Interior Design Trends with Technical Textiles

by Kathlyn Swantko

Fabrics for the interior design market, better known as home textiles, are utilizing more technical textiles. While interior furnishings create a general mood and give character to the interior space, fabrics with function and comfort qualities have become increasingly important to enhance the styling aspects of any décor for windows, walls, floor-coverings, and furniture.

In selecting a fabric for an interior setting, considerations include the fabric construction and how it looks and feels within the design space. Factors such as durability, comfort, and cost are also key factors. Important fiber/fabric characteristics include: tensile strength, tenacity, moisture absorption, optical behaviors like reflection, absorption-of-light, eco-friendliness, electrical and thermal characteristics (the fiber's ability to disperse a static charge); and other physical considerations such as softness, ease of care, anti-shrinkage, antimicrobial, wrinkle-recovery, shape-retention, anti-pilling, FR, stretchability/flexibility, stain-repellency, drapeability, insulation qualities, and dimensional stability.

While the most used fiber blends for interiors continue to be polyester/cotton, polyester/acrylic blend levels of 50/50 or 60/40, technical textiles are gaining momentum.

The FabricLink Network reviews several innovative developments presented at Techtextil Atlanta that have applications for the interiors and contract textile markets.

CTF 2000 and Topchim showcased its innovative CoolCare® surface treatment at the show. Coolcare® uses the newest generation of encapsulated PCM (phase change materials), which outperform traditional PCM's. The new technology gives the producers of premium mattresses a durable solution combining a cooling sensation with inherent easy clean features built into the fiber. Coolcare® provides perfect air and vapor permeability, is durable to multiple home launderings, and mechanical friction; is non-yellowing and has lower flammability compared to existing products. It also has a unique sustainability profile. Other applications include clothing, car interiors, and interior building materials.

Printed fabric using ORCO’s PeracoJet™ system
for solving coloring problems.

Organic Dyes and Pigments (ORCO): supplies high quality dyes, pigments and specialty chemicals for industrial coloring purposes. ORCO serves a broad base of customers in textiles, coatings, construction materials, detergents, agricultural products, inks, etc. ORCO will also custom-formulate dyes, pigments, and chemicals to meet unique requirements of its customers.

At Techtextil, ORCO featured its new PeracoJet™ system for solving coloring problems, and for digitally printing of polyamide, polyester and cotton fabrics. The advantages of PeractoJet™ inks include: low temperature fixation, short fixation time, one-ink system for textile fibers, may eliminate traditional pre-treatment, reduces water consumption, and requires no steam.

PyroTex fibers GmbH ihas developed an inherently flame and heat resistant fiber which is marketed under the name of PyroTex®. The fiber surpasses currently accepted FR standards and because of its inherent FR properties and the fact that it's not a finish, PyroTex® is in a unique category compared to other FR fibers on the market. PyroTex® has broad applications in the interior design contract market. Besides its technical aspects of flame resistance, no smoke, no toxic combustion gases, fabrics made from PyroTex® are used for commercial application, such as in theatres, cinemas, concert halls, etc. are both attractive and comfortable. PyroTex® also fills comfort-like requirements, as well as being dyeable and flexible. 

Marionette HT Color Nylon Type 6 yarns.

Marionette Company Inc. featured its collection of industrial sewing threads and industrial yarns. In addition, the company also launched its newest HT Color Nylon Type 6 Yarn.

Marionette Co Inc manufactures a wide range of twisted yarns made from nylon, polyester, polypropylene, Spectra®, Nomex®, Kevlar®, rayon, cotton & Teflon® yarns. Each yarn has specific properties suitable for targeted application needs. Applications for its twisted yarns include:  webbing, hoses, belts, twine, braids, ropes, cables and industrial thread. Marionette's twisted yarns meet military and Coast Guard specifications. With a full service dye house on the premise, the company offers a wide range of stock colors and can custom dye upon request.

Marionette Co. also offers a range of staple fibers (i.e. polyester, nylon, rayon, polypropylene and acrylic), used in a variety of markets such as automotive, carpet, geotextiles, and upholstery.