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Raw canvas and linen are two popular home decorating fabrics you may be considering. Before you choose a fabric for your home, it is a good idea to get a better understanding of its pros and cons. This guide can help you choose whether linen or raw canvas fabric is better suited for what you have in mind.
Pros and Cons of Linen
Natural linen is a timeless fabric that has many great qualities. For example, it is incredibly durable and ages well, often becoming softer and more comfortable over time. It is also very environmentally friendly thanks to the easy care and versatile flax plant.
No matter how great linen fabric by the yard is, there are some features you may not like. For example, it is prone to shrinkage when wet. You can combat this by only using cold water or dry cleaning and returning slipcovers to furniture when they are still damp. Linen is also known for wrinkling, which can be tumbled out in a dryer set to low.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Ages well
- Incredibly durable
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Prone to shrinkage
- Not bleachable
- Wrinkles easily
Pros and Cons of Raw Canvas
Raw canvas is a very popular home decor material. It is generally affordable and durable, with a wide range of colors and prints to match also any style. Additionally, different weave densities can help it go from rugged to refined.
Because it is made from cotton, you must be sure to source raw canvas by the yard from companies that value sustainability. Additionally, it’s a good idea to try to avoid canvas fabric that has been chemically treated. Finally, canvas might not be your first choice if you want a fabric that drapes well.
Pros
- Widely available
- Even texture for printing designs
- Durable
- Washable
Cons
- Widespread use of chemicals in processing
- Poor drape
Tips for Choosing the Right Home Decorating Fabric
When choosing fabric for your home decor project, you’ll want to look at several factors, such as where the fabric will be and how much use it will get. Following these tips will help you narrow your selection and choose the right fabric for your project.
- Be realistic about how much wear your finished project will be subjected to. For example, a slipcover will see more abuse than a throw pillow, so the fabric should be more durable.
- Look at your room at different times of the day to assess light conditions. UV rays can fade certain fabrics and dyes, so you’ll need to take direct sunlight into consideration.
- Coordinate with existing room materials and design. Organic twill fabric by the yard may go well in some settings, but might not be the right fit for a more formal room.
- Consider the overall cost of ownership for each material. A durable fabric, such as linen, may have a high initial cost, but it is mitigated by its ability to age well.
Every type of home decorating fabric has benefits and disadvantages. When choosing between raw canvas and linen fabric, knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each can help you choose the right one for your home decor projects.
