Performance Fabrics | Why to Use Them and How to Style Them
Image above: Penny Morrison Performance Fabrics
When it comes to choosing fabrics for outdoor spaces or high-traffic areas in your home, there are many important factors to consider beyond just the visual aesthetic. High-performance fabrics have been carefully designed to last longer in harsh environmental conditions such as strong sunlight and hold their integrity even with frequent usage, and can often be the ideal choice for upholstering those pieces that call for extra durability.
With so many performance fabric options now available, it can be a tricky decision to make, so if you’re unsure of where to begin, check out these insights from three of our Fabric Collective designers who have designed performance fabric collections of their own.
SERENA DUGAN
1) How do you approach designing and manufacturing performance fabrics differently from other fabrics?
I always think about the intended use of the product I’m designing into first and foremost. What are the needs where durability is concerned? That defines the parameters of what I need to design into (e.g. the substrate and print technique). Those elements then steer the design. Additionally, there are factors to consider with strong sunlight. Colours need to be sharper and more impactful, and need to play beautifully with the colours in nature, with emphasis on foliage and sky.
Serena Dugan Performance Fabrics: Seat cushions in Oletta Farro and square cushions in Condesa Hyacinth/Pumice and Bahia Pumice.
2) Are there any kinds of prints, patterns or colours that you specifically like to use for outdoor styling?
I really like bold scales and statement-making colour, mixed with more subtle scales and tones for balance.
3) What advice would you give to someone that was looking for a performance fabric? What are the key things to consider?
Look out for lightfastness ratings. Not all outdoor prints or wovens are equal in durability. If you’re going to invest in upholstery, make sure it’s a fabric that you won’t tire of. Bring ‘wow’ moments in with pillows if you’re feeling timid.
Serena Dugan Performance Fabrics: Seat cushions in Bahia Ivy and square cushions in Capretto Grasshopper/Midnight.
4) Any final thoughts or pieces of advice when it comes to performance fabrics?
Performance fabrics have come such a long way in a very short time. The hand of my collection is so soft and the product so durable that it is absolutely appropriate and gorgeous used inside the house. If durability is a concern, I would not hesitate to recommend using performance fabric.
Serena Dugan Performance Fabrics: (Image Left) Seat cushions in Bahia Ivy and square cushions in Capretto Grasshopper/Midnight. (Image Right) Sun beds in Cassis Aloe and cushions in Condesa Agave/Lime and Bahia Mineral
PENNY MORRISON
From Penny Morrison's Range of Performance Fabrics (left to right): Gobi Green, Zanzibar Brown, Harriet Stripe Blue, Gobi Blue. See the full range here.
1) How do you approach designing and manufacturing performance fabrics differently from other fabrics?
When we decided that we wanted to launch a performance fabric range, the first thing that was critical to get right was the handle of the fabric. Our performance range is as ideal for exterior spaces as it is for interiors. We experimented with so many different compositions until we found the perfect one which would allow the fabrics to be as soft as they are durable.
Penny Morrison Performance Fabrics: Seat cushions in Harriet Stripe Green, square cushions in Gobi Green, rectangular cushion in Zanzibar Blue
2) Are there any kinds of prints, patterns or colours that you specifically like to use for outdoor styling?
When we style a space, we always consider light as an important factor that will impact the final look, so when it comes to designing fabrics that can be used for outdoor spaces, we look for palettes that will look best in the strong sun and natural light. We want fabrics to feel cohesive and tranquil but not boring – there needs to be an element of boldness.
3) What advice would you give to someone that was looking for a performance fabric? What are the key things to consider?
If you’re choosing a performance fabric for an outdoor space, be sure to consider the natural surroundings. Your fabrics should feel in harmony with the greenery and florals around you – not competing against them. And for indoor spaces, identify the areas of your home that might call for performance fabrics. Sofas, benches, headboards, ottomans and pieces that are in direct sunlight are ideal for fabrics that offer more durability and have the option to be washed!
Penny Morrison Performance Fabrics: Seat cushions in Zanzibar Brown and square cushion in Gobi Blue.
4) Any final thoughts or pieces of advice when it comes to performance fabrics?
Some people see ‘performance fabric’ and immediately assume that this means fabrics for the outdoors. This isn’t the case! If you’re thoughtful in how you use performance fabrics in your home, you can save yourself a lot of future spending by investing in durable fabrics that won’t wear as quickly.
Penny Morrison Zanzibar Performance Fabric in Blue and Brown
TEYSSIER
1) How do you approach designing and manufacturing performance fabrics differently from other fabrics?
I’m a trained weaver so I had wanted my first range of Outdoor / Performance fabrics to be woven rather than printed. I have spent several years developing this range with a small UK mill and focused on creating a high performing fabric that had the soft drape and feel of a linen or fine wool fabric. A fabric that could be used for curtains or upholstery both outdoors and inside.
2) Are there any kinds of prints, patterns or colours that you specifically like to use for outdoor styling?
The more soft and neutral tones and textures always appeal to me for an outdoor setting as they sit so beautifully with surrounding greenery and natural colours such as stone and wood. I like my outdoor living to be tranquil and refreshing – a balm for the busy soul.
Teyssier Performance Fabrics ( Top to bottom, left to right): Fairfield Gold, Fairfield Shell, Moreton Pacific, Avery Pacific
3) What advice would you give to someone that was looking for a performance fabric? What are the key things to consider?
It is worth investing in fabric for outdoor living spaces or areas of high-wear like headboards, sofas and playrooms. The upholstery looks good for longer and keeps the room looking freshly decorated. Always think about performance fabrics for curtains and blinds in south-facing windows as well as for the leading edge on curtains that may fade otherwise.
4) Any final thoughts or pieces of advice when it comes to performance fabrics?
As our Performance fabrics have a wonderful drape we can suggest their use as curtains as well as upholstery for both indoors and outdoors, which gives us a much wider scope. Our fabrics have a high lightfastness, high abrasion, water repellent and antibacterial, so are perfect for rooms of all kinds. I always advise clients to make their outdoor spaces as special as their indoor spaces - it’s an investment that can be enjoyed by all the family for years to come.