might be time to consider re-upholstering your furniture.

Have you tried DIY upholstery cleaning? What is your secret to keeping your upholstery fabric clean at all times?

Tip 1: Illusion of height.

When placing your curtains, hang them as close to the ceiling as possible. This will create the illusion that there is more height in the room so it appears as though your ceiling is higher than it actually is. This visual trick places more emphasis on the verticality of the room. Aside from making your room appear taller, this trick for a well-designed drapery can also make your windows look taller.

Tip 2: Take into account the positioning and layout of the window.

Maximize the impact you can make with your curtains when you choose the layout based on the position of the window. For example, if your heating and/or cooling unit is located close to your windows, it is best to choose stationary drapery panels. This is a smart option so your drapery won’t impede with your heating and cooling units, or vice versa. This will eliminate the need to open or close the drapery, which can impede with the aforementioned units. It is all about knowing how to work with function and aesthetics at once.

Tip 3: Choose your fabric wisely.

When you choose the fabric for the drapery and lining, you need to be smart about your options. Ideally, you would want to choose a heavy lining, particularly if your windows are large. The advantage of using heavy drapery is that you can maintain the shape and how the curtains drape. This is how you can ensure that your choice of drapery can soften the look of the room interior and complement all other elements.

Check out our Guide to Shopping Window Treatments for Doors

Tip 4: Take note of spatial challenges.

There are two main factors that you need to consider when you want to achieve a well-designed drapery. These factors are abundant natural lighting and tall ceilings. These factors can have an impact on how the drapery will complement the other elements in a room, such as your ceiling height, window style, furniture, and other decorative accents. You should also consider the print and color of the fabric in conjunction with the color of the interior walls. The right color combination can also make a visual and aesthetic impact, while also helping create the visual illusion of a clean and unfussy interior.

Which of these pro tips have you used to create a well-designed drapery for your home? 

Best Fabric for Indoor and Outdoor Use

• 1.Vinyl – Vinyl fabric is one of those types of fabric that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is durable, easy-to-clean, and weather-proof. Vinyl is a fabric that is commonly used for outdoor awning or patio shade. You can also find marine-grade vinyl fabric that is intended for exterior cushion and outdoor seating applications. If you are looking for a fabric for outdoor furniture or textile, vinyl is a great option. For indoor use, you can use for upholstery because it is durable and long-lasting.
• 2.Leather– Just like vinyl, leather fabric is also another type of fabric that is suited for indoor and outdoor use. The fabric is known for its durable and resilient quality (even for faux leather). It is the main reason why leather and faux leather fabric is recommended for upholstery applications. When you choose the marine grade type, you can expect it to last even when you use it on your outdoor space.
• 3.Faux Leather – If you want to decorate your indoor and outdoor space with the same look and quality as a genuine leather fabric, but is looking for something with a cheaper price, then faux leather is the solution for that. While you cannot achieve the same level of quality, it is a great alternative if you can’t get your hands on leather fabric.
• 4.Sheer – Yes, you read that right – even sheer fabric can be used in an outdoor space (as much as it is a staple for indoor use). You can use sheer fabric for drapery or curtain on your patio or any other outdoor space where you want to have some privacy. It also provides a nice accent to your outdoor space, especially for entertaining spaces such as your veranda or patio. It adds nice visual interest to your outdoor space, which creates an opulent and luxurious outdoor setting.

Checkout Outdoor Fabric Properties to Look Out For

When You Can and Cannot Use Outdoor Fabrics Indoors

The use of outdoor fabric on an indoor space should be limited on decorative accents only. Think of throw pillow covers, lamp shades, and curtains, among other things. On the flip side, you need to limit the use of outdoor fabric on indoor spaces for upholstered pieces.

To put it simply, outdoor fabric is not designed for “occasional use” as much as interior fabrics are. Since you are more likely to be using your interior space than your outdoor space, the interior fabrics are more resilient to the wear and tear of everyday use. On the flip side, outdoor fabrics are intended to be resilient against the environmental factors such as sun exposure and cold during winter.

