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The terrace is the ideal retreat for relaxing and entertaining at the end of a long week. With picturesque views, a breezy getaway is a perfect way to forget about the woes that bogged you down right through the week. Whether it’s hosting a barbecue for friends and family on a Friday night or perhaps a hearty lunch spread, the terrace has all you need and more. It’s also a great place to soak in the early morning rays or a relaxing retreat at the end of the day for a rendezvous with nature. Thus, it places significance on creating an all-weather area that can be used right through the year.
Having a nice setup on the terrace contributes significantly to the overall experience. It means having the right seating arrangement and protection against the elements of nature when needed. Upholstery fabric too is a must as it plays a role in defining the aesthetic of the area. Comfortable fabric that is also durable is of the essence. Exposure to sunlight for a long time can cause regular fabrics to fade, while the rain can irreversibly damage the fabric.
Sunbrella performance fabric is ideal for terrace upholstery as it is fade-resistant, mould-resistant, mildew-resistant, and stain-resistant. Moreover, it is resistant to wear and tear and is warrantied to last for up to 5 years. The sheer number of colours and options in which it is available makes it ideal for creating any theme on the terrace.
What are the conventional fabrics commonly used for upholstering terrace furniture?
Cotton is the most commonly used traditional fabric for terrace seating upholstery and curtains. While it has advantages, its disadvantages make it not ideal for outdoor applications.
The advantage of cotton is that it is comfortable and comes in a range of colours and patterns to suit any design theme. However, it fades easily, requiring frequent replacement. The fabric also attracts dust, which cannot be wiped down to clean it, meaning that it needs to be washed frequently to maintain. But, frequent washing can cause the colour to fade quickly. Moreover, cotton is not wear-resistant, water-resistant or mould and mildew resistant, which makes it unsuitable for terrace furniture upholstery.
Sunbrella fabric is ideal for all types of weather conditions. It is water-resistant, meaning that it can withstand the rain without any damage to the fabric. Also, it provides comfortable seating in all seasons. What’s more, is that the fabric is mould and mildew resistant as well as long-lasting.
What are the key points to consider when choosing upholstery fabrics for the terrace
When choosing upholstery fabric for the terrace, several factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, performance – it is essential that the fabric does not require frequent replacement. It should also be able to retain its original properties when subject to the elements of nature, which means that it must not fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight, and at the same time, it must be water-resistant.
Secondly, the style and colour of the fabric must be considered. When creating a theme for the terrace, it is important to have several options from which you can choose, as the style and colour of the material must be in sync with the existing décor theme of the terrace.
Thirdly, comfort needs to be considered. The upholstery material chosen must be comfortable, making for a pleasant and relaxing setting, especially in humid climates, as the last thing you want is for the fabric to stick to your skin.
Performance fabric is ideal for terraces due to the properties it possesses. It is fade-resistant, water-resistant, mould-resistant, mildew-resistant and durable. It does not require to be replaced frequently and is, in general, a low maintenance fabric as it can be wiped clean to maintain its look.
How to protect the terrace from the sun with performance fabrics
Since the terrace is continuously exposed to the sun, wind and rains, the focus of furniture upholstery and other fabric used on the terrace should be to create a comfortable setting that is perfect for lounging and relaxing. There are many ways of doing so.
Curtains/blinds: Curtains or blinds are a great way to keep the heat and light of the sun out of your cosy retreat. Blinds can be used to control or regulate the amount of sunlight the setting gets, making them a perfect solution for the terrace.
Sun sails: Sun sails are a great way to create an area of shade as they extend over a vast area. Having them in bright, bold colours lights up the entire terrace area.
Awnings or pergola cover: Awnings too, are an excellent option for protecting the area against the sun. They can be used to create a charming café-like ambience on the terrace!
As performance fabric is fade-resistant, it does not need to be frequently replaced. Since it doesn’t require too much maintenance, it’s an ideal option for the terrace.
Ideas for using performance fabrics for decorating the terrace
Performance fabric finds several applications in the outdoor area. Outdoor cushions or floor cushions can be placed all over the terrace area to offer more casual seating if required. Sofa, stool, or chair upholstery are also excellent applications of performance fabric. It can also be used for outdoor tablecloths, outdoor curtain fabric, sunshades and awnings. Placing throw cushions on the furniture is a lovely way to add charm to the terrace area. If you have an outdoor dining setting, then performance fabric can even be used for the chair upholstery and coordinated with the table runner and table cloth to create a well-put-together look.
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