Natural fibers are exactly as they sound: materials naturally sourced from plants and animals. The most common natural fiber materials include:
1. Linen:While linen is an elegant material, it is best used only in low-traffic or adult-only areas due to wrinkling and staining.
2. Wool:Wool is excellent at resisting stains, wrinkling, fading, and pilling. Wool can also be blended with synthetic fiber to offer more durability and easy spot cleaning.
3. Silk:This is a very delicate and soft material. Due to its fragility, it's best placed in a formal area and needs professional cleaning if dirty.
4. Cotton:Cotton is perfect for withstanding wear, fading, and pilling. It is not, however, as resistant to soiling and wrinkling. Cotton can increase its durability and make a great family-friendly fabric if blended with other fibers.
5. Leather:This material is known as one of the most durable and sophisticated materials. It is a favorite for people with kids and pets, as it tends to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life while also being incredibly easy to clean.
Synthetic fiber is a manufactured product that imitates natural fibers with an overall stain-resistant quality. Synthetic fibers include:
1. Polyester:Polyester is typically blended with other fibers to create an upholstery resistant to wrinkling, crushing, and fading.
2. Nylon:Resistant to staining, this fiber is considered one of the strongest upholstery fabrics. When added to blends, it helps to prevent this fiber from fading, crushing, and pilling.
3. Acrylic:Developed as an imitation wool, this synthetic fiber is great at resisting wear, wrinkling, soiling, and fading.
4. Olefin:Olefin is resistant to abrasions, stains, sunlight, and chemicals. Olefin is a perfect material for furniture expected to receive heavy use.
5. Vinyl:Vinyl is a good alternative to leather, offering a cheaper price tag with comparable toughness.
