How To Choose A Fabric For Your Home (Part 1/2)
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
WHEN selecting curtains or any other upholstery, fabric is one of the main considerations and is essential to the overall design and practicality of your home.
The cost of a fabric, or how heavy or substantial it feels, is not necessarily an indication of its suitability. However, it should always resist ignition from a lit match or cigarette.
Over and above the aesthetic aspects, fabric care is also vital to the durability of your furnishings. Sending them to the professionals for dry cleaning may be the best and easiest way out. However, should you prefer to do your own washing, you need to check carefully if the fabric allows for machine wash, tumble-dry, bleach and ironing.
Atmosphere has over 1,300 different fabric selections in its store and has its own mill in Bangalore, which is among one of the largest and most modern in the world. With a multinational team of designers working in their fabric design studios in New York and Bangalore, there is no doubt that Atmosphere's fabrics are contemporary and innovative.
Dolly Mirpuri, business manager of Atmosphere, has been in the fabric industry for the past 10 years and has this to share.
HOW ARE FURNISHING FABRICS NORMALLY USED IN THE HOUSE?
Curtains, upholstery, cushion covers and bedspreads are traditional ways of using fabrics in the home. Wall panelling, bed runners, table runners and Roman blinds are more innovative methods of using the fabrics.
WHICH TYPES OF FABRICS ARE SUITABLE FOR CURTAINS?
Light or heavyweight fabrics can be used for curtains depending on the look and style required. Using silk fabrics, for example, will reduce noise inside the home as it has the ability to absorb sound and ‘breathe'. Breathing allows movement of air via the fibres in the fabric, enabling its surface to stay cool and within the range of atmospheric temperature.
For Roman blinds, heavier weight fabric will give a better drop. Curtains are also often used together with sheer fabrics which are translucent. Even when drawn, sheers allow some light into the room, unlike curtains which cut off light significantly.
WHICH TYPES ARE SUITABLE FOR UPHOLSTERY?
Heavyweight fabrics which are durable are suitable for upholstery. Upholstery fabrics sold under our brand, Atmosphere, pass the International Rub Test for durability and therefore each upholstery fabric has been categorised as either light or of dual usage (curtain and upholstery) depending on its suitability for use as curtains or upholstery.
WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATIONS FOR A FABRIC FOR THE HOUSE?
The fabric selection would depend on the style and design of the home. During the selection process, you have to decide on the appropriate colour after picking out the fabric design. If the house is too bright, it may require shade curtains.
Also, the type and quality of fabric matters. If there is strong, direct sunlight, some dark-coloured fabrics may not be practical as very dark colours tend to fade under direct and harsh sunlight. However, this problem can be solved by using a suitable blackout fabric lining. Customers may also opt for silk cotton blends.
Fabrics from Atmosphere have designs inspired from all parts of the world, so whether your home has a Far East or a minimal-and-modern New York classical or contemporary look, we will always have a suitable fabric for you.
WHICH ARE THE TRENDY FABRICS USED FOR CURTAINS IN MODERN HOMES?
This, again, depends on the décor. For a home with an airy and casual feel, linen is great as it hints of the tropics especially when the place comes with lots of greenery. Dramatic patterns work best as accent pieces. Textured fabrics are interesting and add depth to the fabric. Two-sided fabrics could be used on throw pillows with the reverse side for the back or on light sliding panels as a divider between spaces.
Click here to read Part 2
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