Welcome to the colorful and diverse world of fabrics! Fabrics are the foundation of our house style, home decoration, and atmosphere. But how do you choose the right one from the abundance of different options? In this guide, we walk you through the main types of fabric. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know how to pick the perfect textile for any project, from furniture reupholstery for your living area to curtains and bedsheets for your bedroom.
How are fabrics classified?
Each type of fabric offers particular characteristics, making them suitable for various home applications. In order to pick the right one, it’s important to understand the key differences between one fabric and another. Fabrics can be broadly classified into two types:
- Natural fabrics—these are textiles which include plant and animal substances, such as silk and wool;
- Synthetic fabrics—textiles which are a result of human labor in combination with certain chemical processes, such as polyester or nylon.
- Specialty fabrics—fabrics that are designed with specific functions or aesthetics in mind, like water resistance, high elasticity, or luxurious finishes. These include such textiles as velvet, chiffon, and suede.
Natural fabrics
Mother Nature has provided us with an array of materials that have been used for thousands of years to create different fabrics. Natural fabrics are treasured for their comfort, sustainability, and biodegradability. This makes them often used where comfort and breathability are quintessential.
1. Cotton fabric
The most versatile and common use is natural fabric. Cotton curtains and bed linens are normally soft, breathable, and absorbent. The material’s ability to retain dyes has made it a favorite in furniture upholstery.
Cotton is also easy to clean and maintain, typically being machine-washable, though it may require ironing to prevent wrinkling. Cotton fabrics are a timeless choice for durability and comfort. Our collection includes a great selection of different cotton prints suitable for cushions, bedding, and other applications.
2. Silk fabric
Silk, with its luxurious sheen and unrivaled softness, is often associated with elegance. This natural protein fiber is derived from the cocoons of mulberry silkworms and is valued for its smoothness and hypoallergenic properties. For these qualities, silk curtains, silk drapes, or even silk cushions are an elite choice for each house.
As a delicate fabric, silk requires special care, such as hand-washing or dry cleaning to maintain its beauty and avoid damage. We have a wide variety of printed and solid-colored silks in our collection that are perfect for luxurious bed sheets, draperies, and other uses.
3. Wool fabric
A fabric derived mainly from sheep that provides warmth even in the coldest winters. Wool is valued for its excellent insulating properties, so products such as wool curtains and blankets are great for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere on a cold evening.
Its natural wrinkle resistance and moisture-wicking capabilities make it perfect for high-traffic upholstery and carpets. Wool typically needs gentle washing or dry cleaning to prevent shrinking.
4. Linen fabric
Made from the flax plant, linen is one of the oldest known types of fabric. Linen is lightweight and breathable, often chosen for linen curtains, drapes, and upholstery in warm climates. Its natural texture and ability to soften with each wash make it ideal for creating both casual and refined home settings.
Linen is also known for its moisture-wicking properties, keeping spaces feeling fresh. It’s machine-washable but prone to wrinkling, so ironing is often recommended. Our collection of linen fabrics comes in a variety of colors and patterns that are perfect for light draperies, upholstery, table linens, and other uses.
Synthetic fabrics
The introduction of synthetic fabrics brought about revolutionary qualities like durability, elasticity, and resistance to shrinking and wrinkling, unmatched by their natural counterparts. These engineered fabrics meet specific home decoration needs, from water resistance to ease of maintenance.
5. Polyester fabric
Polyester is a workhorse in the world of synthetic fabrics. This fabric's strength, durability, and low maintenance make it a mainstay in home furnishings, from stain-resistant upholstery to wrinkle-free polyester curtains. The quick-drying nature also makes it suitable for outdoor furniture covers and shower curtains.
6. Nylon fabric
Nylon stands out for its exceptional strength and elasticity. This synthetic polymer is an excellent choice for resilient home décor items, durable area rugs, and heavy-duty nylon curtains. Its resistance to abrasion also ensures long-lasting use in high-traffic home areas. It’s best to spot clean or use gentle washing methods to take care of this fabric.
7. Acrylic fabric
Acrylic is mostly used as a more affordable alternative to wool, offering similar warmth and softness for much less. It's favored for throw blankets, decorative cushions, and other knit home accessories. It’s also known for its resistance to moths, stains, and chemical damage, making it suitable for everyday use.
Acrylic is easy to care for, often being machine-washable and quick-drying, making it a practical choice for homes.
