Pearson launches upholstery fabric line

Includes a number of exclusive designs

Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, November 17, 2009

This 100% linen, hand-block printed in India exclusively for Pearson Textiles, features highly detailed Audubon bird illustrations taken from the original printing plates.

HIGH POINT — Upholstered furniture manufacturer Pearson has launched a line of cut yardage fabrics available for use on Pearson pieces or in other applications.

Called Pearson Textiles, the line includes 54 fabrics, of which half are exclusive Pearson designs and the other half are made of natural fibers.

"We've sourced these textiles from the world over, finding gems that typify Pearson's signature look," said Jennifer McConnell, vice president of design.

Also new is a Web site, www.pearsontextiles.com, that features the line. It also shows all 1,000-plus fabrics that are available on Pearson furniture, and lets users sort by color, pattern or type of material. Additional content includes design inspiration and a comprehensive fabric glossary.

"Our new textiles Web site offers customers another user-friendly resource to help bring their design schemes to fruition," McConnell said.

The newest Pearson exclusive fabrics are characterized by sumptuous damasks, chenilles, velvets, finely detailed embroidered designs and graphic prints. Some examples:

• A chenille basket-weave woven in the United States in a fashion-forward natural linen and gold color combination of 50% rayon, 50% flax.

• A damask woven in Belgium, whose floral stripes alternate in hues of indigo, gold, ivory and taupe in 100% cotton.

• A small-scale vintage men's tie pattern woven in the U.S., with a sheen and precise weave that mimic the feel of Italian apparel silk in 100% polyester. Two of three colors - pewter and paprika - are exclusive to Pearson.