Home Fabrics Guide

From upholstery and bedding to window treatments and throw pillows, home fabrics play a huge role in our day-to-day lives. The furniture fabric types you choose for your home can reflect your style in look and feel while also supporting your lifestyle – for example, if you have an active household, you want durable fabrics. In this guide, we introduce the most common fabrics used in home furnishings to help you choose the best furniture fabrics for your home.

Wool

Wool is one of the foremost natural home fabrics and is known for its durability, softness, and versatility. Though it can be expensive, wool fabric is a rewarding investment for your home. Wool does fade when exposed to light so place wool rugs in areas that don't get direct sunlight and place blankets in a cool, dark storage bin when they are not in use.
Benefits: durable, soft, dust-resistant, and vibrant.
Good for: rugs, throw blankets, and throw pillows.

Cotton

Since it comes in many different weaves and finishes, cotton can range from casual to formal. It is moderately durable, so it is a good option for items that can be laundered frequently, such as slipcovers. Cotton is prone to wrinkling and stretching.
Benefits: durable, soft, lightweight, and machine-washable.
Good for: upholstery, curtains, rugs, bedding, throw blankets, throw pillows, and towels.

Polyester/Synthetic

Polyester and other synthetic fabrics like nylon are soft and affordable. Generally, polyester has a less natural feel than cotton or wool, but is very durable.
Benefits: durable, soft, wrinkle- and fade-resistant, and vibrant.
Good for: curtains, rugs, bedding, and towels.

Leather

Leather softens and develops character with age. It generally trends more expensive, but its durability makes it a worthwhile investment that should last you a lifetime. To ensure small scratches don't become bigger issues, take care of them immediately. Read our guide to learn more leather cleaning and care tips.
Benefits: easy to wipe clean, durable, and ages well.
Good for: upholstery.

Tip!

Faux leather is a vegan alternative to leather. It provides the leather look at a lower price, but it lacks softness and wears down much faster.

Linen

Linen holds dye well and resists bacteria, so it’s recommended for fabrics that regularly come in contact with people. It's very breathable and perfect for summer. We recommend getting linen professionally cleaned.
Benefits: resists pilling and fading​, anti-bacterial, and vibrant.
Good for: upholstery, curtains, sheets, throw pillows, and towels.

Microfiber

Microfiber is an inexpensive and incredibly soft material made from synthetic fibers. It is stain-resistant, fade-resistant, allergen-resistant, and extremely durable.
Benefits: soft, lightweight, absorbent, and stain- and allergen-resistant.
Good for: upholstery, sheets, and cleaning cloths and towels.

Sunbrella

Sunbrella fabrics block 98% of UV rays and is fade-resistant. Sunbrella is made to prevent fabrics from mildew, mold, and rot.
Benefits: indoor/outdoor, easy to clean, and fade-resistant.
Good for: umbrellas, awnings, upholstery, and outdoor covers.

Chenille

Chenille is commonly made out of cotton or cotton blends. It's considered a family-favorite option because it stands the test of time and is super comfy.
Benefits: durable and soft.
Good for: upholstery and rugs.

Velvet

Velvet is a luxuriously textured fabric made of silk, cotton, rayon, linen, or wool. Though velvet can be difficult to clean because the pile is very fragile, its exquisite appearance more than makes up for its maintenance needs.
Benefits: soft and richly textured.
Good for: upholstery, curtains, and throw pillows.

Silk

Light and luxurious, silk is a natural fiber that can be dyed with a wide range of beautiful colors. It doesn’t hold up well against moisture and can be expensive.
Benefits: soft and vibrant.
Good for: curtains and sheets.

Tip!

Interested in diving deeper into the world of home fabrics? Check out our guide on the Best Area Rug Materials or head over to our guide on Bed Sheet Thread Count to learn more.