8. Polypropylene fabric
Polypropylene is a lightweight and water-resistant fabric, commonly used in indoor and outdoor upholstery, curtains, and waterproof furniture covers. Its resistance to moisture and stains makes it an excellent choice for bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor settings. Polypropylene is easy to clean, often requiring just a quick wipe or machine wash for maintenance.
Specialty fabrics
Specialty fabrics are designed to bring unique textures, aesthetics, and functionalities to your home decor. These fabrics often feature distinct characteristics like luxurious finishes, rich textures, or delicate sheerness. This makes them perfect for use in statement pieces and for adding more elegance to your home.
9. Velvet fabrics
Velvet is a luxurious fabric recognized for its rich texture and soft feel, making it an excellent choice for adding elegance to your home decor. This fabric is typically made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers, with a dense pile that creates a soft and shiny surface.
Due to its delicate texture, velvet requires gentle cleaning, usually with spot cleaning or professional dry cleaning, to keep its original appearance. Our assortment includes velvet fabric in a variety of colors and patterns, ideal for luxurious upholstery, cushions, headboards, and other uses.
10. Chiffon fabrics
Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric. It’s mostly used to add a soft and breezy touch to home decor because of its airy and delicate appearance. This fabric's smooth texture and beautiful flow are typically achieved through the use of silk or synthetic fibers like polyester.
As chiffon is quite delicate, it’s best to hand wash or dry clean items made from it to avoid damage. This textile is perfectly suited for light, romantic curtains, bed drapes, table runners, or any areas that you want to lighten up.
11. Suede fabrics
Suede is a type of leather known for its soft, napped finish. Made from the underside of animal hides or synthetic alternatives, suede is valued for its unique texture and warmth. The rich texture of suede gives living spaces a tactile element and depth, making them feel cozy and welcoming.
Suede’s unique and rich texture also requires special care. Clean gently with a suede brush and spot clean to avoid stains. Our collection includes a selection of both solid-colored and animal-pattern suede fabrics. These are ideal for upholstery, cushions, and decorative accents such as ottomans.
Comparing synthetic, natural, and specialty fabrics
With all of this being said, all of these fabrics have their pros and cons. While one might be a better fit for durable outdoor upholstery, the other will fit right in for luxury window treatments. Let’s take a look at which fabric will be the best for your particular project.
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Type of Fabric |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Use Cases |
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Natural Fabrics |
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Synthetic Fabrics |
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Specialty Fabrics |
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Weaving techniques
Besides the type of fiber used, fabrics can also be characterized by how that fiber is woven. They can be classified into woven, knitted, and non-woven fabrics. The technique of fabric craft defines not only the look and texture of the fabric but also helps outline the area where they can be used across the various aspects of home decoration.
Woven fabrics
To put it simply, woven fabrics are formed by the intersection of two sets of yarns running at right angles to each other, thereby giving a grid-like structure. These yarns are then intertwined to form a strong and often elaborate fabric, suitable for the widest range of home decor.
- Upholstery. Woven textiles bring the durability required for sofas, chairs, and any other piece of furniture. Due to their tight weave, they can hold up to a large amount of wear and tear. We have hundreds of woven textiles in many types of fabric patterns and textures to choose from.
- Curtain fabric. Tightly woven fabrics are suitable for both light-protective and blackout curtains. At the same time, lighter weaves are perfect for creating airy and light filtering curtains. We have also created a useful guide on window treatments if you wish to learn about the various types of drapes and shades you can choose from.
- Table Linens and Bedding. Woven fabrics offer the ultimate comfort in terms of durability and ease of care. These features make them the best fabric for tablecloths, bedspreads, and duvet covers.
Knitted Fabrics
Knit fabrics result from an interloping system of loops of yarn and produce materials with a natural stretch and softness. Their flexibility and comfort make them the most applicable and appropriate for specific home decor uses:
- Throws and Blankets. The softness and stretch of knit fabrics are perfect for creating warm plaids and blankets that add real snugness to sitting or bedding areas.
- Cushion covers. Knitted cushion covers add a cozy touch to any room. The added benefit—since they are stretchable, they can be spread over pillows of any size.
- Decorative Accents. Small knitted items can play a unique decorative role. Things like poufs, rugs, or crocheted baskets will add coziness to any home.
