The important thing is to take your time choosing fabrics. Make sure you see fabrics in your own home as colours do alter in different lights.
Most fabric houses offer a returnable sample service where sampling is generally more generous than within a pattern book. They can also be easily draped around the room to assit you in reaching a decision.
It is popular these days to use more than one fabric on various furnishings for a
co-ordinated look. Mixing different textures such as linen, chenille, velvet and leather makes for a truly eclectic feel.
You can then sit back and relax in comfort and enjoy the labours of your work.
Fire Retardancy
Furniture has to comply with the current fire regulations both in terms of the components used and the fabric it is covered in. Some fabrics such as wool are inherently flame retardant.Other fabrics are sometimes chemically backcoated by the supplier to comply with the legislation.
For all other fabrics the correct action must be taken to ensure compliance. Fabrics that have less than 75% natural fabrics must be chemically treated at a cost of £10.00 per metre plus a carriage charge of £15.00 This process takes about two weeks.
Interlining
Non flame retardant fabrics that contain at least 75% natural fibres can be used in conjunction with a Schedule 3 Fr Interliner as an alternative to a chemical treatment. This does not affect the handle of the fabric in any way. The cost for interlining is:
- Footstools and Louis Chairs £30
- Wing Chairs £90
- Armchair £125
- 2 seater £150
- 2½ seater £175
- 3 seater £200
- 3½ seater £225
- 4 seater £250