Covers
Important Definitions
Natural Fabric
Cotton: This is a durable, natural fiber that does not wear or fade easily. Different weaves will influence style, from very casual to formal.
Cotton Blend: Blending cotton with other fibers can make it more stain and wrinkle resistant. The result is a sturdy and durable fabric that can handle heavier use.
Leather: The luxury and functionality of leather is beyond compare. Learn more about it in our Leather Guide.
Linen: A special fabric that looks crisp and clean. Does not pill or fade easily, but is also not very resistant to soiling. Looks great in formal rooms and entertaining areas. May wrinkle easily.
Silk: Gorgeous, but not very durable. Use in formal areas with light use. Requires professional cleaning.
Wool: Durable and heavy, wool is often blended with other synthetic fibres for use on furniture. This strong fabric resists pilling, fading, wrinkling, and soiling.
Synthetic Fabric
Acetate: Not a durable fabric for everyday use. It’s a nice tight and flat weave that resists pilling but tends to wear, wrinkle, and fade in the sun over time.
Acrylic: Offers nice resistance to fading in the sun and generally a softer texture as opposed to wool. Choosing a higher quality acrylic will likely mean a higher resistance to pilling and suitability for heavier use.
Microfibre: Easy to clean and highly resistant to wear and stains, microfibre has a suede like appearance and feel.
It’s made from polyester fibres and offers excellent value for the dollar.
Nylon: Very strong and durable when in a blend, which is how it is typically used on furniture. It is wrinkle and soil resistant.
Polyester: Very strong, resilient and resistant to fading, Polyester is often blended with other fibers. This adds stability and makes it more wrinkle resistant.
Rayon: Quite durable and less expensive, rayon is often used to imitate linen or cotton fabrics.
Vinyl: A popular alternative to leather, vinyl can be a practical choice for family rooms and other busy/less formal areas. Highly durable and easy to clean.
