Textile Guide

breaking down natural fibers, performance fabrics, and the complex world of upholstery textiles

Textiles are part of so many aspects of our lives - the fabric we sit on, hang in our windows, and wear every day. They even have surprising uses in medicine, where textile grafts can help repair torn ligaments. And even if we just think about the role they play in our homes, there’s still a lot to uncover - much of which often isn’t talked about or taught.

This article is meant to give you a better understanding of the fabrics you’re choosing for your home projects and to help you think through alternatives based on the needs of your space or client. It’s not about promoting natural over performance materials (or vice versa), but about offering a clearer picture: the history, the construction, and the many nuanced options available. Once you know what you’re really working with, making the right decisions becomes a lot easier.