Non-Woven Fabrics
Non-woven fabric is made by gluing or felting fabrics together, creating a canvas without weaving or knitting. This property gives a push to its aesthetic versatility for certain home décor uses:
- Wall Coverings. Non-woven fabrics make durable, elegant wall coverings. They're widely used for wall coverings that may give the possibility of adding texture and depth to the walls in many applications without any need to paint or apply traditional wallpaper.
- Furniture covers. Such fabrics are used quite often in upholstery and making covers for furniture. This is a cheap and very convenient option to refresh old furniture or protect new pieces.
- Craft and DIY Projects. The simplicity of cutting and shaping these fabrics deems them most appropriate for various craft projects. Everything from creating decorative elements to practical items like coasters and placemats.
Comparing weaving techniques
After learning more about different types of weaving techniques, let’s look at the main advantages, disadvantages, and use cases for each of them.
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Weaving Techniques |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Use Cases |
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Woven Fabrics |
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Knitted Fabrics |
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Non-Woven Fabrics |
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How to choose the right fabric for interior design
Here is a brief overview of the most widely used types of fabric in interior design. Feel free to refer to this table for a quick glance at care tips and common use cases for cotton, silk, wool, and other fabrics.
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Type of Fabric |
Durability |
Care Tips |
Common Uses in Home Decoration |
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Cotton |
Moderate |
Machine washable; prone to shrinking and fading with high heat |
Slipcovers, casual drapes, and soft furnishings |
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Silk |
Delicate |
Dry clean or hand wash; sensitive to sunlight |
Luxurious drapes, cushions, and accents |
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Wool |
High |
Spot clean or dry clean; pilling may occur with use |
Heavy-duty upholstery, warm throws, and rugs |
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Linen |
Moderate to high |
Machine washable but can wrinkle and shrink; air dry recommended |
Light drapes, casual upholstery, and table linens |
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Polyester |
Very high |
Easy care; machine washable and resistant to fading and shrinking |
Durable upholstery, curtains, and outdoor furniture fabrics |
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Nylon |
High |
Machine washable; resilient but can fade with prolonged sun exposure |
Sturdy upholstery, heavy-duty curtains, and carpeting |
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Acrylic |
Moderate to high |
Machine washable; prone to pilling and static |
Soft throws, cushions, and indoor/outdoor fabrics |
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Polypropylene |
Very high |
Easy care; highly stain-resistant and can be cleaned with bleach |
Outdoor fabrics, rugs, and stain-resistant upholstery |
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Velvet |
Moderate to high |
Spot clean or professional dry cleaning recommended; avoid excessive pressure and direct sunlight to maintain texture. |
Luxurious upholstery, cushions, drapes, headboards, and decorative pillows. |
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Chiffon |
Low |
Hand wash or dry clean; avoid heavy handling, wringing, and high heat. |
Light, airy curtains, bed drapes, decorative table runners, and sheer overlays. |
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Suede |
Moderate |
Clean gently with a suede brush; spot clean with a specialized suede cleaner, avoid moisture. |
Upholstery, cushions, ottomans, wall panels, and decorative accents. |
Final verdict: Which fabric is right for you?
Ultimately, choosing the right fabric for your home comes down to understanding the unique characteristics and care requirements for each of them. Natural fabrics offer breathability and comfort but may require more care, while synthetic options provide greater durability and ease of maintenance.
Don't be afraid to mix and match fabrics for different purposes—after all, home decor is not only about functionality but also a reflection of your personal style! Browse the thousands of fabrics we offer by fabric type and find your perfect match today!
FAQ
How do woven, knitted, and non-woven fabrics differ?
Woven fabrics are strong and durable, making them suitable for upholstery and curtains. Knitted fabrics are soft and stretchy, ideal for throws and cushion covers. Non-woven fabrics are often used for craft projects and wall coverings due to their ease of production and versatility.
What is the difference between natural fabrics and synthetic fabrics?
Natural fabrics, like cotton, silk, and wool, are made from plant and animal fibers. They are breathable, biodegradable, and comfortable but may require more care. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon, are man-made, durable, resistant to wrinkles and shrinking, and typically easier to maintain but have a higher environmental impact.
How to choose the right kind of fabric?
Choosing the right fabric depends on the specific needs of your project. Consider factors like durability, maintenance, and the visual effect you want to achieve. Natural fabrics are ideal for comfort and breathability, while synthetic fabrics are best for durability and ease of care.
