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Fresh fabrics in spotlight

By Susan M. Andrews, Fabric Editor -- Furniture Today, April 2, 2006

Nothing sets the tone for a furniture market like the eye candy of upholstery fabrics. And though manufacturers on the whole are taking a cautious approach with their selections this season, upholstery buyers will find a number of appealing new colors, patterns and textures in covers at the upcoming International Home Furnishings Market in High Point later this month.

One of the first things they'll notice is chenille — less of it. Then they will notice more velvet of all kinds, including the very upscale mohair, as well as silk, wool and linen textures that give a sense that some artisan had a hand in the creation — whether through a special dyeing technique or the applied arts of crewel embroidery or other surface ornamentation. Some of these looks are showcased on page 30.

Casual contemporary styling continues to enjoy the top spot in upholstery, and transitional colors, patterns and constructions in fabric keep the category a broad one. Geometrics, overscaled houndstooth motifs, animal skin patterns and stunning leathers — real and faux — are updated for the season in fresh colors and finishes. You can get a preview of these classic looks with a contemporary twist on page 32.

Neutral palettes are widespread, as well as the very popular combinations of brown with blue and brown with green. Warm colors continue to be a popular choice as well, and upholstery manufacturers have selected a broad range from pale peach and daffodil to organic pumpkin and copper and rich red and gold for this season's seating introductions. Some of the latest covers in this warm palette that consumers love is on page 33.

The growing selection of performance fabrics should get buyers' attention as well, with high-performance properties showing up on furniture in everything from denim that can be custom colored to high-tech faux leather used for thousand-dollar designer hand-bags.

This issue of Global Textiles Today also features more winning fabric-and-frame combinations, this time two very different looks from Steve Beeker at Kincaid and Jeff Zimmerman for Key City Furniture.

We hope you enjoy this early look at upholstery covers and look forward to seeing you at market soon.

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