When you’ve got an important meeting or date, you don’t just throw on old sweats and a concert T-shirt, you put on clothes that help you look and feel put together, ready to roll or to romance. In fact, you’ve probably gotten really good at just taking care of your top half for virtual meetups. Because you know that’s the power of fabrics and fashion. What you wear matters, it makes a difference.
That same power thrives in the upholstery fabric choices you make.
It’s about more than just covering furniture frames, cushions, and windows. It’s about choosing fabrics that elicit the feeling and sense of identity you want the design of your space to offer.
We’ve talked before about the bold statement and design impact of fabrics like velvet and leather. Today we’ll slip into something silky. Because, talk about impact, wow. Whether you’re looking to add an element of elevated elegance and luxury to your home or simply want to give your space a more refined aesthetic, there are few options more impactful than adding a bit of silk upholstery.
Silk is not only incredibly soft and comfortable to the touch, but it’s also extremely durable — and it has a wide range of surprising benefits. And it’s easier to incorporate into your style than you might think. Let’s check it out.
All You Need To Know About Silk’s Surprising Benefits And Badassery
Silk is a pretty misunderstood fabric. Which makes sense, really. Typically, it’s soft and light, giving it a delicate appearance that’s part of its luxurious appeal. But it’s kind of a poser on that “delicate” score.
In reality, one of the biggest benefits that comes with silk upholstery — whether synthetic or of the natural variety — is its durability. Unlike many other fabrics, silk fibers are strong and resistant to damage from abrasions, punctures, or tears. This makes silk far more likely to last for years, even with frequent use. How great is that?
But wait there’s more, silk is also a natural insulator. This means that it can help keep a space warm in the winter and cool in the summer making it an ideal choice for year-round comfort. That’s part of why silk sheets are so popular and identified with winning at bedding, but it’s also super helpful for seating and other upholstery applications (we’ll go there in the next section).
One final bit of silk’s awesomeness worth touching on is that it’s naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin. This also means that it won’t cause irritation or itchiness, and it traps allergens rather than allowing them to float through the air, making it a great option for those with respiratory issues. And it’s resistant to germs, mold, and mildew — naturally.
Turns out delicate little silk is actually kind of a fabric tough guy.
How To Use Silk Fabrics To Add Luxury And Lift To Your Design Style
Beyond its practical benefits, silk is a crazy beautiful material that can instantly elevate any space by adding an element of luxury and elegance. This makes it a great choice for upholstering furniture as well as creating drapes and other accents to take your space to an eleven on the luxurious feels scale. Let’s talk through some ideas for how — and where — you can use silk to bring some design magic to spaces like yours.
Sofas And Chairs
Fitting silk into your furniture design style is about looking for where your space could use a lift. Because, with its texture and performance characteristics, adding design style lift is kind of silk’s superpower.
Take a neutral or pale-toned color scheme and add an accent sofa or a pair of accent chairs in a bold violet machine-woven dupioni silk. Create a reading nook in a room rich with natural light by adding a chaise lounge looking classic and classy in calming green silk. Finish the formal feel of your dining room with light-colored dining chairs with contrasting seats upholstered in Camelot black silk and you’ll also be adding a dash of Hollywood heyday glam while you’re at it.
Focussing on upholstering — or reupholstering — just a few pieces allows your silks to be showcased and shine while clearly telling guests you’ve put some care into making your home a truly elevated and welcoming space.
Curtains And Headboards
Sometimes you go to a museum or art gallery and find that, while the art is lovely, the frames are works of art unto themselves. Silk curtains do that for windows. Regardless of your view, framing your windows in aster blue silk will make them a sight worth savoring. Or, perhaps less is more. Sometimes drapes need to be less decadent and more delicate. Add that elegance and openness to your room with snow-white taffeta silk.
And your bedroom is meant to be a soft and sensuous space for slumbering — etc. What better way to set the stage for that feeling than upholstering your headboard in silky scarlet red silk. Or maybe a soothing pale lavender, periwinkle purple.
Bedding And Pillows
Actually, there are even more silk options — with even greater flexibility — for your bedroom. Maybe silk sheets aren’t your jam but you still crave some of that elegant texture and feel. Drift off to dreams in a cloudless sky with a duvet cover and matching pillow shams in pale French blue handwoven silk. Or lean sultry and smooth like a bed of roses with soft pink handwoven silk.
Step into your family room or living room where even more possibilities live. Add silk accents with throw pillows on your sofa in deluxe silk with an embroidered foliage pattern in beige and grey. Try accenting your otherwise solid midnight blue velvet armchairs with lumbar pillows dressed in white cream geometric patterned deluxe silk shams. Trust your instincts, the accent opportunities are virtually endless.
Your Luxurious New Design Style Awaits On The Silk (Upholstery) Road
Now you know. Silk has been misunderstood. It comes on all sweet and delicate but it’s packing a performance punch way above its weight. Same when it comes to its design vibe power lift abilities. It’s like a juice concentrate or something, a little goes a long way.
So if you’re looking to add an element of elevated grace and luxury to your home, slip your upholstery into something silky with accent furniture, curtains, and decorative accessories sure to be at home in virtually any space. The luxurious lift you seek is ready for you and so are we. Give us a call and we’ll get you on the silk road today.