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The World of Fabrics Insights and Innovations

Presentation by Jacob Oxford at Kravet Fabrics

During an enlightening presentation at Window Treats Inc., Jacob Oxford, a sales representative at Kravet Fabrics, shared his extensive knowledge about the intricacies of fabrics and their applications. Kravet, a family-owned business for over 100 years, offers a wide array of textiles, furniture, lighting, wall coverings, carpets, and accessories. This article delves into the critical points from Jacob's presentation, shedding light on the world of fabrics and how they shape our spaces.

 


Understanding Fabric Content and Performance

Jacob started by discussing various fabric contents, highlighting linen as a popular choice. He stressed the importance of selecting a suitable fabric based on its performance characteristics. Some fabrics come pre-treated or can be treated to enhance their durability, while others might not be suitable for specific settings due to their performance limitations.

The Rise of Eco-Conscious Fabrics

A notable trend in Kravet's offerings is the shift towards eco-friendly products. Jacob introduced fabrics made from recycled materials, including plastics retrieved from oceans. This initiative aligns with Kravet's commitment to making the world more beautiful and sustainable. These eco-friendly fabrics are suitable for the environment and soft to the touch, challenging the stereotype of eco-friendly materials being less comfortable.

The Versatility and Durability of Synthetic Fabrics

Jacob emphasized the versatility of synthetic fabrics like polyester, which can mimic the appearance of more delicate materials like silk. He showcased faux silk options that offer the elegance of silk but with greater durability and resistance to sun damage. This makes them ideal for spaces with high sunlight exposure, where natural silk might deteriorate quickly.

Exploring the Diversity of Velvet

Velvet, a fabric known for its luxurious feel, was another focal point of Jacob's presentation. He explained that velvets come in various types, including silk, cotton, poly, and viscose velvets, each offering different characteristics. For instance, contract velvets, used in commercial settings, are designed for higher performance and easier maintenance than traditional velvets.

Indoor and Outdoor Fabric Applications

Jacob highlighted the expansive range of indoor and outdoor fabrics available at Kravet. These fabrics are designed to resist elements like mold and mildew, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use. He also introduced an outdoor velvet with a latex back and stain-resistant finish, showcasing how innovation in fabric technology is blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor applications.

Flame Retardancy in Fabrics

Flame retardancy is an essential aspect of fabric selection, especially in commercial spaces. Jacob discussed different flame codes and how they affect the fabric's behavior in fire situations. He presented options like flame-retardant velvets and leathers, highlighting their safety benefits in commercial environments.

Leather vs. Faux Leather

The choice between leather and faux leather is often influenced by personal preference, functionality, and cost. Jacob presented options for both, including bleach-cleanable varieties. He noted that while some prefer the authenticity and aging process of real leather, others opt for faux leather for its ease of maintenance and ethical considerations.

Natural Fibers: Cotton and Linen

Discussing natural fibers, Jacob pointed out the durability and eco-friendly nature of cotton. He also touched upon linen, a fabric loved for its natural look but often avoided due to its tendency to wrinkle. He suggested lined linen or blends with cotton or rayon to mitigate this issue.

The Art of Embroidery and Faux Fur

Embroidery adds a layer of intricacy and design to fabrics. Jacob showcased various embroidered fabrics with linen, poly, and rayon blends. Faux fur, another versatile option, is made from polyester and can be used for accentuating designs.

Performance and Maintenance of Fabrics

Wrapping up, Jacob stressed the importance of considering the performance and maintenance of fabrics, especially in high-usage areas. He advised on the selection of fabrics based on rub counts for durability and discussed options for flame retardant and easy-to-clean fabrics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jacob Oxford's presentation at Window Treats Inc. provided a comprehensive overview of the diverse world of fabrics. His insights into the performance, sustainability, and aesthetic versatility of fabrics from Kravet offer valuable guidance for designers and homeowners alike, illustrating how the right fabric choice can significantly impact the design and functionality of a space.

Fabric insights and innovations in Monmouth Beach, Holmdel, Little Silver New JERSEY AREAS

 

Window Treats Inc in Red Bank New Jersey also has a showroom in Brooklyn New York and offers Hunter Douglas window treatments including curtains, blinds, shades, drapery, and shutters. These can all be made into motorized blinds, shades, and drapery, and integrated into a home automation system. Window Treats proudly serves the surrounding areas, including Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Elberon, Fair Haven, Freehold, Holmdel, Lakewood, Little Silver, Lincroft, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oakhurst & Ocean Township, Rumson, Shrewsbury, Spring Lake, Tinton Falls and Toms River. Our team is often called upon to serve the tri-state area as well including Brooklyn and Manhattan (New York City).