The Secret to Luxurious, Year-Round Outdoor Living
Why Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics are the Perfect Solution for Your Home’s SPRING Refresh
As the temperatures drop and outdoor spaces across the country begin to go into hibernation, many of us start the yearly ritual of packing away outdoor furniture. But before you store those poolside cushions or patio loungers for the winter, consider a different approach—getting them ready for spring. If you’ve noticed some wear on the fabric over the past few years, a number of high end textile companies beyond sunbrella have introduced new outdoor fabrics that are so soft they will feel like your indoor furniture. Not only are these fabrics luxurious and durable, but they also offer a unique opportunity to elevate your style on your patios, pools, decks, and more.
What Are Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics?
Indoor/outdoor fabrics have evolved significantly from their original, functional acrylic roots in outdoor performance fabric. Gone are the days when outdoor fabrics were stiff, rough, and available in only a few neutral colors or cabana stripes. Today, high-end vendors have embraced the challenge of creating fabrics that offer both luxury and practicality.
Whether you’re curling up on your favorite outdoor lounger or sinking into a reupholstered indoor chair, you won’t sacrifice comfort for durability. On the other hand, Casamance and Pierre Frey have mastered the art of blending intricate patterns and rich textures with fabrics tough enough to withstand sun, rain, and everyday wear.
These high-performance fabrics don’t just look great—they’re also designed to resist heavy rain, fading, and even spills, making them an excellent choice for homes as upholstery, tablecloths, canopies, and of course, pillows.
What is the difference between performance fabric, outdoor fabric, and indoor/outdoor fabric?
The performance fabric category first began with outdoor fabric. We all wanted to be able to lounge comfortably outdoors on upholstered furniture without having to replace the cushions every year from color fading from the sun, mold issues from moisture, or various stains from being left out in storms. To that end, synthetic yarn from polyester, polypropylene, and acrylic were developed to for a high performance materials to withstand the natural elements.
As people began to use outdoor textiles indoors, they loved the durability for this new life proof textile, but it wasn’t quite comfortable or sophisticated as indoor fabrics. This lead to the development of indoor performance fabric, like ultrasuede, that are comfortable and stain resistant, but don’t stand up to the elements of the outdoors.
As technology of these outdoor yarns and looms have improved, a new category of indoor/outdoor fabric is born that marries protection from the outdoor elements, superior stain resistance, and the sophistication of indoor textiles.
Why Should I Reupholster My Outdoor Cushions Instead of Storing Them?
When the cold weather hits, most people store their outdoor cushions until the next summer. But what if, instead of relegating them to the garage, you could integrate them into your indoor decor? With the high-end indoor/outdoor fabrics now available, you can! These fabrics combine durability with luxurious texture and design, making them perfect for both inside and outside the home. Don’t risk any further damage to them while they wait out another cold winter.
Brands like Pollack Textiles and Elitis offer fabrics that not only withstand the elements but also bring the sophistication and comfort you'd expect from indoor upholstery. Imagine using your outdoor furniture indoors through the winter, enjoying their new look in a cozy living room or sun-drenched den. Reupholstering now allows you to take advantage of these new fabric lines, giving your home a fresh, cohesive style that flows from patio to living space.
Which High-End Fabric Brands Offer the Best Indoor/Outdoor Options?
Several luxury fabric houses have ventured into the indoor/outdoor space, each bringing their unique spin on style, functionality, and innovation. Let’s look at some of the leading brands:
How Do Different Climates Affect Outdoor Furniture?
When it comes to selecting fabrics for your outdoor furniture, the climate plays a significant role. The environmental factors unique to your home’s location will determine which fabric is best for your space. Here are a few key things to consider:
Ocean-Side Homes: If you live by the coast, the salt in the air can lead to erosion of metals and lower-quality fabrics. High-end vendors like Rose Tarlow and Castel offer fabrics specifically designed to resist saltwater exposure. These materials ensure that your furniture maintains its luxury and durability despite the challenging environment.
High-Sun Exposure: Sunlight can fade even the most beautiful fabrics over time, leaving your furniture looking worn. Brands like Elitis and Perennials have engineered UV-resistant fabrics that maintain their color and vibrancy, even under constant sunlight.
Homes Near Pools or Nature: Constant moisture, either from nearby pools or natural elements, can encourage the growth of moss and mold on your furniture. For homes in these environments, look to vendors who specialize in mildew-resistant fabrics that retain their beauty no matter the conditions.
Each of these brands brings a solution to the climate-specific challenges that can otherwise wear down outdoor furniture fabrics, ensuring your investment lasts for years.
Why Should I Work with an Interior Designer for My Outdoor Upholstery Project?
The world of high-end indoor/outdoor fabrics can feel overwhelming, and selecting the right fabric for your project is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about functionality, durability, and the ability to withstand your home’s unique environment. We can help you navigate the abundant options and find the perfect fabric to match your specific style.
Our interior design studio works with all the top brands that are not available to the public or offered at retail. By working with an expert design team, you gain access to these exclusive collections and speciality foam inserts, ensuring your space reflects the highest standards of design.
During a design consultation, we can discuss the unique needs of your home and environment, from UV-resistant fabrics for sun-soaked patios to salt-resistant textiles for ocean-side homes. Together, we can create a custom solution that transforms your outdoor furniture into pieces that work beautifully year-round.
How Can I Get Started on My Backyard Project?
Don’t let your outdoor furniture sit in storage all winter. This fall is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor cushions with luxurious, high-performance fabrics that seamlessly transition from outdoor living to indoor elegance.
Schedule a design consultation today to discuss the best options for your unique space. Whether your home faces the salt erosion of the ocean, the strong UV rays of high sun exposure, or the moisture challenges of poolside living, I’ll work with you to find the best solution for your reupholstery project.
Michael Gilbride Design creates transformative spaces for effortless leisure and lasting joy, one room at a time.
At the heart of our approach is the belief that good design is intentional, not necessarily expensive, ensuring every space is both thoughtful and charming in every detail.
With an emphasis on life enhancing interiors, we strive to create environments where charm, relaxation, and comfort converge seamlessly.
Schedule a call to elevate your lifestyle and live well through meticulously crafted design.
