The Pros and Cons of Performance Fabric Upholstery for Different Types of Furniture
Performance fabrics are durable, stain-resistant upholstery materials designed to withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning.
Key benefits of performance fabrics include their durability, stain resistance, and the fact that they are easy to clean. These characteristics make performance fabrics ideal for upholstering furniture that gets a lot of use.
Types of Performance Fabrics
Olefin is a durable, moisture-wicking, stain-resistant, and inexpensive performance fabric. Acrylic is another durable performance fabric that resists chemicals, UV damage, and retains its shape well.
Some natural fabrics are also treated with special coatings to improve their performance and durability. Learn more: Blended Fabrics for interior furnishings: the straightforward guide.
There are many types of performance fabrics used for furnishing applications. Some of the most common ones include micro deniers, suede microfibers or nylon flocks, and cotton fabric with water-based liquid repellent.
Most performance fabrics are constructed from synthetic yarns like polyester, acrylic, nylon, and olefin.
With our FibreGuard fabrics, the yarns have the high-performance characteristics already inside them before being woven into a fabric to ensure the consistency, longevity, and endurance of the finished product. Learn more: Performance Fabrics: Expectations vs. Reality
Best Uses for Performance Fabrics
Performance fabrics are excellent for upholstering furniture like sofas, chairs, and cushions that get heavy use and are prone to spills, such as bar stools and dining chairs that get used daily.
They are also perfect for:
- protecting furniture by a sunny window due to their unique fade-resistant capabilities.
- desk chairs
- commercial buildings
They are also ideal for outdoor furniture since they are weather-resistant and fade-resistant. Performance fabrics are also used for personal applications like for activewear, outdoor gear, sports uniforms, tablecloths, placemats, and even napkins.
Is Performance Fabric Worth the Investment?
Although not indestructible, performance fabrics are far more durable and cleanable than other options.
They are ideal for high-traffic, high-use areas of the home and can save money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements or professional cleaning.
Performance fabrics look great in any room of the house, but they can be especially attractive in rooms where you or your family spend time eating or doing messy activities (like the kitchen). At first glance it may not seem like performance upholstery fabrics would be suitable for these kinds of rooms because they’re not commercial spaces. However, when we consider how these performance fabrics perform over time – such as resisting stains and spills – then it becomes clear why this type of fabric is so popular among designers these days: they offer both style AND substance! - Are Performance Fabrics Worth It?
The ultimate choice is yours
In summary, performance fabrics offer key benefits like durability, stain resistance, and easy care.
For heavy-duty applications where durability and low-maintenance are priorities, performance fabrics are worth considering for upholstering furniture, especially in high-use areas of the home.
Their ability to withstand frequent use and cleaning makes them a practical choice for many households.