Many people do not realize how important the fabric choice for their outdoor furniture may be. Most homeowners rarely think past the choice of color or pattern, but for outdoor furnishings a few other considerations must be taken into account.
Type of Fabric
For outdoor use, traditional upholstery fabrics are not recommended. Fabric for your patio furniture cushions must be specifically designed to hold up to bright sunlight and dampness. Many dyes for outdoor fabrics are more resistant to the ultra-violet rays of the sun, which can cause fading in traditional fabrics. Sunlight also quickly deteriorates most fabrics, so by using outdoor fabrics, your patio furnishings will look the best for the longest amount of time. Some outdoor fabrics are also designed to withstand mildew that could quickly ruin your patio furnishings. Tell the sales associate at the upholstery shop that you will be using the fabric outdoors, so he can show you the appropriate selections.
Bella-Dura and Sunbrella are popular fabric brands specifically designed for outdoor use. Many people use these fabrics for awnings and marine uses. These outdoor fabrics do not trap heat, so that you will not burn yourself if you sit on a cushion in your bathing suit on a hot, sunny day. Bella-Dura and Sunbrella are easily cleaned with mild soap and warm water and they are stain-resistant too.
Style of Fabric
Try to match the pattern of the fabric to the style of your outdoor living space. If you have a contemporary, more modern style, bright floral patterns may clash with the atmosphere you are trying to create. An abstract pattern, clean stripe, or solid color would be more appropriate.
If you love the feel of an English garden, large floral designs would fit in perfectly. Choose colors that coordinate with the surrounding flora or outdoor decor. Alternately, using a coordinating stripe would offset the abundant flowers in a patio garden.
In whatever the style your patio is decorated, you can never go wrong with solid colors. Darker colors camouflage stains better than pastels, but if you purchase stain-resistant fabrics, you will have the freedom to choose from whatever color palette you desire.
Unless you love redecorating often, you may want to avoid trendy colors in the main fabric you will use. By using trendy colors, in just a year or two your outdoor decor will look dated. Instead, stick to neutral and timeless colors and accessorize with throw pillows to periodically update your look. This will not only help to decorate your patio with a timeless look, it will be kinder to your budget as well.
Fabric Quality
Choose the best quality of fabric you can afford. Cheap fabric will wear out more quickly, so these fabrics end up costing you more money over the long term since you will have to replace them more quickly. Consider your choice of patio fabric to be a long-term investment that will add years to your enjoyment of your patio.
Picking the perfect fabric for your patio furniture can change the whole atmosphere of your patio. By making an informed decision, you can get years of pleasant and relaxing delight from your patio furniture.