Soft furnishings: a step-by-step guide for interior designers

As an interior designer, you have the power to transform spaces and make them truly remarkable. One key element in creating a beautiful and functional room is the use of soft furnishings.

Decorative accessories, such as cushions and pillows, throws, wall panels, and headboards, can add so many features to any space. Understanding how to use them well is a valuable skill for an interior stylist or designer to have.

In this guide, we'll explore how you can effectively incorporate soft furnishings into your design projects by using performance fabrics from FibreGuard.

Step 1: Assess the Space

Before selecting soft furnishings, it's essential to assess the space and understand the client's needs and preferences.

Consider the existing colour scheme, furniture style, and the overall atmosphere the client wants to achieve.

This will help you determine the types of soft furnishings that will work best, whether it's vibrant cushions for a pop of colour, a cosy throw for added warmth, or a statement wall panel or headboard for a focal point.

Step 2: Choose the Right Performance Fabrics

When it comes to soft furnishings, performance fabrics are a game-changer. These fabrics are specifically designed to be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains, making them ideal for decorative accessories that experience frequent use.

FibreGuard combines style and performance to ensure that your soft furnishings not only look stunning but also withstand daily use.

Consider selecting performance fabrics for cushions, pillows, and headboards to ensure longevity and easy maintenance.

Step 3: Cushions and Pillows: Add Comfort and Style

Cushions and pillows are versatile soft furnishings that can instantly transform a room. Plus, you can swap them out for new ones at any time.

They're an easy way to add colour, pattern and texture into any room. Use a variety of sizes and patterns for the best impact.

Mix and match patterns and textures for a more eclectic look or stick to a cohesive colour scheme for a more serene ambiance.

Consider pairing vibrant performance fabric cushions with neutral upholstery to add a pop of colour and bring the room to life.

Be inspired by our FibreGuard cushion showcase:

Step 4: Throws: Layer in Warmth and Elegance

Throws are not just practical but also add a touch of luxury and warmth to any space. Drape a soft, cozy throw over a sofa, armchair, or bed to create a sense of comfort and elegance.

Opt for performance fabric throws that are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring they can withstand everyday use.

When choosing throws, consider how the colours and textures fit with the look of your room. For a cozy cabin feel, choose a chunky knit throw; for more contemporary style, opt for lightweight woven ones.

Step 5: Wall Panels: Make a Statement

Fabric wall panels can add drama, texture, and dimension to a room. They create a visual focal point and can enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. Wall panels can be used for other reasons, too, working to help manage sound absorption in the space, for example, and even as fire retardant pieces.

To ensure that your fabric is flame resistant as well as stain-resistant, choose a performance fabric. Consider incorporating fabric wall panels behind a bed, in a dining area, or as an accent wall in a living room.

Think outside the box by dressing up your walls with upholstery fabric. This technique is actually far more doable than you might think. It’s a nippy way to create a memorable interior with a built-in wow-factor. Designers who don't want to go subtle, we dare you to break out the graphics, shapes, geometric, animal patterns, textured wall coverings: everything. - Hotel lobbies are transforming, and so is their wall design

Customising the panels to match the client's style, whether it's a bold print or a subtle texture, can create a truly unique and artistic statement.

Step 6: Headboards: Transform the Bedroom

A fabric headboard can be the centrepiece of a bedroom, setting the tone for the entire space. When selecting a fabric, opt for performance fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring the headboard retains its beauty over time.

Explore different shapes, sizes and upholstered designs to create a retreat that matches the client's style.

From sleek and contemporary to plush and indulgent, the choice of a fabric headboard can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the bedroom.

Performance fabrics for soft furnishings: a match made in heaven

Remember to choose performance fabrics from FibreGuard to ensure your decorative accessories not only enhance the beauty of the space but also provide durability and easy maintenance.