Page 61 - Intra Muros September Issue 2025
P. 61
What are the most popular decayed bark to obtain the fibres
textiles? inside. Linen is difficult to work with
Cotton (the fibre is not elastic and breaks
Arguably the most well-known, easily), but it is highly valued for
versatile and widely used fabric, its considerable strength, its ability
cotton comes from cotton plants. to wick moisture and its elegant
The fabric has many popular appearance.
varieties, including short-staple,
long-staple and extra-long staple, Upholstery fabrics
like Egyptian, Turkish and pima. The fabrics used for upholstery
Long-staple cotton refers to the (furniture, fabrics, etc.) play an
length of the fibres in the cotton important role for three main
ball (the fuzzy ball-like fruit of the reasons: they determine your
plant), which make for shorter, comfort level; they create the
more durable cotton fabrics – visual and aesthetic appeal of
which is why they often cost more the furniture they cover; and
than short-staple cotton garments. they determine the maintenance
Cotton, depending on how required. The cost of your
manufacturers use it, has varying fabrics can represent the largest
levels of softness and warmth. percentage of the cost of your
furniture, so it’s important to know
Denim your budget beforehand – because There are the traditional wood and
Denim is a fabric traditionally choosing wisely can increase your cotton fibres, which have proved
made with 100% cotton using a furniture’s durability and save you their usefulness over centuries, as
unique weaving technique. It’s future expenses. well as viscose and a multiplicity of
widely known for its use in jeans, synthetic fibres, including nylons,
jackets and other clothing items The latest information on polyester, acrylics, polyethylene,
due to its strength and versatility. upholstery textiles includes polypropylene and combinations of
The name ‘denim’ is believed to advancements in materials, any or all of these.
originate from ‘serge de Nimes’, a weaving structures and recycling
fabric from Nimes, France. practices, as well as the impact There are further variations in
of these on efficiency and colour, shade, pattern and texture.
Linen sustainability. There is a growing While these variations add to the
Linen is a natural material made emphasis on using recycled choice available to the consumer,
from the flax plant. It is one of the materials and minimising waste if not properly controlled, they can
oldest and most prized natural in upholstery production. Some cause problems for the unwary
fibres. It requires a lot of attention researchers are focusing on using upholstery manufacturer.
during its cultivation because the textile waste for other applications,
usable fibre is embedded between such as acoustic insulation. Sources:
www.fibre2fashion.com
the outer bark and the core of the
www.nbcnews.com
plant’s stem. Harvesters extract the The variety of upholstery fabrics
https://museum.gwu.edu/fiber
linen by letting the outer bark rot currently available to the https:// www.unido.org
and dry. Then they break away the manufacturer is almost limitless. https://en.wikipedia.org
INTERIOR DÉCOR Styles and Trends | 59
