The finer details make a huge difference in the design of your office. Office fit out goes beyond making informed choices when it comes to wall paint color or flooring material – it also requires paying attention to the furniture.
One particular aspect of furniture selection that requires your utmost attention is the upholstery, or the fabrics used for the pieces. Insignificant as it may seem, choosing the right upholstery is a very important decision you must make. In fact, choosing correctly will help you ensure furniture durability and longevity while achieving the right mood for the room.
4 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Furniture Fabric
There are literally thousands of fabrics you can choose from when it comes to furniture upholstery. Considerations like materials, colors, and patterns are crucial in making sure that everything fits perfectly.
But before you can even start shopping, you need to review the base finishes in your office design first. Are they changing, or do they remain the same?
1. Sunlight exposure
Whether you like it or not, fabrics fade over time. However, you can make them last a bit longer by considering how much sun exposure they get when used on a piece of furniture. Placing furniture away from any source of heat can also help retain its original beauty.
2. Placement and use
A fabric’s durability will also depend on how it is used and where it is placed.
For example, if the furniture is placed in low traffic areas, you can opt for more sensitive fabrics like silk or linen. For busy areas like the reception, you should consider choosing fabric that can withstand constant use, like fabric blends or those that are woven tightly.
3. Mood and overall aesthetics
After use, placement, and sunlight, your next consideration is the mood and overall effect the fabric has on the office design.
For mood, you should pick a color that is in line with the vibe you want customers and other guests to get when they enter the room. This means that brighter colored fabrics should be used in rooms that should have a cheery ambience, while areas used for relaxation should have furniture upholstery with warm tones.
4. Cleaning, maintenance, and stain protection
In terms of cleaning and maintenance, you have to learn what cleaning method is ideal for the material you plan to use. This can be either water-based or dry-cleaning. Remember to heed manufacturer instructions in caring for the upholstery to make sure they last as long as they should.
Just remember to see whether these specialized fabrics require a special kind of cleaning process as well.