LIST OF FURNISHING MATERIALS

Furnishing materials differ with rooms and furniture. Furnishings include curtains, loose covers, cushions, bedspread and quilts. They contribute greatly to the appearance of the room by bringing to it colour, pattern and texture. Some articles give protection and some in addition, give warmth and comfort. As each is subjected to different types and amounts of wear &tear, that fabric from which it is made should be suitable for the purpose.

CURTAINS: curtains are used to give privacy where windows may be over looked, to darken the room when necessary and to bring character and atmosphere to the room by their line, colour, pattern and texture.

                                            

Curtains are fixed to the track by rings or hooks or to the window still where architectural aspects dictate. They are normally of some opaque material, with sufficient fullness so that they can be drawn across the window to give complete privacy, some heat and sound insulation and a good appearance.

Curtains are essential for the appearance of any window and almost any furnishing fabric can be used. However the weight, colour and pattern of the fabric will be determined on the size and position of the window and the general character of the room.

There is a wide variety of fabrics suitable for ordinary curtaining and the choice will depend on the type of household, flat, or apartment and the particular room for which on it is required. sometimes different curtains are provided for winter and summer use.

It is probably wise to buy a good material as can be offered and such fabrics as brocades, heavy satins, printed lines, tapestries, velvets, novelty weaves and many others to suit the right setting. These are quite right for living room

For bed rooms a less heavy material can be used and will probably be less expensive. printed cottons, chintz, damask cotton and rayon satins are some which may be chosen.

For bath rooms the curtain material should be easily washable and unlined. The unlined curtains need to be laundered and lined curtains dry cleaned. Reverse the position of the curtains so that no part is continually exposed to the sun.

                                           

BLINDS: ventilation blinds are sometimes used in place of net curtains where windows can be overlooked. Ventilation blinds requires constant care and cleaning. They cut off great deal of light if attached to the window head. Vertical slat blinds are also available. Dust frequently and wash with warm water and detergent

                                          

                       

LOOSE COVERS: Loose covers are detachable covers fitted over up holstered chairs, stools etc. they can give a cleaned fresh appearance to a room. Loose covers may be used to cover shabbiness, to protect the original upholstery and to change the appearance of the room. The covers may reach almost to floor level with a pleated on gathered “skirt” or they may be tailored and fixed under the chair fastening to hooks and eyes, zips or the “touch and close” fasteners.

                                          

                               

The choice of patterns, colour and texture is as for any other soft furnishing, the materials must be in keeping with the room and rest of the furnishings. In some rooms material matching the curtains is used, but normally this is restricted to one or two pieces of furniture or it may become too dominant. To protect the upholstered furniture from soiling in the most likely places, shields for arms and backs are frequently used. These can be either laundered or dry cleaned as required. Brush or vacuum clean frequentl

CUSHIONS:  cushions may be used to increase the comfort of chairs and sofas and to bring colour, pattern and texture to the room. They may be shaped to fit the chair or sofa so forming the seat or back of the piece of the furniture or they may be used as scatter cushions. They require constant attention because they are often removed from their normal places and feather ones are too easily become squashed and untidy.

                                   

Cushions are available in all shapes and sizes and filled with down feathers, kapok or foam plastic or rubber and covered with a variety of materials matching or contrasting with the material of the chair or sofa. The covers may be fastened in a similar way to loose covers. Shake and tidy frequently. Remove covers and wash or dry clean them as required.