General Guidelines

Primarily, do not buy fabrics that are intended for quilting and clothing.  They are often not printed straight and sometimes have a “gauzy” feel.  These fabrics shrink and ravel terribly when washed, and cannot be pattern matched in decorator applications.  They can also be diffucult to press.  If you are unsure about a fabric, ask a salesperson and explain your intended use.  If you are not comfortable choosing the right fabric, take advantage of our fabric shopping services.  It can save you time and money in the long run. 

Decorator fabric is preferred for most window treatment, seating, and other home decorating projects.  It is usually 54” wide and all yardage estimates are based on this.  Some will be 60” or 45” wide.  This width may reduce/increase your yardage requirement.   If you choose a print that repeats vertically every x inches, then add that much to the yardage requirement for each length of fabric per item that has to be cut. Always watch the fabric as it is being cut and re-rolled.  Sometimes you can spot flaws.  Be extremely particular when buying plaids to make sure they are printed straight.

Do you want your finished item to be washable?  Many fabrics are treated with stain-resistant or special finish chemicals that are lost in pre-washing.  Most fabric will shrink with laundering and this MUST be done before it is cut if you plan to wash it later.  Check with the store or manufacturer before you buy.  Some fabrics are totally destroyed by washing.  Dry cleaning may be an option, but again, shrinkage can occur. 

  Draperies and Valances:  Light to medium weight fabrics with a soft, flowing feel are best for most window treatments.  Pull a long length off the bolt and see how it falls and drapes.  Stiffer fabrics may be ok for flat shades and cornices, but not for softer or gathered looks.

  Seat cushions:  Choose a fabric that will wear well and hold its shape.

  Pillows: Often a soft feel is most important for pillows.   Avoid very stiff fabrics for pillows and cushions.

  Bedding:  Generally lighter weight cottons, blends, and microfiber make good choices for bedding.

  Placemats & table runners:  Many fabrics can be appropriate here; washability and stain-resistance are key factors to consider.

Matching colors

   Take it with you!  Take paint chips (old stir sticks are good to save).  Take pillows, tie-backs, carpet samples, snips of fabric, or just find a small item that matches what you have in your room if it is too large to take.  Put it all in a zip-lock bag and pack it.  At the store, take your chosen fabric to a window or outside to see its true color.

   Choose a color palette for your room before you go shopping.  Don't be afraid to mix patterns and fabrics together.  For example, choose a large print as a main fabric and a narrow stripe for piping or accent pillows.  Or mix a large plaid with a tiny print and a solid.  It will give you a more custom look.  Be sure to get a yardage estimate from us first.  It's easy to overbuy.