Trend Alert: Outdoor Fabrics

We love working on the exterior areas of our client’s homes, in addition to the interiors of course! Upholstered outdoor furniture is the ultimate investment when it comes to outdoor seating, dining, and living areas, but it’s so important that they are upholstered in an appropriate and suitable fabric for the outdoor elements. Did you know that outdoor fabrics are also used inside too? Let’s take a closer look!

Why we love it!

Not only are outdoor fabrics fantastic for upholstering outdoor furniture or accessories, but they are also great for use inside the home too. We love using outdoor fabrics to enhance outdoor living areas and using them in client’s homes where extra durability is needed. Particularly for families with kids and pets, outdoor fabrics are a good option for long-lasting upholstery.

Outdoor fabrics are also super fun because of the vibrant colors, patterns, and prints available, making them really creative throughout the home.

How to use it. 

Luckily there are lots of different colors and patterns to choose from when looking to reupholster outdoor furniture. This gives you the ultimate customization for your outdoor space!

For a modern outdoor area, we recommend using a plain outdoor fabric for the main seat cushions, and accessories with patterns and prints to elevate the look.

If you’re a lover of bright color and patterns – try mixing patterns and prints that are within the same color like grouping greens or blues together.

You can also use outdoor fabrics for indoor upholstery too! Particularly if you have a big family with kids and/or pets, using outdoor fabrics indoors can be hugely beneficial. Outdoor fabrics are more durable than standard fabrics because they have been designed to withstand the outdoor elements – including weather, deep stains and sunshine. Many outdoor fabrics are stain and fade resistant as well as being made from a highly durable material.

What to watch for.

There are some considerations to take into account when thinking of using outdoor fabrics for your home…

First, you should be aware that some outdoor fabrics can feel like a canvas because of the material they have been made from. This is why you should always get samples of the fabric you intend to use before you confirm an order for the fabric. Always ensure you are happy with the fabric sample before ordering.

While you can use outdoor fabrics inside the home too, there are some brilliant fabric options available that are intended for indoor use only that are highly durable, but softer in composition than that of outdoor fabrics. Therefore you should do your research and reach out to a professional if you are unsure on which route to take.

Ways to make this trend last in your home

Outdoor fabric can last many years in your home if the style of fabric has been chosen correctly for its intended use and area.

The key to choosing a timeless outdoor fabric for your patio or porch is to use a plain solid color for the main seating pads and then accessorize with patterns and prints. Smaller items like decorative pillows will be easier and more cost-effective to update in the future rather than a dining chair set or outdoor sofa.

As previously mentioned, if you love using patterns or prints – embrace them! And combine different prints within a similar color group for a cohesive look.

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