Have you tried using any of these fabrics for indoor and outdoor use?

So what is the best material for bed sheet? Let’s take a look at the most common types of fabric used on bed sheets and do a thorough comparison of each.

Upland Cotton

Upland cotton is one of several types of cotton fabric that you can get for bed sheets. The other options include Egyptian (the best quality but also the most expensive), Pima, and Supima. If none of those are specified with the label, then chances are the material used is upland cotton. This is a standard for many bed sheet materials, and especially in the hospitality industry. This is a cheaper fabric (compared to the aforementioned cotton materials) but it does not compromise on quality and softness. It is made with long fibers so it is quite durable, too. It does not develop pilling easily nor does it have a coarse texture. This ensures that the bed sheet feels soft against the skin when in use.

Egyptian Cotton

As mentioned above, this is the best quality of fabric that is used for making bed sheets. But the reason why upland cotton is more common is due to the fact that the former is more affordable. Egyptian cotton is softer with longer fibres so it is far more durable and softer on the skin. It is expensive so it is considered a luxurious fabric. But if you have the budget for it, it is worth the added expense. The fabric is also more porous so it is more breathable and cool to the skin.

Flannel

Flannel is another type of fabric that is commonly used for making bed sheets, especially during winter months. It is known to provide warmth, which explains why it is ideal for use during colder months. It is made with a combination of cotton, wool, and other materials. The dense material prevents heat from escaping so it is able to keep you warm when the temperature is cold. And yet, it is soft and comfortable so you can have a sound sleep with this bed sheet material.

Silk

Silk is a luxurious type of fabric that is also used for making bed sheets. It is soft and feels luxurious on your skin. But like Egyptian cotton, silk is an expensive fabric and is the reason why it is rarely used for making bed sheets (or at least considered as one of the more luxurious bed sheet materials for those willing to pay a premium price). Aside from being soft and comfortable, it is also naturally hypoallergenic and can remove moisture from your skin quickly. The downside to silk is that it requires delicate care, apart from being expensive.

Which material is your go-to option for bed sheets? Don’t forget to check out our fabric selection to find your ideal fabric for bedding!

Deciding on which pattern to use is the trickiest part. If you need to re-upholster your furniture, you can use the pointers below to choose which fabric to choose.

Tip 1: Know what furniture is going to be upholstered.

This is the first and most important step you must do before deciding on which pattern to choose. Not all furniture is the same. The impact that a couch brings to your living room is different from a one-seater arm chair, or your ottoman. You must first identify what role that furniture plays in the interior décor and you can decide how bold or safe you want to go with your pattern choice.

Tip 2: Is it seasonal or permanent?

This is another important question you need to ask when choosing a pattern for upholstery fabric. If you are changing your upholstery on a seasonal basis, you can find prints or patterns that would match the season. For example, for spring and summer, you can opt for floral or palm print fabric. On the other hand, you want to opt for more cozy prints during winter such as damask or plaid.

Tip 3: Consider the overall style theme.

Investing in patterned fabric for your upholstery can be fun when you base it around an interior décor theme. It can also make it easier to pick the right pattern to use that way. For example, if you want a nautical theme for your home interior, you can choose from a wide range of stripes. If you want a folk/urban theme, you can choose geometric or ethnic pattern. But if you want a more avant-garde feel to your home interior, choose abstract prints.

Tip 4: When in doubt, choose classic patterns.

When you cannot settle for one particular type of print, go for the classic ones. This is a safe option because while you choose prints, they add a classic element to your interior décor. The classic pattern also provides a base from which you can use as vantage point for your other decorative elements. A few good examples of classic patterns include stripes, floral, polka dot, paisley, and embroidery, among others. You can use this same approach not just for upholstery, but also when shopping for drapery fabric.

Have you tried using patterned fabric on upholstery before? How did you go about choosing which fabric to use?