How to use performance fabric to decorate the interiors

Natasha Kurien Natasha Kurien
Playful Shades, Sunbrella Sunbrella Modern corridor, hallway & stairs
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A common misconception with performance fabric is that it is made specifically for outdoor settings. The reasoning finds its roots in the properties of performance fabric, mainly its fade-resistance, water-resistance, and stain-resistance. These properties, however, do not restrict the applications of performance fabric to just the outdoors. They can be used indoors as well, starting from the living room to the bedroom. In addition to being ideal for the balcony or verandah, it is also ideal for the dining room and hallway.  

Fade-resistance, stain-resistance, water-resistance, and durability might seem like vital requirements for fabric that is used in the outdoors. Incidentally, these are just as important for the indoors. For areas that are exposed to the sun, typically areas near the window, balcony, or front door, performance fabric is ideal. The same applies to upholstery fabric for cushions, chair seat upholstery and curtain fabric in areas that receive a fair amount of sunlight. Performance fabric is also an excellent choice in places that are prone to spills such as the dining room chairs and perhaps even sofas and couches, especially in homes with children or pets. 

Performance fabric from Sunbrella comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, suited to meet any design theme in the interiors. The unique range of colours makes them ideal for applications that require bright, bold interiors as well as soothing, minimalist interiors. The fact that they are stain-resistant, fade-resistant, water-resistant, and wear-resistant makes them perfect for upholstery in the interiors as well as the outdoor areas of a home. Moreover, they are easy to maintain as they can be wiped clean.

What are the different uses for performance fabric in the interiors?

Performance fabric has a variety of uses in the interiors – from seat cushions, floor cushions, chair or sofa upholstery to throws, runners and tablecloths, among other things. Their advantages outweigh those of conventional materials such as cotton, silk, or linen. While cotton might seem like the most common choice for upholstery fabric due to its properties of being soft and comfortable, it is not fade-resistant and can shrink when washed. Silk adds a touch of luxury and charm with its rich, vibrant texture. However, it is not comfortable or easy to maintain, making it an unsuitable choice for hot or humid climates. Performance fabric combines the best of all worlds, making for fabric that is comfortable, fade-resistant and water-resistant, besides being easy to maintain as it can be wiped clean.

What makes performance fabric ideal for the interiors?

Its properties, such as being easy to clean and maintain, fade-resistant, water-resistant, and mildew proof make performance fabric ideal for the interiors for upholstery as well as drapes. It is more suitable than traditional upholstery materials as it needs to be replaced less often and can be wiped down for easy maintenance. Sunbrella fabric has a soft touch which is a key factor in choosing fabric for the indoors. Its unique formulation makes it resistant to the elements of nature, which makes it perfect for the indoors as well as the outdoors. Their availability in an array of designs and patterns make the fabric suitable for matching any design aesthetic.

Ideas for using performance fabrics in the living room

There are several options for using performance fabric in the living room. 

Sofa and chair upholstery: The advantage of using performance fabric for sofa and chair upholstery is that it is stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and water-resistant. These properties are of particular importance if the sofas and chairs are near windows or doors, regularly exposed to sunlight or rain. 

Drapes: Besides being easy to maintain, performance fabric comes in a wide range of colours and patterns that are designed to suit any theme. Thus, they can be coordinated with the rest of the decor chosen for any room without disrupting the colour palette or theme, thereby enhancing the effect by a great deal. 

Cushions and floor cushions: Floor cushions are an excellent choice for living rooms where space is a constraint as they work as an effective seating option as well as a décor accessory.

Ideas for using performance fabrics in the dining room

The dining room is an excellent place to experiment with performance fabric as it has a wide array of applications.

 Chair upholstery: The chairs of the dining table must be stain-resistant and water-resistant. Since the area is prone to spills, having a fabric that is easy to clean and does not absorb stains and liquids is a considerable advantage. 

Table cloth, runners, or mats: Stains that settle into table cloths, runners, and mat tend to ruin the entire piece, more so if it sets in deep. Performance fabric, being stain-resistant, doesn’t absorb any stains. A simple wipe down can remove stains leaving the pieces looking as good as new. 

Drapes: Drapes tie the entire dining room together and are typically placed at the window to regulate the amount of light and heat the room gets. Having fade-resistant fabric in place helps to increase the shelf-life of the drapes, keeping them vibrant regardless of the elements of nature.

Ideas for using performance fabrics in the bedroom

Performance fabric for bedroom upholstery and drapes has several benefits when compared to conventional materials such as cotton, silk, and velvet. These fabrics can be coordinated with various themes and moods, whether it is a nature-inspired theme in a master bedroom or a vibrant and happy ambience in the children’s bedroom. From decorative cushions and pillows meticulously placed on the bed to drapes and curtains or even chair or sofa upholstery in the bedroom, performance fabric can be used for a variety of furnishing and upholstery applications. 

Browse through these ideas for inspiration on how to choose the right upholstery fabric for summer.

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