All homeowners want to showcase beautiful furniture in their homes, but can you truly enjoy it if you’re always worried about it getting ruined by everyday use? Of course not. But we’ve got some great news: with performance fabric, you can create a gorgeous space and achieve both functionality and aesthetics. This unique material is durable and easy to clean while maintaining a stylish appearance. Over the years, it has evolved considerably, helping homeowners enjoy their furniture for a long time. Since performance fabrics are created with advanced technologies that make them resistant to UV rays, exposure to sunlight can’t alter their appearance.
Understanding performance fabric
Put simply, performance fabric is a type of fabric designed to withstand wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for outdoor furniture that may be exposed to harsh weather conditions. However, they can also be used indoors, in high-traffic areas and in busy households. Suppose you have pets or children; you likely know that keeping the furniture clean and in good condition can be challenging. Luckily, performance fabric is a great solution, as it is both stain-resistant and durable.
Types of performance fabric
Performance fabrics are usually made of a combination of synthetic or natural fibres, which are treated to achieve durability. Different types of performance fabrics are available, and some may be a better option than others.
- Olefin. Unlike other materials, olefin doesn’t have to be treated to boost its outdoor performance, as it already has inherent qualities that make it durable. It is lightweight, soft and eco-friendly and consists of polyolefins, meaning that the material is safe outdoors, withstanding stains and fading.
- Nylon. This material is generally associated with stockings, but its applications go far beyond that. It offers similar benefits as olefin if treated with a performance solution, withstanding various outdoor conditions. However, it has a considerable downfall – the material is synthetic and has a strong negative environmental impact, emitting greenhouse gases during production and manufacturing.
- Acrylic. Acrylic also needs to be treated to provide valuable characteristics – otherwise, it can’t withstand the typical outdoor wear and tear, causing pilling on furniture. This material is resistant to mildew, water and chemicals.
- Polyester. This material is durable and can fight stains easily. Besides its ability to protect against rot, mould and mildew, polyester is also popular for its flexibility. It is a versatile option, offering the look of natural fibres like cotton once the material is woven. Plus, it is easy to wash and can even withstand harsh sunlight if treated with a UV-protective solution.
- Crypton. This fabric is generally treated heavily so it can protect against stains. However, crypton is used indoors as its fibres aren’t stain-resistant and, thus, can’t withstand snow, rain or humidity.
Benefits of performance fabric
Now that you’ve learned the different types of materials, let’s further discuss the advantages of performance fabric.
Variety of styles
Some materials limit your options when it comes to choosing the right fit for your home. Think about leather – while it keeps your couch clean, you can only choose between black or the traditional brown. But performance fabrics are different, as they come in various patterns, designs, and textures to align with your furniture needs.
Child-proof
If you have children, performance fabrics are an excellent choice for the furniture in your home, as it eliminates all your worries about your toddler dropping the meatball on it, leading to a hard-to-clean stain.
Environmentally conscious
This is a hard truth, but the textile industry is a significant pollution producer. Hence, it’s vital to rethink how furniture is produced and look for ways to protect the planet while also meeting your home design’s needs. Not all performance fabrics are eco-friendly, whether because they can’t be easily recycled or resist too long once thrown into the landfills. However, performance fabric can reduce the effects of climate change due to its longevity. That’s because it promotes extensive use instead of throwing products in the trash only after using them for a few months.
Increased resistance to colour fading
Watching your lovely furniture lose its colour can be genuinely unpleasant. Even if you buy a treatment solution and try to restore the material’s colour, you can’t bring it back to its glory days. But performance fabric is resistant to sunlight, so you can say goodbye to faded cushions by opting for them.
How can you use performance fabrics in your home?
Performance fabrics are ideal for high-traffic areas in your home, like the dining room, living room and family room. At the same time, they are also great for outdoor spaces, such as on outdoor cushions or patio furniture. Other potential uses for performance fabrics include:
- Upholstering furniture: performance fabrics are perfect for upholstering sofas, chairs, and ottomans.
- Window treatments: you can also use performance fabrics this way, which is an excellent investment. Window treatments can get stained easily in heavily used rooms like kitchens, but performance fabrics can maintain the material’s beauty and design.
- Custom bedding: performance fabrics are ideal for making pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers that withstand wrinkles and stains. Plus, they are allergen-free, which is another reason you should consider them when choosing bedding for your home. A beautiful and clean bedroom can make an entire difference in how well you sleep, so we guarantee you won’t regret your decision.
- Durable outdoor furnishings: performance fabrics began outdoors, and they have evolved into different colours, patterns, and textures. Hence, you can use them on your outdoor furniture and relax, knowing they will last long with light vacuuming and regular wiping.
- Home theatre seating: Suppose you have a home theatre room where you spend time relaxing with your family and sipping on drinks; consider performance fabrics. They are a great alternative to leather, providing durability and comfort. Plus, they come in a wide range of patterns and colours, so you can pick something that perfectly matches your preferences.
Last words
Performance fabric is your go-to if you’re looking for durable furniture. By choosing them, you won’t have to worry about stains or wear and tear any longer. This is a long-lasting investment, resulting in fade-resistant, easy-to-maintain and stunning furnishings.
