How to choose the right fabric for office furniture.

When choosing fabric for your office furniture, there are a number of items to consider in addition to colour and pattern. As you go through the process of choosing fabric, keep these tips in mind.

1) What environment will the furniture be used in?
As they say its all about location, location, location! Where will the furniture be used? There is furniture specifically designed for use in Healthcare and Educational settings. Furniture for these vertical markets is designed with specific in mind, it may limit your number of fabric options, but you want something that works for your environment.. The specific location of the furniture in your building is another factor, as sunlight and artificial light can fade the colour of fabric at different rates.

Note: Node chairs are designed for use in a classroom. These chairs do not come with fabric and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or towel.

2) How will the furniture be used?

Depending on where the furniture is used in your office can determine what level of fabric you want to use. If a chair is being used daily, you want a more sturdier fabric than one you would use on a conference chair.
Note: Fabric used on reception furniture does not have to be as sturdy as fabric used for daily employees.

3) Colour and Patterns

There are a ton of fabric options for chairs, from single colours to wild patterns. Once you’ve determined how the chair will be used, you should look at who will be using it. Trendy colours today can make a fabric look old well before it wears out.

4) How will the furniture be cleaned?

Did you know you can ruin fabric and other textiles with cleaners? Clorox or similar disinfectant wipes are great for kitchens and counter tops, but they can ruin some types of fabric. Check with your facilities staff to see what type of cleaning products they use. In some cases, janitorial staff are required to use certain types of cleaners. There are fabrics designed specifically for use in these environments. A note on wood desks, most manufactures do not recommend using wood polish, as over the years they a dull film will build up on the surface.

If you have questions for our Office Furniture experts, please email them in via the website.

(How to choose the right fabric for office furniture was first written by Michael Brandt – September ’14)