Natural vs Synthetic Fabrics: What to know

This will not be an exhaustive look at all the nuances of natural vs. synthetic fabrics, as no single fabric is "perfect" for every situation, but I do hope to address the big picture.

If you follow my social media, you might have noticed that I am getting ready to reupholster a vintage sofa. When I first reupholstered it almost 20 years ago, I used a thick, durable denim cotton fabric. It held up well to young children and numerous pets. I knew it would fade significantly, and I was okay with the look of a worn-in pair of jeans. It fit with where I was as a mom. Now that I’m an empty nester, I want a more refined feel and don’t want fading. That’s why I selected an indoor/outdoor fabric made of polyester with an acrylic backing. It will withstand the intense sun on south- and west-facing room. When I reupholster my bedroom chair (and eventually, the pieces in my living room), I will opt for natural fibers, as they don’t get as much sun exposure.

Natural fabrics - such as cotton, wool, hemp, jute, tencel (made from eucalyptus), linen, cashmere, silk and real leather

Pros:

1. Renewable/Sustainable

2. Biodegradable

3. Wool is naturally flame resistant, resilient and hypoallergenic

4. Depending on the weave, it can be very durable (think of gabardine - a wool or cotton twill - used for trench coats)

Cons:

1. Tends to be more expensive than synthetic

2. More prone to fading than synthetic, especially with sun exposure

3. They can lose their shape/sag over time

4. Wool is susceptible to moths

Synthetic fabrics - such as polyester, spandex, vegan leather, nylon, acrylic and rayon

Pros:

1. Less expensive typically

2. Strong/durable

3. Doesn't shrink

4. More resistant to certain types of stains though they don’t always fare well with oil or grease.

Cons:

1. Made from petrochemicals

(this is a big one and my personal reason for trying to avoid them when possible)

2. Non-biodegradable

3. Melt/burn easily

4. Unless recycled, these fabrics aren’t considered sustainable

A special note on Viscose

Viscose while derived from wood pulp, and classified as "natural" should be avoided at all costs. Ask any interior designer about viscose and they'll typically get a stricken look on their face. This is because it doesn't hold up, at all, to spills. The fibers shrink and get crunchy in texture. It's used because it mimics the shine of silk, without the expense.

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather isn't real leather - it's a paper-thin sheet of leather that is bonded to a substrate. This can give the illusion of real leather furniture at a lower cost. However, because the substrate flexes while the leather does not, it will eventually shred over time. Real leather is much more durable than both vegan and bonded leather. It’s a by-product of the food industry, whereas vegan leather is made from petrochemicals and doesn't biodegrade.

If you're overwhelmed with the idea of selecting fabrics for your home, you're not alone. I can help simplify the process with my 30 years of experience. Let's set up a personalized interior design consultation to discuss your needs. Please contact me at info@the-silver-lining.com or view my services online.