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Outdoor Fabric Joins the In Crowd
Stepping out in even the poshest interiors, durable outdoor fabrics have transcended sidekick status
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
Outdoor fabrics are one of the great design success stories of the past 10 or 15 years. It used to be that they came in solids, stripes, beachy patterns, tropical florals and very little else — nothing you'd want to see on a bedroom chaise or a living room ottoman.
Now, however, they're available in a huge range of chic colors and motifs, and homeowners have embraced the idea of using them in high-traffic interior spaces, such as dens, kitchens, kids' rooms and more (in fact, most now are labeled "indoor-outdoor"). Here's what you need to know before you take them from an al fresco to an interior setting.
Now, however, they're available in a huge range of chic colors and motifs, and homeowners have embraced the idea of using them in high-traffic interior spaces, such as dens, kitchens, kids' rooms and more (in fact, most now are labeled "indoor-outdoor"). Here's what you need to know before you take them from an al fresco to an interior setting.
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| What makes indoor-outdoor fabrics water resistant? These textiles are woven from synthetic materials such as acrylic and polyester, natural fibers such as cotton or a combination of the two. They're treated with a chemical coating that wards off water and stains, as well as protects against mold, mildew and fading from UV light rays. This makes them ideal for moisture-prone spaces such as bathrooms, basements and laundry areas, as well as rooms that get a lot of sun. |
How easy are they to clean?
Generally speaking, very. Swab them with a mild soap and warm water, then wipe the excess away with a towel and let them air dry in a well-ventilated space. You may be able to toss removable pillow covers or slipcovers directly into the wash, but check with the manufacturer first.
Generally speaking, very. Swab them with a mild soap and warm water, then wipe the excess away with a towel and let them air dry in a well-ventilated space. You may be able to toss removable pillow covers or slipcovers directly into the wash, but check with the manufacturer first.
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Can I use them in all the same ways as interior fabrics?
Yes, you can; your imagination is the limit. Use them for furniture upholstery, decorative pillows and cushions, window treatments, shower curtains, table linens and more.
Are they expensive?
Outdoor fabrics tend to cost more than comparable indoor fabrics, simply because of their added features. As with interior textiles, designer versions, of which there are many, come with a higher price tag. However, you usually get what you pay for — a quality brand will most likely will last longer than a cheaper one.
Yes, you can; your imagination is the limit. Use them for furniture upholstery, decorative pillows and cushions, window treatments, shower curtains, table linens and more.
Are they expensive?
Outdoor fabrics tend to cost more than comparable indoor fabrics, simply because of their added features. As with interior textiles, designer versions, of which there are many, come with a higher price tag. However, you usually get what you pay for — a quality brand will most likely will last longer than a cheaper one.
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by Mary Prince
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| Are some outdoor fabrics unsuitable for indoor use? No, but some work better for certain applications. For example, you probably wouldn't want to use a stiff laminated fabric for floor-length draperies. Some styles also have a looser weave that allows pillow and upholstery stuffing or padding to breathe. Ask the manufacturer or your upholsterer or fabric shop about recommended usage of the fabrics you're considering. |
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| Can I turn an indoor fabric into an outdoor fabric? It depends. You can buy sprays that add a protective coating, some with built-in UV light resistance. However, they're not suitable for every fabric type, particularly delicate ones. Read the label, then consult the fabric manufacturer for guidance. |
Comments
Rough Linen outdoorfabrics.com have great prices too ~
8 months ago · Like
olldbobbi Question - are these fabrics actually considered to be a "woven"? The ones I've worked with don't fray, which tells me they're more like pleather than a woven.
8 months ago · Like
Lucianna Samu - Color and Design I have used outdoor fabrics in sunrooms for years. They hold up well and look great. Nice post.
8 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings Informative post. Using outdoor fabric for indoor is a very practical solution and gives the most bang for your buck for quality and long lasting durability. It is practical for families but also for the style conscious. Many are not stiff and feel like regular cotton/ linen blends.
8 months ago · Like
wordings So I'm wondering, is the "chemical coating" toxic? What chemicals are used?
8 months ago · Like
lizamae99 We used a high quality off-white Sunbrella canvas for tailored slipcovers for our couch and 3 living room chairs after taking in pair of lovable but very destructive kittens who also had...nausea issues. The fabric is strong and tightly woven (not attractive for clawing) yet soft and comfortable. Stains clean up beautifully in the wash. 5 years later it still looks good, the dark piping has not faded from all the washing and there are only a few snags from determined claws. I recommend it to anyone with similar concerns. The higher quality was more expensive, but has paid for itself many times over!
8 months ago · Like
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Jan Yatsko When a friend created a bamboo sofa that was pattered after our Stickely sofa, I decided that the cushions had to be made from Sunbrella. It has stood up to repeated use by our two cats, food spills and many washings.
8 months ago · Like
Studio NOO Design I use these often inside too..here the banquette seat is covered with Duralee's outside fabric. Stain resistant, durable, heavy duty for pets and kids !
by Studio NOO Design
by Studio NOO Design
St-Lambert cottage8 months ago · Like
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Pamela Rosenberg Our family room consists of three walls of windows and that means a lot of sun. My first round of furniture lasted for seven years but really, it should have been replaced after five. This time I opted for Sunbrella fabrics and I am so glad I did. They clean up so easily and best of all they are fade resistant. Gotta love that. 
8 months ago · Like
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Pamela Rosenberg Our family room consists of three walls of windows and that means a lot of sun. My first round of furniture lasted for seven years but really, it should have been replaced after five. This time I opted for Sunbrella fabrics and I am so glad I did. They clean up so easily and best of all they are fade resistant. Gotta love that. 
8 months ago · Like
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smorgenstern Love the idea of outdoor-fabrics.
8 months ago · Like
Lisa Robinson I had to recover some Ethan Allen Chairs when they frayed. I chose a nearly identical color in Sunbrella, that looks like a linen weave. When wine is spilled on them, or my husband's farm clothes leave them dingy they have cleaned up with just a damp rag. Pretty amazing and tough fabric. I have also had the cushions dry cleaned. Works great.
8 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Sept. 23, 2012.
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