Performance Fabric Furniture (page 2)

Performance Fabric Furniture for Rooms That Get Used A sofa earns its place by being sat on. Performance fabric furniture is made for that: upholstery woven tightly enough that a spill sits on the surface for a moment before it soaks in, in fibers that hold their color through years of afternoon sun. The hand has caught up with the function, too. Today’s performance linen has the slub and drape of the real thing, performance velvet has a soft, matte pile, and performance bouclé keeps its loop after a season of movie nights. Where Performance Fabric Matters Most Start with the seats that see the most traffic. A performance fabric sofa or sectional in the family room takes the daily wear, so it is the first place to spend. Performance fabric dining chairs come next, since an upholstered seat at the table is more comfortable for a long dinner and sits closest to the food. Counter stools, a swivel chair by the kitchen and an upholstered bed in a room shared with a dog all make the same case. Formal rooms that see company twice a year can carry the more delicate fabrics. Choosing a Color Performance fabric is the reason ivory, oatmeal and pale flax are realistic in a busy house. Light upholstery keeps a room open and lets wood tones and art do the talking. If the household runs on coffee and markers, a mid-tone with some texture, like a heathered flannel or a woven tweed, hides the day between cleanings and still reads soft. Caring for Performance Upholstery Blot a spill as soon as you see it, working from the outside in. Water and a small amount of clear, mild soap handle most of what a household produces. Vacuum the seats with a soft brush every week or two so grit does not work into the weave, and rotate loose cushions so they wear evenly. Each product page lists the fabric content, so check it before using any cleaner stronger than soap. Common Questions What is performance fabric? Upholstery fabric engineered to resist stains, moisture and fading, using tightly woven fibers such as polyester, olefin and acrylic. It cleans with water and mild soap and holds up to daily use. Is performance fabric worth it for a sofa? Yes, for any sofa that gets used every day. The sofa is the largest upholstered piece in the house and the hardest to replace, so the fabric that lasts is the one to choose. Does performance fabric feel stiff? No. Current performance linens, velvets and bouclés are soft to the touch, and most guests never know the difference.