Inventory Guide for Softgood Materials in the Home: A Homeowner’s Reference for Building, Repair, and Decor
Softgood materials play a significant role in home projects, whether for building, repair, or decorating purposes. From durable canvas and fabrics to the natural beauty of leather and Clay, these materials add texture, warmth, and functionality to your living space.
This guide will provide an overview of commonly used softgoods, including canvas, fabrics, clay, leather, and other general materials, explaining their types and uses in the home.
Canvas & Heavy-Duty Fabrics
Canvas and other heavy-duty fabrics are often used for projects that require strength, durability, and versatility. These materials are commonly employed in home improvement, outdoor spaces, and Upholstery due to their resistance to wear and tear.
Types of Canvas & Heavy-Duty Fabrics and Their Uses:
Cotton Canvas
Purpose: Cotton canvas is a tightly woven, durable fabric made from natural cotton fibers. It’s widely used for projects that need a tough yet flexible material.
Uses in the Home: Ideal for slipcovers, Curtains, and cushion covers. It’s also used for tote bags, outdoor furniture covers, and DIY home projects like tool rolls or storage bins.
Duck Cloth
Purpose: Duck cloth is a heavyweight cotton fabric similar to canvas but with a tighter weave. It’s known for its sturdiness and resistance to abrasion.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used for reupholstering furniture, creating durable cushion covers, and for heavy-duty curtains or window treatments.
Denim
Purpose: Denim is a durable, twill-weave cotton fabric often associated with jeans but also popular in upholstery and home Décor projects.
Uses in the Home: Suitable for upholstery on sofas or chairs, heavy-duty throw pillows, or as a durable covering for ottomans.
Sunbrella Fabric
Purpose: Sunbrella is a brand of outdoor fabric that is UV-resistant, water-resistant, and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Uses in the Home: Primarily used for outdoor cushions, patio furniture covers, and awnings due to its durability and resistance to fading and Mold.
Clay
Clay is a natural material that has been used in homes for centuries, both for its practical uses and decorative qualities. It’s a versatile material that can be molded and fired to create sturdy, long-lasting items.
Types of Clay and Their Uses:
Earthenware Clay
Purpose: Earthenware clay is a common type of clay that is fired at a lower temperature than stoneware or porcelain, resulting in a porous material that is often glazed for use in the home.
Uses in the Home: Often used for making decorative vases, pots, and garden planters. It can also be used for handmade tiles and rustic dinnerware.
Stoneware Clay
Purpose: Stoneware clay is a durable, non-porous material fired at high temperatures, resulting in a hard, dense product that’s ideal for practical household items.
Uses in the Home: Suitable for dinnerware, mugs, and cookware. Stoneware is known for its strength and ability to handle everyday use.
Porcelain Clay
Purpose: Porcelain clay is a fine-grained, highly durable material that, when fired, creates a smooth, glass-like finish. It’s prized for its delicate appearance and strength.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used for fine china, decorative figurines, bathroom tiles, and high-end dinnerware due to its refined finish and strength.
Polymer Clay
Purpose: Polymer clay is a synthetic material that hardens when baked, offering a wide range of applications for crafts and home décor.
Uses in the Home: Ideal for making jewelry, decorative sculptures, and custom home accents such as drawer pulls or small decorative items.
Fabric
Fabric is one of the most versatile softgoods in the home, used for everything from upholstery to window treatments to decorative accents. With a wide range of materials and weaves available, fabrics can suit almost any aesthetic and functional need.
Types of Fabric and Their Uses:
Cotton
Purpose: Cotton is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and easy to care for. It is one of the most commonly used fabrics in home décor due to its comfort and affordability.
Uses in the Home: Frequently used for bedding, curtains, upholstery, and throw pillows. Cotton is ideal for areas where comfort and softness are a priority.
Linen
Purpose: Linen is a natural fiber known for its lightweight, breathable texture and crisp, elegant appearance.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used for bed linens, curtains, and slipcovers. Linen’s natural look makes it perfect for casual, breezy décor styles like coastal or rustic themes.
Velvet
Purpose: Velvet is a luxurious fabric with a dense pile, giving it a soft and rich texture. It’s often associated with formal or high-end interiors.
Uses in the Home: Suitable for upholstery on accent chairs or sofas, throw pillows, and drapery. Velvet adds a sense of opulence and warmth to any room.
Wool
Purpose: Wool is a natural, durable fiber that provides warmth and comfort. It’s often used for both functional and decorative Textiles in the home.
Uses in the Home: Wool is ideal for rugs, blankets, and upholstery in colder climates, as it adds insulation and texture to a space.
Silk
Purpose: Silk is a luxurious, natural fiber known for its shine and softness. It’s a delicate fabric that adds elegance to any room.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used for decorative pillows, curtains, and bedspreads. It’s best suited for low-traffic areas due to its delicate nature.
Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester, Nylon, Rayon)
Purpose: Synthetic fabrics are man-made materials that offer durability, stain resistance, and affordability.
Uses in the Home: Often used for upholstery, curtains, and outdoor furniture due to their resistance to wear and fading.
Leather
Leather is a premium material often used for high-end upholstery, accessories, and home décor. Its natural beauty and durability make it a timeless choice for both contemporary and traditional homes.
Types of Leather and Their Uses:
Full-Grain Leather
Purpose: Full-grain leather is the highest quality of leather, offering a natural, rugged look that develops a rich patina over time.
Uses in the Home: Frequently used for luxury sofas, chairs, and ottomans. It’s durable and only improves with age, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Top-Grain Leather
Purpose: Top-grain leather is sanded and finished to remove imperfections, resulting in a more uniform appearance. It’s softer than full-grain leather but still highly durable.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used for upscale furniture, headboards, and leather accessories such as throw pillows and wall panels.
Bonded Leather
Purpose: Bonded leather is made from scraps of leather that are bonded together with adhesives and covered with a synthetic layer to resemble full leather.
Uses in the Home: Used for budget-friendly furniture, office chairs, and accessories. While less durable than full-grain or top-grain leather, it offers a leather look at a lower price.
Suede
Purpose: Suede is made from the underside of leather, giving it a soft, velvety texture. While luxurious, it is more delicate than other types of leather.
Uses in the Home: Best suited for decorative pillows, small accents, or low-traffic upholstery. Suede adds a soft, sophisticated touch but requires careful maintenance.
General / Miscellaneous Softgood Materials
In addition to the main categories, there are other softgoods used for specific home applications that offer unique functions and benefits.
Felt
Purpose: Felt is a non-woven fabric made by compressing fibers, often wool or synthetic materials, to create a thick, dense fabric.
Uses in the Home: Ideal for DIY projects, protective pads under furniture, and decorative crafts. Felt is also used for soundproofing and insulating applications.
Burlap
Purpose: Burlap is a rough, woven fabric made from jute or hemp, often associated with rustic or country-style décor.
Uses in the Home: Frequently used for table runners, curtains, and decorative accents in farmhouse or rustic homes. It’s also a popular material for DIY projects.
Vinyl
Purpose: Vinyl is a synthetic material that is water-resistant and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.
Uses in the Home: Often used for upholstery in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as for outdoor cushions and furniture covers.
Wrap-Up
Understanding the variety of softgoods available for home projects can help homeowners make informed decisions about building, repairing, rebuilding or enhancing their spaces.
Whether you're looking for durable canvas for upholstery, elegant leather for your furniture, or creative clay pieces for decor, each material serves a specific purpose. Having a clear inventory of these materials allows for thoughtful design and practical home improvement solutions.