What should I consider when choosing a fabric for my furniture ?
Where to start ?
When we look at fashion magazines we imagine that this beautiful piece of furniture will decorate our interiors. We like the form, colour and style . The visual effect is a very important part of choosing furniture for our flats, houses or offices. We need to feel comfortable in them, but we should also pay attention to a few parameters, thanks to which a piece of furniture will not only fit into our interior, but will also meet quality criteria. Fabrics have different parameters and properties to suit different needs and lifestyles. Fabric manufacturers excel in the selection of such a fabric, which will not only delight us with its texture, colour or intensity of colour, but also its parameters and properties will facilitate the everyday use of a piece of furniture.
Depending on the room for which we plan to purchase , the parameters presented will be ranked differently for everyone. The most visual aspect is the fabric texture and colour. We distinguish between smooth fabrics, such as velour, velour knits, flock, which are very soft and pleasant to the touch, through chenille and plaited fabrics, boucle and corduroy with a visible, clear structure, and leather - extremely durable and natural, ideal for allergy sufferers.
When choosing colours for smaller rooms, go for light, muted colours, beiges and greys. These optically enlarge small spaces. For large rooms, darker colours are suggested to make the interior more cosy.
Fabricproperties
HYDROFIBILITY is one of the key characteristics sought by customers when choosing fabrics. This technology, referred to as Water Blocked, Nano Block or Water Repellent, provides protection against the absorption of liquids. It repels water molecules so they do not penetrate the fabric fibres, and excess water can be easily removed with a soft cloth or paper towel. Examples of fabrics with these properties are Monolith, Fancy, Matt Velvet, Palacio, Tierra, Molly, Aragon, Napoli, Carabu, Tulia and many others.
EASY CLEAN fabric - what is it? Easy Clean is an innovative solution in the world of upholstery fabrics that makes cleaning furniture extremely easy. A special protective coating based on nanotechnology prevents stains from being absorbed, meaning that any dirt can be easily removed using water alone or mild cleaning agents such as soap or washing up liquid. Thanks to this technology, the furniture remains aesthetically pleasing and fresh for a long time and requires little maintenance. What's more, Easy Clean fabrics are available in a range of designs and colours, so they can be perfectly matched to any interior. This combination of functionality and style makes them the perfect choice for anyone who values comfort and durability. Such fabrics include: Castel, Barrel, Storm, Solar , Letto, Glam Velvet, Ditra New, Napoli, Strong, Zoya, Tierra, Haga, Norn, Bellagio, Carabu, Daytona and many more.
If you can't resist an adorable look, a quiet purr or a joyfully wagging tail, we have the perfect solution for you.
Fabricswith PET FRIENDLYtechnology are the perfect choice for four-legged lovers. They are scratch-resistant, easy to clean and prevent hair from sticking to the fabric structure, making it much easier to remove. In addition, the wide range of designs and colours allows them to match any interior. Our fabrics meet high quality standards and have the necessary approvals and certificates. Thanks to the technology used, cleaning becomes quick and convenient and furniture retains its stylish appearance for many years. It is the ideal solution for those who want to enjoy the company of their pets without worrying about hard-to-remove dirt. The most popular fabrics are: Letto, Tierra, Puente, Tilia, Sorella, Zoja, Strong, Carabu, Daytona, Mystic, Nordic and many others.
Do you own a hotel, restaurant, café ? you will certainly be interested in this particular property of the fabrics
The Polish law requires the use of HARDWARE fabrics in public utility areas, such as hotels, theatres, restaurants or hospitals. These fabrics are impregnated with a special preparation that slows down the spread of fire. Before they are certified, they undergo tests to check their flammability, resistance to high temperatures and reaction to fire. As a result, they offer effective protection and comply with current safety standards. By purchasing from us, you can receive such a certificate. Examples of such fabrics are: Aragon, Cloud, Moly, Sorella, Bubble. Element, Salvador, Rebel, Monolith, Piano, Milton, Zetta, Massimo, Magic Velvet, Solo, Ditra New and many others.
How do you remove a stubborn food , ketchup or winestain ?
Even if you have an easy-clean fabric, it's worth knowing how to remove stains effectively. Snacks on the sofa are an everyday occurrence, so it's good to know ways to remove stains from ice cream, chocolate or ketchup. First, gently pick up the food residue with a spoon, trying not to enlarge the stain. Then dampen the spot with water, apply a little grey soap and rub in circular motions. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process, this time rubbing the fabric along the fibres. Finally, rinse the soap with water, drain it with a towel and you're done - your furniture looks perfect again!
Wine - who hasn't accidentally spilled it on the sofa at least once? Such situations happen often, but with Easy Clean fabric you don't have to worry. Even red wine can be removed in just a few simple steps. First, drain off the excess liquid with a paper towel, then sprinkle the stain with a few drops of water. Gently massage a small amount of grey soap into it, using circular motions. Finally, use a clean cloth and rub the stain again until it is completely gone. Your sofa will look like new again!
Martindale test - how do you test the durability of upholstery fabrics?
An equally important parameter when choosing a fabric is the Martindale Test , which determines the abrasion resistance of the fabric. This test simulates the natural wear and tear of the fabric. A special device rubs a sample of the fabric, making figure-eight movements, until the fabric is damaged. The more cycles the fabric can withstand, the more resistant it is to wear and tear. The result of the test determines the durability and strength of the upholstery fabric. The higher the score, the better the quality of the fabric.
What do the results mean ?
- Fabrics for domestic use: 15,000 - 25,000 cycles.
- Fabrics for commercial use: 30,000 - 40,000 cycles.
- The most durable high-performance upholstery fabrics: more than 50,000 cycles.
Examples of fabrics with very high abrasion resistance are: Carabu, Daytona, Bellagio, Nordic, Mystic, Dress Me, Storm, Imagine Me, Puente, Vogue, Salvador, Zetta, Elma, Aston, Nodino, and many others.
Special attention should also be paid to PLILLING AND MECHACING , which significantly affect the appearance and aesthetics of the furniture. It is important to use the furniture in accordance with its intended use, avoiding improper washing and cleaning, which can damage the fibres and lead to fabric mottling.
Pilling test results are often rated on a scale of 1 to 5:
1 - Very bad: Significant pilling that is visible and bothersome.
2 - Bad: Visible pilling, but to a lesser degree.
3 - Medium: Moderate pilling that is acceptable.
4 - Good: Minimal pilling, difficult to notice, characterises good upholstery material.
5 - Very good: No pilling - a rating that the best upholstery fabrics have.
Upholstery fabrics are not only a question of aesthetics, but also functionality. The right choice of fabric and its proper care are crucial to the durability and appearance of furniture. Guided by practical tips, we can easily select a fabric that will meet our expectations and provide comfort of use for many years.