Ask Terra Column: What is a Durable & Kid-friendly Fabric for a Home?
If you have a growing family, you most likely understand the struggle of finding a balance between beauty and durability while furnishing those high-traffic areas in your home. You want to invest in beautiful pieces and create the interiors of your dreams, but you cringe at the thought of your kids jumping from sofa to sofa and ruining your brand-new upholstery. Well, we have good news for you—it is 100% possible to have interiors that are both striking and livable for years to come!
When it comes to selecting durable, kid-friendly fabrics, content is key; always look at what the fabric is made of to find the right material. We want to share with you a few of our favorite fabrics to use for the busiest areas in a home, along with their benefits.
Olefin is great due to its ability to wick moisture and resist fading, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor spaces and strong enough to withstand heavy use.
Polyester will resist stains better than most materials, and it’s one of the easiest to clean. Not to mention, it’s non-allergenic, which means it’s a wonderful option if your kiddos are prone to allergies!
Rayon has a lot of the same comfort qualities that true natural fibers provide, as it was developed as an alternative to silk, linen, and cotton. It does tend to wrinkle, but it’s a strong fabric for young families needing extra durability!
Faux Leather is painless to clean, and therefore perfect for heavily used pieces like dining chairs, barstools, and ottomans.
Real Lether is incredibly durable, however, certain leathers will react to oils and scratches, so this is something to be mindful of if you’re considering it for a family or kid’s room.
Crypton & Sunbrella are breathable, luxurious performance fabrics that have been engineered to resist stains, water, and bacteria.
While there are countless fabric lines we have loved working with over the years, Perennials is one of our favorites in terms of durability! They have a wide range of indoor and outdoor options with striking textures. Regardless of the fabric line or type you decide on, we suggest a Fiber-Seal treatment to protect high-traffic materials. This will increase the lifespan and give you additional peace of mind as you invest in quality furnishings and décor items.
There you have it! Whether you’re looking for durable outdoor seating or a fully functional living room that will last for years, there are several fabrics that can deliver that high-end feel while holding their value amid a growing family. At RI Studio, we understand the process of selecting the right materials for our clients, and we would love to help you create an innovative space that is uniquely yours. Contact us to learn more and schedule a consultation.