No matter what design style you prefer over others, chances are that you've already noticed how the simple addition of fabrics can boost a room's entire ambience. Not only does it add colour, pattern and charm in an inexpensive way (depending on where you shop!), but the right fabrics can also help create a certain "feeling" you want to incorporate in the room, whether it's romantic, inviting, warm, etc. Let's see how you can use fabrics (without hurting your design budget) for the greater good of your interiors.
You don't need to have kids and pets to realise the value and practicality of buying fabrics that are easily washable. In addition, maintenance and durability also need to be considered, so try to use the more delicate materials in places where you won't come into too much direct contact with it (like wall art).
Fabric tip: Opt for natural fabrics, like cotton, if you or anyone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies, as cotton doesn't retain as much dust as other fabrics.
. Silk is certainly an elegant choice, but remember that the best use for this delicate fabric is not for upholstery, but rather accent pillows for less-crowded rooms, like bedrooms.
. While Rayon (also called "art silk") is more durable than silk, it still wrinkles very easily, so find another option for your sofa.
. Although cotton is a durable and comfortable, it also tends to stain easily - so, rather consider a cotton blend instead of pure cotton.
. As it's resistant to wrinkles and is extremely functional and comfortable, polyester is ideal for living rooms. But keep in mind that polyester is more often blended with other fabrics instead of existing in its pure form (like microfibre being a combo of polyester and nylon).
. Thanks to its softness and wool-like texture, acrylic fibre is a much-loved alternative to wool and cashmere. And as it's durable and resistant to wrinkles and stains, feel free to add some into your high-traffic zones.
To add fabric patterns to your indoor space, try the following:
. Commit to a small-medium scale pattern with solids, stripes, and a small-medium scale pattern.
. Let at least one colour stand out in all three fabrics.
. Opt for the 60/30/10 rule to scatter the pattern around the room (use the main fabric for 60% of the room, the second fabric in 30%, and the third one in 10%).
If you know how to sew, you can easily whip up your own throw pillows with cheap-yet-proper fabrics. Boost the comfort and style of a space (both indoor and outdoor) with a simple throw and a handful of cushions, and any corner immediately becomes a soft and cosy little relaxation spot.
Or, perhaps you'd rather rely on professional Interior Designers / Decorators for your scatter pillow needs?
If you want to soften up those hard furnishings in the room, try stitching up some placemats, tablecloths and runners. And if you're not a wizard with thread and needle, how about trying iron-on hem tape, which you can find in the sewing aisle of just about any discount store or fabric shop?
With a little bit of sewing knowledge (or a trip to your local thrift shops and yard sales), you can use pretty quilts and unused sheets to whip up layered table covers. And thankfully, there exists numerous online tips and videos to help you get that sewing skill down.
You don't have to spend a fortune on heavy pinch pleat draperies - why not opt for lighter rod pocket curtains to make your window treatment softer? Sew a rod pocket to twin flat sheets (which can fit most average windows) or use a clip-on ring to attach the fabric to the rod, and there you go! Just make sure that your DIY curtains draw as much light into the room as possible.
Curtain tip: Move your curtain rod to just below the ceiling line instead of right above the window, as this adds height and dimension to the room.
Next up: Get inspired with these 5 Fabulous Modern Kitchen Islands For Your Home.