There’s more to fabric than color and pattern. Like people, fabrics have personality: they can radiate warmth, exude confidence, or convey an easygoing attitude.
Consider the qualities of these popular fabrics:
Brocade: has a raised pattern resembling embroidery. It is often used in formal upholstery.
Chenille: has thick needle-punched designs. Its nubby texture is suitable for casual upholstery.
Chintz: is a plain-weave glazed or unglazed cotton. It sets a traditional mood and often has a floral motif.
Damask: comes in various fibers and weights and features a satin-and matte-textural contrast. Use it for formal draperies and upholstery or let it go casual as a loose fitting slipcover.
Matelasse has an elegant embossed look. It’s commonly used for bedcovers.
Moire is known for its shimmering finish resembling watermarks or wood grain. It lends a traditional look to the room. Moire fabric is ideal for drapering and paperbacking for wallcovering.
Taffeta is a crisp plain weave fabric. It works well for formal window treatments because it retains its shape with little support.
Tapestry has thick weaves and pictorial designs. It is best suited for uncomplicated upholstery or flat window panels.
Toile de Jouy is a tightly woven fabric with a pictorial print, usually on a white or cream background. It can look formal or casual, depending on the fabrics and furnishings that surround it.