How to decorate with fabrics?

Textiles are a fundamental part of the decoration of a house. They not only help us to make it more aesthetic and to dress it, but also to make it more comfortable and to protect it from cold, noise and heat. In addition, decorate with fabrics allows us to give that personal touch that will characterize the space.

Fabrics are made of fibers, which can be of natural or artificial origin. Natural fibers include, for example, cotton and linen, and artificial fibers include wool and silk. Synthetics, man-made, are also in the latter group.

Generally, home textiles are made of different types of fibers and sometimes fibers of natural and synthetic origin are mixed. In this way, we improve the properties of the textile. Those of natural origin are softer and more comfortable, while synthetic fibers do not deform and have many elastic properties. That is why a mixed composition is recommended.

These are some of the most commonly used fabrics in interior decoration:

-Cotton. It is a vegetable fiber with incredible characteristics, as it is very breathable, dyes very well and is also very comfortable and cozy. From upholstery to bedding or cushions. Its applications are multiple.

-Gauze and linen. Especially for curtains and net curtains. They are fresh and translucent fabrics.

-Velvet. Very fashionable nowadays. It has a touch of brightness that gives it a lot of elegance.

-Microfiber. The latest generation. They are the most used nowadays for upholstery, cushions and exteriors. Normally, they are factory-treated to repel liquids or products that may fall on us.

For a Nordic style it is advisable to use wool, a fabric that brings warmth to the home, generally in neutral tones. If your style is japandi, or zen, as in the case of the Nordic style, plain colors are used and natural fabrics such as linen, jute or other natural fibers are usually used. If your style is biophilia and you have a lot of plants at home, you will probably also like this type of fabrics, with fresh and cheerful vegetable prints and motifs.

The classic styles, opt for fabrics with more natural colors and prints with flowers, stripes … Finally, if your style is sophisticated, no doubt you can not do without silk and velvet. Fabrics with intense colors (such as emerald green, garnets and pinks) that will add brightness and elegance to your home.

Before buying a fabric we must be clear about the use we are going to give it, to determine what type we are going to need. If you are not clear, it is best to ask the staff of the store you visit. The label of the garment will also give us basic clues, such as its composition and, in some cases, the recommended use and washing.

If we want to upholster a sofa, the fabric must be resistant to wear and tear and, if possible, have a stain-resistant treatment. In upholstery, strong and resistant, comfortable and breathable fabrics are usually used.

To dress our windows, and in order to be able to regulate the amount of light entering our home, we can opt for sheers (very light fabrics, almost transparent). If we want more privacy or to have a much deeper control of the light, we can opt for velvet, cotton or stronger linen fabrics.

On the other hand, there are fabrics with thermal properties that help us to control the temperature of our house, for example, in the case of curtains, to prevent the sun’s rays from entering our home. A wool rug also helps to insulate us, during the winter, from the cold of the ground.