FT NEWS

Holiday homes have long been the ideal retreat for family and friends to unwind and relax when the bustle of everyday life gets overwhelming. However, these homes are often used only a few times each year, remaining locked up for the most part. As a result, it places particular importance on ease of maintenance when it comes to choosing upholstery fabrics for holiday homes – upholstery that eliminates the stress of rough use, stains, and spills, especially when children or pets are around. 

Traditional fabric such as cotton, silk, and linen are not suitable for holiday homes as they neither offer stain resistance nor are fade-resistant. Moreover, they do not protect against mildew and mould, which are a common issue in holiday homes situated in humid regions. 

Solution-dyed acrylic performance fabric from Sunbrella is fade-resistant, stain-resistant, mould and mildew resistant, UV-resistant, and bleach cleanable. These properties make the fabric ideal for upholstery in holiday homes.

What are the conventional types of upholstery fabric used for holiday homes in India?

Indian homes employ upholstery materials that balance durability and affordability. Commonly used fabrics include cotton, linen, silk, velvet, leather, and viscose, among others, each of which has advantages and disadvantages of its own. 

Cotton fabric is breathable, highly durable, and washable. However, it is not stain-resistant and can shrink when washed, leaving creases on the surface of the material. 

Velvet is highly coveted for its silky-soft feel that adds a unique touch to the furniture. It’s texture, however, attracts dust, making it difficult to clean and maintain. Moreover, it isn’t stain-resistant, which means that any stain leaves a permanent mark, marring the sheen of the fabric. 

Silk adds an opulent touch to the upholstery due to its sheen and texture. The drawbacks of it include that it isn’t stain-resistant or fade-resistant, making maintenance a cumbersome task. 

Linen fibre is firm and more lustrous when compared to cotton. However, it tends to crease easily, making it unsuitable for upholstery.

What to keep in mind when choosing upholstery fabric for holiday homes?

When choosing the decor for a holiday home, it is essential to choose upholstery fabric that can withstand the conditions in the region. More importantly, the fabric must be durable and easy to maintain with features such as stain resistance, fade resistance, mould and mildew resistance. Conventional upholstery fabrics do not offer these features, making them unsuitable choices. Holiday homes that are located in areas of high humidity must have upholstery that is comfortable in all weather, besides being fade-resistant if used in outdoor applications. It must also be resistant to stains caused by spills, especially if children or pets are likely to visit often. Balancing durability with style while paying due attention to the aesthetics and maintenance-free properties of the furnishings is the key when choosing upholstery fabric.

How suitable is performance fabric for upholstery and furnishings in holiday homes?

Performance fabric from Sunbrella combines the best properties of traditional materials while overcoming their drawbacks by offering fabric that is stain resistant, fade resistant, mould, and mildew resistant. It is also durable as it stays intact without the need for frequent replacement. It is suitable for all weather conditions, which makes it ideal for holiday homes located in humid regions, whether it’s located at the seaside or in the hills.

What are the various applications of performance fabrics in holiday homes?

Performance fabric has several indoor and outdoor applications, including upholstery fabric for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms, and fabric for curtains and drapes. It can be used in sofa upholstery as it is mould, mildew, and stain-resistant. The sheer range of colours in which it is available makes it suitable for any theme. Performance fabric is also the ideal choice for outdoor cushions as it is stain resistant and UV-resistant, keeping its vibrancy and colour regardless of being subjected to the harsh rays of the sun. Keeping the sun and light out is of particular importance in homes that are located in warmer regions. Drapes made of performance fabric can help to keep the home cool by blocking the sunlight and withstanding the heat without losing its colour.

How to use performance fabric to coordinate a look or design theme in a holiday home

Sunbrella offers fabrics in a wide range of colours and patterns, making it easy to coordinate with almost any theme. Creating a theme that is synonymous with the surroundings of the holiday home is a great way to decorate the interiors. Sunbrella fabric can be used to create a beach theme, a tropical theme, a safari theme, or a nature theme, among others. Whether it’s bright animal printed rugs with tribal motifs or earthy tones combined with splashes of green, Sunbrella has it all!