Using fabric to flatter the interior

By Pocyline Karani

A carefully selected fabric can create a stylish interior. We all know fabrics have many uses, from purely aesthetic to truly functional. For instance, curtains are a functional use of fabric. Using drapery as a window treatment reduces draught, reduces noise in a room and insulates the window, keeping the heat in the room during cold seasons or keeping it cool during hot seasons.

The art of using fabrics for window treatment is looking at them through half-closed eyes. This way, you will see the changes in tone, texture and the highlights of the material. Do not forget to hold the fabric upright to see how it drapes. Check the weight. A fabric that is too heavy can bog down a window, while one that is too light can look whimsical.

Synthetic fabrics tend to have better fade resistance against the sun compared to natural fibre fabrics such as silk, linen and wool. Observe the patterns. Large ones tend to enclose the room so ensure your room is large enough to handle the scale of the pattern. Small patterns, on the other hand, can look out of proportion in a large room.

If you want to create a monochromatic (single) colour scheme and you require drapery, use a fabric whose tones are a shade darker or lighter than the wall colour to provide a break. Choose carefully the type of heading to use for drapes. Sheers create a soft and romantic look in contrast to velvet, which exudes heavy luxury and warmth.

Upholstery

This is where inexperienced designers can be caught out. Upholstery fabrics have different properties from drapery fabrics. Occasionally, some can be used for both purposes. Fabric for upholstery purposes needs to be firm to withstand the wear and tear caused from the abrasion of sitting on the seats. There are simple tests to determine if the fabric you wish to use for the upholstery is firm enough.

Accessorise

This is the fun part as you can use fabric to accessorise, to brighten up a tired colour scheme or add some seasonal colour to a room. Cushions are the most popular as there is a wide selection to choose from — fur, animal prints, silk and beads, sheer overlays, quilted and buttoned among others. You can also use the same fabric on curtain tie-backs, or choose the same fabric, but in a different colour to add a new dimension to the room. Remember to use these patterns more than once in a room for a good visual appeal.

A really good reason to use fabric in a room is that it absorbs sound. For instance, your living room will not echo when you turn on the stereo if you have soft furnishings in the room.