Choosing fabrics for the outdoors is challenging, as aesthetics isn’t the only thing that matters. For homeowners who have children or pets, keeping the furniture clean seems like an impossible mission, and that’s because stains are guaranteed to happen. However, with performance fabrics, you can say goodbye to these inevitable stains! Thanks to the improvements in the past years, there’s now a new type of upholstery fabric that can easily fix the spills and stains issue. Performance fabric was once used for outdoor furniture, awning and the marine industry. However, it has evolved into a classy and comfortable option that works for both your indoor and outdoor décor. Opting for performance fabrics gives you both function and style when choosing the perfect furniture for your space.
What are performance fabrics?
Unlike other types of fabrics, performance fabrics are significantly durable. They are easy to clean when stained and are water-resistant. Performance fabrics are defined by simplicity and longevity. Due to the fibres they’re made of, these fabrics don’t take in products that can create stains, such as sauces, soda or mud. Generally, you can remove the stains with water and liquid soap, making your furniture look just as new. Here are the most common types of performance fabric materials.
- Nylon. While nylon is commonly associated with stockings, this synthetic fabric has many other applications. Elasticity and durability are two essential characteristics of nylon. While it is resistant to mildew and mould, it can stain quickly unless treated.
- Olefin. This material doesn’t require to be treated due to its inherent performance qualities. It resists stains, chemicals, water, abrasions and mildew. Moreover, olefin can be cleaned easily, and some designs are smoother and have a firmer texture.
- Acrylic. This material’s aspect is like that of wool and dyes well. Moreover, it withstands mildew, chemicals, and water, and while it can be easily cleaned, it doesn’t resist abrasions, as it can become balled up.
- Polyester. Polyester is water-resistant and can also withstand stretching. It’s a durable material that you can clean easily. However, this material has a downside: bacteria can build up on it, leading to odour.
Performance fabrics can enhance your home and help put your worries away
Think about this scenario. You invite someone over and offer them a glass of wine. But in just a matter of seconds, you start regretting this decision, as you start worrying that you could knock the glass and spill some wine on the sofa. Your guest could do that accidentally too. Now imagine how it would be not to worry about spills soaking into the sofa’s fabric. If only that would be possible! Well, it actually is. With the advantages of performance fabrics, you can enjoy your evening without such scenarios playing in your head. And the best thing is that there are multiple ways you can use these fabrics in your home.
Bedrooms
Performance fabrics have evolved considerably and are now ideal for bedrooms due to their softness and beautiful aspect. They aren’t plain or stiff and can make your bedroom feel more inviting while turning it into a worry-free area. It won’t be such a big deal if some drink gets spilled on the chairs or headboard, as everything will be as new in the morning.
Upholstered furniture
You can use performance fabrics on furniture like chairs, sofas, ottomans, and window seats – pretty much everywhere! As an adult with a full-time job and plenty of responsibilities, it isn’t very easy to keep track of everything. We all need a break from time to time, and the last thing you want is to worry about your friends or kids damaging your home. Regardless of your rules regarding eating, there’s always someone who breaks them. That seems inevitable, but it can become very frustrating. That’s where performance fabrics can help! Adding them to your home design will eliminate all these worries!
Playrooms
If you have kids, you already know how much of a mess they can make in a playroom. Because you can’t really avoid that, it only makes sense to choose performance fabrics for the furnishings in that space. They come in a wide range of colours and fun prints, so it will be easy to ensure the room is child-friendly without compromising on either aesthetics or functionality.
Outdoor furnishings
Performance fabrics were initially used for outdoor living. Luckily, you can now choose among different colours, textures and patterns and not limit yourself to vibrant coloured solids. Performance fabrics are ideal for a patio area because they are fade-resistant and don’t lose colour because of the sun. Moreover, they can also withstand rain and water from a pool. Using these fabrics outdoors allows you to relax, knowing that light vacuuming and frequent wiping are enough for maintenance.
Indoor area rugs
If you believe you can’t have a soft area rug in a high-traffic area, you’re wrong! It is absolutely possible, as many area rugs are made of easy-to-clean fibres that can handle accidents, dander, dirt and pet hair. You can say goodbye to the old, scratchy rugs – nowadays, there’s a better option: performance rugs, which are inviting and stunning!
Curtains and drapes
It’s essential to invest in custom window treatments too. In a heavily used room like a kitchen, window treatments are used on a daily basis, so they can quickly get stained. However, performance fabrics can solve this and help keep the material’s beauty and design intact!
You can’t go wrong with performance fabrics
If you want a carefree attitude and stop thinking about how your home could easily get damaged by pets, kids or visitors, choosing performance fabrics is the right thing to do. They are a long-lasting investment, as they ensure your furnishings are easy to maintain, fade-resistant, and beautiful! And the best thing is that you can use them in so many different ways, from your bedroom and the kid’s playroom to the outdoors. How amazing is that? With performance fabrics, you can have it all – the aesthetics, the functionality, and the comfort.
