Save yourself time, money and frustration by following some simple guidelines when it comes to buying fabrics on line.
With so many fabric stores on line, it can be difficult to narrow your fabric search down. You can buy designer fabric on line or you can have your designer or decorator help you with your choices.
If you decide to work alone, keep a few things in mind.
1. Drapery fabrics tend to be heavier than clothing fabrics, so choose a site that specializes in selling home decor fabrics. Avoid quilting fabrics.
2. Look for a quality fabric company such as Robert Allen textiles, Kravet, Maxwell, Joanne.
3. Make sure you order samples so you can see the fabric in your home. Order as many samples of the type you like and use an elimination process. This will make the decision much easier. The colour you see on the computer screen can be off by quite a bit.
4. Find out what the fabric is made of. Polyester, rayon and viscose are synthetic or man made fabrics and quite often drapery fabric will be a blend of these.
Cotton, linen and silk are natural fibres and quite often 100% linen and 100% silk is more costly than the man made variety.
Linen fabrics will tend to crush and be wrinkly. If you want a linen look, choose a fabric that's a blend of linen and something else.
5. Choose a bold print or colourful fabric if you want your drapery to be a focal point in the room. Is it the main attraction? This is best when your room is fairly neutral and you want to add interest.
6. Choose a solid or less obvious pattern or stripe if you want the drapery to support the room and add warmth.
7. Determine what the fabric will be used for. Silk may not be the best option for pillows if you have children. Silk on the underside of a duvet will be slippery. Think about what you're using it for.
If you've decided to buy fabric on line, wait for the samples to come in the mail, line them up as close to your window as possible or on the couch if its for pillows, sit back, have a cup of tea! Don't listen to every friend or family member's opinion. :)
Look at the sample in daylight and at night. It's amazing how the colour can change, depending on the fabric.
Enjoy the process, it can be a lot of fun!
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