Start With How the Fabric Will Be Used
Fabric is specified by job, not by looks alone. An upholstery textile faces daily abrasion; a drapery panel is judged on drape and light; an outdoor fabric has to shrug off moisture and UV. Match the fiber, weave and finish to that job and the specification holds up.
Fiber Sets the Character
- Cotton — breathable and easy to print, common in drapery and light upholstery. Can crease and fade in direct sun.
- Linen — crisp texture and a natural look; wrinkles readily, which some schemes want and some do not.
- Wool — resilient and naturally flame-resistant; warm underhand and often used in upholstery.
- Silk — refined sheen for decorative drapery; sensitive to sunlight and abrasion, so it is usually lined.
- Velvet — a pile construction (in cotton, silk or synthetic) with depth and softness; shows pressure marks.
- Polyester and blends — hold color, resist wrinkling and add abrasion resistance; often blended with natural fibers to balance feel and durability.
Browse fibers and weaves in the fabric catalog, and see matching window treatments in the curtain guide.
Weave and Texture
Plain, twill, satin, jacquard and bouclé weaves each change how a fabric wears and reflects light. Plain weaves are stable and even; twill (like denim) is hard-wearing; satin reads smooth and lustrous; jacquard carries woven-in pattern; bouclé adds looped texture.
Read the Durability Numbers
For upholstery, ask for the abrasion rating (Martindale or Wyzenbeek rub count), the weight (g/m²) and the composition. A higher rub count indicates a fabric tested for more cycles of use — useful for matching a textile to residential or commercial traffic. Confirm width and pattern repeat for yardage.
Finishes That Change Performance
Stain-resistant, flame-retardant and water-repellent finishes extend where a fabric can be used — from busy family sofas to contract projects with fire-code requirements. Ask whether a finish is applied or inherent, and whether it survives cleaning.
Care and Composition
Check the cleaning code (W, S, WS, X) and the composition before you specify. Natural fibers usually want gentler cleaning; synthetics tolerate more. For upholstery in daily use, a tighter weave and a protective finish reduce wear.
Design It With the Room
Fabric rarely sits alone. Set upholstery and drapery against your floor, wall and stone choices on a Slab Site moodboard so color and texture read together before you order.