Colour, design and texture may be foremost on your mind when choosing fabrics for curtains or upholstery. But there's also fabric mix, durability and flammability to consider.
By Grace Chan | reprinted from "Expert Advice" by Home Concepts Magazine
CAN YOU TELL US WHICH FABRICS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE?
Plain and textured fabrics are perennials. They are easy to match and are safe as they never go out of style. Silk as a category has been popular for the last 2,000 years. Fabrics that have fine linen, cotton and pure yarns will always be evergreen favorites as more and more people around the world prefer organic and pure fabrics rather than polyesters. Blended fabrics are durable and elegant and timeless, too.
WHAT DOES ONE NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT FABRIC DESIGNS?
For a small apartment, avoid big prints. Use small patterns, textures and lighter shades of colour. If there is a need to use big prints, use them only as accents. Big patterns for a big area will sit better than a small patterned fabric. Smaller prints may end up looking too busy if used to fill a big area.
WHAT DURABLE MATERIAL WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO A FAMILY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?
Cotton, polyester and acrylic fabrics will be more suitable for them. These fabrics are more durable, easy to maintain and are washable at home.
WHICH MATERIAL ARE BEST SUITED FOR SOMEONE WITH A DUST ALLERGY?
Avoid heavy velvets and chenille. Cottons, silk blends with polyester or acrylic fabrics are suitable when you have a dust or allergy problem.
WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE IS NEEDED FOR CURTAINS AND UPHOLSTERY?
Regular vacuuming and periodic dry cleaning is required. Using Scotch-Guard treatment helps to protect it further. All curtains and Roman blinds must be lined with good quality lining fabric. This helps in good draping and extends the durability as the sea wind and sun tend to reduce the life of fabrics.
Leave it to the professionals to do the dry cleaning. There are specialists who do spot cleaning for upholstery. For curtains, take it to your trusted dry cleaner.
WHEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED, HOW LONG WOULD QUALITY FABRICS FOR UPHOLSTERY AND CURTAIN LAST?
When well maintained, fabrics can last for several years. While fabrics may last long, they can look dated if not changed once in say, two years.
WHAT ARE FIRE RETARDANT CURTAIN FABRICS?
Silk is inherently fire retardant as silk is a protein fibre and not a cellulose like cotton. We do fire retardant treatments on our non-silk fabrics, if so required; it takes about two weeks for the treatment.
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY FABRICS?
Linen, silk and cotton are eco-friendly. Our fabrics are silks and blends of silks and cotton and are all environmentally friendly.
Source: Expert Advice on Choosing Fabrics For The Home
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