Fabric coverings have evolved over time, through their materials, textures and colors. They adapt to uses and follow trends to offer furnishings that suit all tastes and all homes. Let's find out together how to distinguish and choose them.
The fabric being an assembly of woven fibers , it is distinguished by the type of fibers that compose it:
- natural fibers
- mixed fibers
- microfiber
1. Natural fibers
For a long time, fabric coverings were made entirely of natural fibers, such as cotton or wool. These quality fibers appeal to fans of traditional fabrics and 100% natural materials.
Cotton is the most produced natural fiber in the world. Hypoallergenic and inexpensive, it washes easily. However, it will not hold up over time and washing (shrinkage, fading, tears). It lends itself more to bathroom linen than to furniture coverings.
- Please note : the cotton flower requires extremely heavy watering, its production is certainly natural, but is not necessarily so ecological.
Linen sofa
Linen , a natural fiber mainly produced in France, resists light and water well. On the other hand, it will wear out more quickly due to friction (especially on the seat of a sofa). This fiber also has the particularity of creasing very easily!
- Good to know: the development of linen crafts in France was mainly initiated by Charlemagne during the 8th century .
Wool , a fiber mainly from sheep, is an excellent thermal insulator but absorbs moisture very easily. To obtain the excellence of wool fabric, the fibers undergo numerous operations, making the material expensive.
- Please note: With use, wool tends to relax and does not easily return to its original shape!
Each of these materials having properties that are sometimes poorly suited to the needs of a covering, they can be woven together to increase their resistance. Hemp in particular will help consolidate the assembly. If you opt for a 100% natural covering, consider taking several covers so that you can replace them when the time comes. 100% natural fabric is made for you if : you appreciate natural products and their raw character.
2. Mixed fibers
Mixed fiber sofa
The textile market is constantly evolving to produce materials which will correspond ever more closely to the evolution of households and their uses. To meet the demand for durability of fabrics, fragile noble materials were finally supplemented by synthetic fibers.
In order to acquire greater resistance of the coverings over the long term, the use of polyester has become essential. Obtained by chemical process, this material today represents more than 70% of synthetic fibers in the textile industry. In the same way, viscose has interesting properties in the making of synthetic fabrics.
The advantages are multiple:
- better longevity,
- abrasion resistance,
- preservation of colors over time,
- reduction in the price of the product.
The combination of natural and synthetic fibers (example: 70% polyester, 30% cotton) makes it possible to obtain flexible, silky and resistant fabrics. For good durability over time, discover our tips for maintaining a fabric sofa .
The durability of mixed fibers has allowed the birth of numerous fashions, in fact its resistance and its evolution with use facilitate the creation or printing of colors and patterns. The covering market follows that of ready-to-wear very closely, so it draws inspiration from trends to offer colors that are in tune with the times (from mustard to turquoise, including plum and anise).
You will easily find fabrics of all colors and also varied patterns, the variations are endless! Mixed fabric is made for you if : you want a covering perfectly suited to your tastes.
3. Microfibers
Microfiber is a fiber whose mass per unit length (1 g/10 km) is much lower than that of a conventional thread. Although its production cost is higher, microfiber coverings can still be found at prices significantly close to other mixed fiber coverings.
Microfiber sofa
The use of microfiber in furniture meets a need for easy and regular household maintenance . Waterproof and dust-resistant , canvas microfiber requires less care than traditional fabric. Popular with homes with children and animals, microfiber is easily cleaned with a sponge soaked in lukewarm water. In this, it differs from classic fabric which will tend to absorb the material and form stains that are sometimes difficult to clean.
In addition to being waterproof, microfiber stands out due to the special feel it offers. Its soft peach skin effect texture will be appreciated in comfort furnishings and will replace velvet in clothing. Microfiber comes in a wide variety of colors, but is often limited to plain colors. Its enhancement will go through various processes: seams, topstitching, padding, finishes, etc.
Microfiber is made for you if : your household is made up of children, animals or your furniture coverings are often used in dirty conditions (sofa used during TV meals).
