Types of Fabric

Material
The application of fabrics in home decoration and design runs the gamut from
upholstery on furniture to creative window treatments. Use of fabrics in the home
range from functionality to a more inspired, artistic design to enhance decor.

Chintz
1. Chintz describes a type of weaved cotton fabric that has been given a glazed
finish. This process gives the fabric a sheen that can wear off with repeated
cleaning. Chintz is therefore better used for draperies or upholstered furniture that will
not receive heavy wear.
 Muslin
2. Muslin is another type of woven cotton fabric. This lightweight fabric is often used
for sheets, curtains and slipcovers. According to Leonard Lewin’s “Shopping For
Furniture,” muslin was originally popular because it was used as a base covering
beneath heavier upholstery fabric, but that use nearly ended by the 1970s.

Wool
3. Wool is a fine fabric for upholstering occasional furniture because it is soft,
comfortable and durable. It may be a bit too scratchy for more heavily used furniture.
 Brocade
4. Brocade is a heavy silk,cotton, or woolen fabric characterized by a raised design
called a jacquard. The decorative patterns are further emphasized by striking use of
contrasting colors or textures. It is used mainly for draperies and upholstery.

Linen
5. Linen fibers are stronger than cotton, but are also quicker to crease. Loose bed
coverings are the primary home materials made from linen, but it may also be used
for curtains.
 Leather and Vinyl
6. Leather and vinyl are two popular non-woven fabrics used for furniture upholstering
because they immediately provide a sense of style and class. Leather stains much
more easily than vinyl and costs more. Both these fabrics are easily damaged by
cutting and scraping and can get sticky in humid weather.

LEATHER

VINYL
Difference Between Leather & Vinyl

Leather and leatherlike vinyl have, chemically, nothing to do with one another. Leather is
preserved flesh, while leatherlike vinyl is a finish on top of foam on top of fabric . Each
has unique characteristics and its advantages.

Care

1. The two materials require completely different care. Leather requires moistening
with natural materials, such as lanolin and mink oil, while vinyl requires cleaning
versus conditioning.

Utility

2. Vinyl is a good substitute for leather in harsh environments. Two common

examples are leatherlike automobile roofs, and sail covers of marine-grade vinyl.

Clothing

3. Vinyl has poor breathability, and is considered a low-cost fabric, and is generally
looked down upon by clothing designers.

Fetish Wear

4. Its stretchability, durability and relatively low cost make vinyl clothing a favorite
among fetish fashion mavens. In this population, whatever discomfort vinyl causes
is seen as a plus. PVC is a thinner, shinier form of vinyl

Auto Upholstery

5. A leather car interior is far more comfortable than a vinyl one; vinyl becomes
colder or hotter to the touch than does leather. Very upscale cars (like
Lamborghini and Ferrari) are chiefly upholstered with leather, then cloth, but never
vinyl.
 Lace
7. One of the most delicate fabrics is lace, which is produced by sewing, knitting or
crocheting. Handmade lace represents the highest quality, but is very rare and
expensive. Lace is often used to make curtains,undies,ladies dress.

Rayon
8. Rayon is a synthetic fabric that can be used by itself or blended with wool, cotton or
other synthetic fibers. Because of its affordability in comparison to natural fibers, it is
utilized throughout the home material market. Rayon can be found in carpeting,
upholstery and window treatments.
 Velvet
9. Velvet is created by wearing thick fabric face-to-face and then slicing the result in
half. Fibers used in the creation of velvets can include linen, silk, cotton and
synthetics. Velvet used to be popular as a wall covering, but today is more likely to be
used in window treatments and as furniture upholstery.