{"id":2842,"date":"2023-03-20T16:43:54","date_gmt":"2023-03-20T16:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theinside.com\/blog\/?p=2842"},"modified":"2023-03-20T16:47:04","modified_gmt":"2023-03-20T16:47:04","slug":"fabric-swatches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theinside.com\/blog\/fabric-swatches\/","title":{"rendered":"Interior Designers *Always* Get Fabric Swatches Before Buying Furniture \u2014 Here’s Why"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re considering buying a piece of upholstered furniture<\/a>, it\u2019s important to do your research. After all, you want to make sure that you choose the right fabric for your space. That\u2019s why ordering a fabric swatch<\/a> is so important. A fabric swatch can help you determine if a particular color or pattern will work in your home and give you peace of mind before making such a long-term purchase. So let\u2019s take some time to discuss what exactly a fabric swatch is, why interior designers swear by them, and and why it’s important to test drive fabrics in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Fabric Swatch? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A fabric swatch<\/a> is simply a small piece of fabric cut from the same bolt of fabric that you\u2019d receive on a piece of furniture. Swatches help you decide on the perfect piece of furniture for your home, taking into account color, texture, pattern, stain-resistance, and durability. The Inside\u2019s swatches<\/a> measure 4 inches by 4 inches and allow you to get an up-close and personal look at the texture, color, pattern, and overall quality of the fabric before committing to a piece of upholstered furniture. In short, it allows you to get an idea of how the finished product will look in your home and helps you visualize the new material with your current furniture and decor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Buying a Fabric Swatch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Fabric
Photo Credit: The Inside by Havenly<\/em> | Bunfoot Chair<\/a> in French Yellow Linen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In our humble opinion, the benefits of buying fabric swatches are endless. First off, ordering one ahead of time means that you won’t be surprised at how different the actual product looks when it arrives on your doorstep. Additionally, if there’s any doubt as to whether or not the chosen fabric will match other pieces in your home or fit with existing d\u00e9cor, ordering a sample beforehand can help clear up any confusion before you click “complete purchase.” Finally, our swatches are only $1<\/a>, so our goal is to help you feel confident in your decision without having to spend a lot of money. Best part? Swatches are delivered to you in five days or less, so you can make a decision quickly! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Test a Fabric Swatch at Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ordered a fabric swatch and want to test it out in your home, we recommend the following steps to ensure you get the most out of your swatch, and of course, land on a favorite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Photo Credit: The Inside by Havenly<\/em> | Classic Sofa<\/a> in Black Classic Ticking Stripe and Throw Pillows<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you ordered multiple swatches, see if one or two of them speak to you more than the others. Once you\u2019ve narrowed it down, see how these fabrics work with the colors and textures in your space. You can drape them over your sofa<\/a>, accent chair<\/a>, or bed<\/a> to create a makeshift visual mood board. Leave it there for a day or two and follow the next step below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Fabric
Photo Credit: The Inside by Havenly<\/em> | Skirted Storage Ottomans<\/a> in Sky Fritz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Check in on your swatch at various times of the day to understand how the lighting may impact the color of the fabric. Does it look great in the bright morning light, but a bit dull post-sunset? Gathering this sort of intel will help you hone in on your choice and ensure you’ve landed on the perfect option. If you\u2019re feeling adventurous, especially if you opted for a performance fabric swatch, conduct a spill test or two. Drop some water on the swatch, maybe some crumbs, or even a risky spill, like red wine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Fabric
Photo Credit: The Inside by Havenly<\/em> | Drum Ottoman<\/a> in Fawn and Modern Slipper Chair<\/a> in Denim Linen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now comes the fun part! Once you’ve landed on your final fabric, it’s time to design that custom ottoman, bed, chair, or sofa that you’ve been eyeing for months! If you just love the fabric and didn\u2019t have a specific piece in mind, you can browse by fabric selection on The Inside\u2019s site. Check out some of our customer and designer favorite fabrics here: <\/p>\n\n\n\n