How To Care For Fabrics
1. Fabrics must be protected from the Sun.
Draperies should be lined, and even interlined, when fragile fabrics are used. Blinds should be drawn during the day, and awnings should be used whenever practical.
The winter Sun and reflection from the snow are even more harmful than the summer Sun. Window glass magnifies the destructive elements in the rays of the Sun.
It helps to have trees or shrubbery to protect windows. Some colors are more fugitive than others. Colors can fade by oxidation, "gas fading", if unaired in storage for a period of time. Impurities in the air may cause as much fading as the direct rays of the Sun.
2. Use a reputable dry cleaner who specializes in home furnishings.
Vacuum fabrics often to remove dust. This also saves on cleaning. Dust has impurities, which affect fabrics. Ask your decorator to recommend a dry cleaner if you do not know one.
Very few fabrics are washable.
3. Be tolerant of small fluctuations in lengths of draperies.
No fabric is completely stable. A completely stable fabric would have no textural interest at all.
Fabrics breathe and absorb moisture, resulting in stretching or shrinking. It is reasonable to expect a 3% change in a 108 inch (3 yards) length, which would amount to 3 inches, depending on the fabric involved.
4. Fabrics wear out - they are not indestructible
The wear of fabrics will depend on the use given. A favorite chair will not last as long as a seldom used show piece in the living room. You should be aware that some weaves are stronger than others. Pilling or balling occurs on any fabric as a natural result of friction, and interaction of other fibres, as in clothing and carpets. Removal of these pills with a Fabric Pill Remover (available at department stores) is safe and in no way affects the quality of the fabric.
Pet's body oils can transfer to fabrics through rubbing against or sitting on furniture. Distortion of the fabric can occur when pressure is applied to edges of cushions or arms. Sharp objects including buckles, studs, pet's claws, etc., can
pull threads which may develop into holes. Harsh rubbing from hard objects or when removing stains, can twist and damage fibres. Wet clothing e.g. swimming costumes, can leave a water mark on the fabric, and can contribute to mould growth and dye transfer. Chlorine, especially, is a bleach and will damage fibres. Stains are harder to remove the longer they are left.
5. Finishes
These may help fabrics resist spotting, but they are not necessarily the be-all and end-all to every problem. Light colors are likely to benefit the most. Dining room chairs will soil no matter what is used to protect them. A finish does not eliminate the necessity of properly caring for fabrics. Spots should be removed immediately. Protection allows soiling to be more readily released, and will allow liquid spills to "bead" on the surface, ready to blot up.
6. Man-made fibers
These have mad an invaluable contribution to weaving technology, but they cannot perform miracles. Performance will vary with the construction of the fabric.
7. Dupioni Silk
Dupioni Silk is produced by reeling silk fibers from two silk worms that have spun one cocoon together which usually produces a rough yarn. Therefore, irregularity in sheerness or weight in silk gauzes or satins (or blends) and sometimes referred to as bands or shadings is characteristic of Dupioni silk fabrics. Black specks which occasionally appear in Dupioni silk fabrics are part of the original cocoon of the silk worm and to remove them would not only weaken the fabric, but destroy part of its beauty and character. These characteristics are inherent to Dupioni silk and should not be considered as defects in weaving.
In the final analysis, as it is in every industry, the integrity and experience of your supplier is your best assurance as to the intrinsic value of your purchase, but it must be combined with knowledge and understanding on the part of the consumer.
Furniture styles: What exactly is meant by...
Art Deco —
Bauhaus —
Biedermeier —
Chippendale —
Contempo —
Empire
Hepplewhite —
Louis XV —
Mission —
Nouveau —
Regency —
Rococo
