Are you looking for premium, durable fabrics that can withstand the demands of high-traffic commercial areas? Whether you’re outfitting hospitality venues, sourcing for outdoor resort furniture or providing upholstery for RV manufacturers, the right high-traffic fabric for your furniture pieces can make all the difference.
We’ll discuss seven expert tips for selecting fabrics for high-traffic areas so you can confidently choose fabrics with exceptional design and superior performance.
The furniture you produce is a key element in creating functional and attractive spaces. You’ll want it to meet aesthetic standards, provide comfort for end users and ensure durability for frequent use in commercial settings. Due to these various requirements, it’s crucial to balance each to create one cohesive and functional piece.
The fabric you choose is a long-term investment. Yes, you can change it if need be, but the process can take a lot of time and resources. It’s natural for fabric wear and tear to occur after a long period of time — but you’ll want to maximize its longevity and performance.
You’ll need to consider other factors beyond aesthetics and style. As a decision maker, ask yourself — What are the most durable fabrics for specific applications? How will people interact with this furniture? Where will it be placed? Will this fabric enhance comfort? Is it easy to maintain and clean?
To help you navigate the selection process, we’ve curated a list of practical fabric selection tips for high-traffic upholstery. With these tips and considerations, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and elevate your upholstery pieces to be beautiful and durable.
When selecting upholstery for high-traffic areas, you must prioritize a fabric’s durability. Some fabrics — due to their thread counts, tight weaves and other factors— can withstand more than others. For instance, although both are synthetic, vinyl can be stronger than acrylic fabric. Vinyl over acrylic may be a better choice for high-traffic areas like hotel lobbies or restaurant seating.
To determine a material’s durability, look for its number of double rubs (DR) rating. The DR rating is the number of times something rubs against a fabric until the fabric shows wear and tear. In terms of furniture, think of the “rubbing” as someone sitting on and standing up from a piece.
The location of your upholstered piece also impacts the fabric choice. While you want the fabric to fit into a specific space’s aesthetics and feel, you also need it to cater to the location.
Take hotel lobbies, restaurants and outdoor resort furniture. Such locations need high-traffic fabrics that are durable and stain-resistant, withstanding frequent use and the potential for spills. In contrast, a piece in a hotel room or decorative furniture may not need to be as durable.
Although furniture is located inside, environmental factors like sun exposure and humidity levels also play a role. If your piece is in a room filled with sunlight, natural fabrics such as cotton or silk may fade over time. If the space also experiences high humidity levels, consider fabrics that are mold and mildew-resistant and quick-drying to prevent damage.
As you choose your fabrics, research their maintenance and cleaning requirements. Some materials demand more attention than others, whether it’s cleaning frequency or complexity.
For example, natural fibers, such as linen or cotton, typically have straightforward care and cleaning instructions. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or faux leather, may need specialized attention. Always follow the recommended cleaning instructions for best results.
Choose durable, stain-resistant fabrics that are easy to maintain in large-scale operations. Examples of such fabrics include polyester, nylon and acrylic. Consider the cleaning protocols and frequency in hospitality or health care settings, where hygiene is paramount.
Balance is key when it comes to fabric weight, as it can impact a piece’s comfortability and durability. Heavier fabrics might offer the durability needed for contract seating in high-traffic areas, while lighter fabrics could be ideal for draperies in hospitality settings. It’s all about finding the right balance between functionality and luxury performance.
Sustainability is at the top of many people’s minds and, as a result, has become increasingly important in commercial design. Consider eco-friendly fabric options that meet your business’s sustainability goals. Sustainable and durable fabrics can meet the demands of high-traffic areas while contributing to your social responsibility. Doing so may even impact your brand’s reputation with eco-conscious clients.
In high-traffic areas, fabrics experience frequent use and spills. Select fabrics that resist fading and discoloration from light or cleaning agents to maintain their appearance as long as possible. Doing so can help keep spaces looking welcoming and appealing, even amidst constant use.
Consult industry experts or fabric manufacturers for expert fabric advice. They can offer insights into the best type of fabric for your specific high-traffic commercial application.
Professionals in the field can help you by giving recommendations based on specific preferences and needs. Asking for advice can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose the best high-traffic, functional and aesthetic fabric.
For fabrics that embody timeless luxury and exceptional durability, look to Swavelle Group. For decades, we have met the fabric needs for the furniture and accessory markets as well as the outdoor and RV sectors, so you can rest assured we’ll have something for you.
Our extensive range of on-trend fabrics and textiles is meticulously curated to meet the rigorous demands of various industries. Our deep fashion industry roots have allowed us to perfect balance between durability and beauty. Our dedicated design team welcomes any challenge to curate comprehensive solutions for each customer’s distinct needs.
We also feel we have a personal responsibility to protect the environment. We want to give back to the planet that has sustained us for centuries. This inspired us to invest in more sustainable business and manufacturing practices.
Being one of the most diverse fabric and textile suppliers in the industry, Swavelle Group is ready to help transform your space. Our team is equipped to assist you in finding the perfect fabric solutions for your industry needs.
If your business is ready to explore our extensive range of commercial-grade fabrics or seek expert consultation for your next project, fill out our contact form, and we’ll respond promptly.