Spending time outdoors lifts your spirits, especially when you have a beautiful outdoor space to share with friends and family. When decorating outdoor areas, choosing the right materials is important. Keep these tips in mind when choosing outdoor fabrics.
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Do Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Whether you want to barbecue on the patio, throw cocktail parties by the pool or sit and read in your garden, the right furniture and decor add personality to your favourite outdoor areas. Furnishing a large space can be fun, but small personal touches make even the smallest spaces more welcoming.
Do Consider the Elements
Consider where your furniture will be used and how much exposure the fabric will have to the weather. Inexpensive fabrics can save you money, but they may leave you disappointed.
Polyester
Polyester fabrics are the most affordable but the least durable. Polyester is best reserved for removable cushions that can be brought inside in bad weather. Otherwise, the fabric wears out quickly, costing you more in the long run.
Solution Dyed Acrylic
If you want your furniture to remain outdoors for long periods and endure the elements, you must invest in fade-resistant and mildew-resistant fabric. Solution dyed olefin and solution dyed acrylic outdoor fabric are good choices for projects that will be outside year-round. Their resistance to fading makes them perfect for canopies, umbrellas and other items that receive prolonged sun exposure.
Marine Vinyl
For marine upholstery, marine vinyl is best. It comes in many colours, resists UV damage and is water-resistant. It is also one of the easiest fabrics to clean and has an attractive, leather-like appearance.
PVC Mesh
For poolside chairs, PVC mesh is an excellent choice. It doesn’t absorb water, and you can easily wipe it dry, so you never have to sit in a wet chair. Most PVC mesh materials are fade-resistant, so the colours will remain vibrant for many years.
Do Consider Care and Cleaning
Learn about the care and cleaning of different fabrics before making your selection.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
Most outdoor fabrics require spot cleaning with a soft brush. In general, it is safe to use bleach to remove mildew from vinyl and solution dyed olefin or acrylic fabrics. For polyester and printed acrylics, however, you should avoid bleach; mild detergents are best for these materials. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your fabric.
Cover or Store Items When Not in Use
While some fabrics are more weather-resistant than others, prolonged exposure to the elements shortens the life of any fabric. It is always best to cover fabric items or move them indoors when you’re not using them.
Fabric accents are an essential component of outdoor spaces. Choosing the right materials can help you create your perfect outdoor paradise.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Textiles
Bare furniture with no cushions, curtains or other fabric accents can appear sparse and lifeless. Most outdoor furniture comes in neutral colours, which are beautiful but can be monotonous without a touch of colour to catch the eye.
Even subtle fabric accents make a difference in outdoor decor. If you are working with a limited budget and minimal sewing skills, a few small throw pillows are all you need to transform your outdoor seating area.
Don’t Worry About Matching Interior Decor
If you have spent a lot of time decorating the inside of your home, you may feel some pressure to make your exterior space match. However, just as your kitchen doesn’t need to match your bedroom, your outdoor space doesn’t need to match your interior rooms; in fact, it shouldn’t.
Creating a Unique Outdoor Space
Take time to think about the look you want for your outdoor seating or dining area. Do you want a dark, rustic theme, a tropical paradise with bright colours or a serene poolside oasis with pale blues and greens? Use upholstery, cushions, accent pillows and curtains to create an environment that is different from your home’s interior.
Another reason to stop worrying about matching your interior decor is that most indoor materials don’t work outdoors. You wouldn’t upholster your living room sofa with marine vinyl, so why would you use the same materials outdoors as you would indoors? Utilise outdoor furniture and fabrics to create a whole new look for your outdoor space.
