Design 101 - The Evolution of Outdoor Fabrics

It was not too may years ago that fabrics used for outdoor furniture, pillows and accessories were disappointing.  A lack of variety in colors and patterns and poor sun and weather exposure performance left homeowners with few choices for decorating their outdoor spaces and the prospect of poor performance.  The explosion in popularity of outdoor living spaces that mirror a homeowner’s interior design prompted textile manufacturers to greatly increase the selection and quality of outdoor fabrics on the market.

Sunbrella and Outdura are two fabric companies that are widely used for outdoor furniture cushions, umbrella canopies, awnings, curtains and pillows.

Acrylic fiber fabric and polyester fabrics are the two fabric choices that are found most often. Cushions covered with acrylic will usually cost more then the same cushion covered in polyester but the longevity and durability of the acrylic will be greater.  In regards to all outdoor furnishings purchases we recommend that you do not buy on price alone.

Acrylic fabrics that are solution-dyed offer outstanding color fastness, excellent resistance to precipitation, tearing and abrasion. Generally it has a color fastness rating of 1500 sun light hours compared to 1000 hours for polyester fabric.

The color and pattern choices of acrylic fabric are also much greater then polyester. Keep in mind when you are purchasing furniture with cushions that most online retailers only list a limited number of fabric choices. But if you ask they can provide another fabric color or pattern if it is from the same fabric mill they are using.   The fabric mills often join forces with furniture and fabric designers to exclusively produce that designers design.

Click on the swatches below from Sunbrella and Outdura for more information.  Home Infatuation will work with you to get the fabric of your choice for outdoor furniture, cushions, pillows and draperies - all you have to do is call 877-224-8925.