A Guide to Fabric Types

Bespoke soft furnishings, such as curtains, cushions, bedspreads etc are great for adding a personalised finishing touch to a space.

FABRIC TYPES

There are many different fabric types on the market, each with their pros and cons. Although we prefer to specify natural fibres where possible, there are advantages to man-made fibres in some settings. Due to fire safety regulations in the UK, fabrics which are composed of less than 75% natural fibres need to be fire treated if used for upholstery.

Linen

Linen is a great look for informal rooms giving a soft, cool, laid back vibe. Environmentally friendly and durable, linen curtains are a good choice for a relaxed and casual look. The cons of linen it can be prone to shrinkage when washed, or stretching when steamed / ironed and is often costlier than cotton. It is important to note that some linens, particularly thinner ones, naturally have a light ‘creased’ look. Interlining linen curtains may help to reduce creases but won’t eliminate them. Our advice is to only go for linen if you are comfortable with the naturally occurring creasing, which we love and think adds character!

Unlined Linen Curtains at our Field House Project

Cotton

Cotton is a lovely natural material with an ‘airy’ feel. Works very well as curtains and for soft furnishing, and even for upholstery as long as the rub-count is over 20,000. Available in lots of styles, prints and colours - it’s a versatile choice for any creative ideas in mind. Can be a budget friendly option, although the price can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Lined Cotton Curtains at our Cornforth House Project

Silk

Silk looks luxurious and romantic but bear in mind that it is high maintenance, delicate and often pricey. Silk is susceptible to fading in sunlight over time and are usually dry clean only, it should always be interlined. Faux silk is a good alternative as it is more durable and can often be washed in your washing machine.

Velvet

Being a heavyweight material, the thick dense fibres have fantastic insulating properties so velvet curtains will help keep your room toasty and warm. However, velvet is prone to accumulating dust so expect to give it a regular clean. Velvet is also the perfect choice for cushions, headboards and upholstery. It is available in cotton velvet (100% natural), mixed fibres, or even 100% polyester (which is often what you find in easy-clean velvet ranges).

Velvet Cushions at our Orangerie Project