959 days ago

What Are the Basic Styles of Fabric for Curtains & Upholstery?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (Hawkes Bay Chem-Dry)

There are five different styles/category of fabric that form the foundation for the vast array of curtain and upholstery fabrics you see on the market today. Each fabric style outlined below has its own unique characteristics and are produced using different techniques. Some of these fabric types will be well known to you like plain and printed fabrics, while others less so.

You may be wondering why cotton and linen for example are not included here – this is because they are a type of composition that falls within one of these categories below.
Here we give you a high-level overview of the styles of fabrics available to you for your home interior or commercial interior project.

PLAIN: Plain fabrics are characterised by simple weaves and textures not showing any complex design.
Simple weaves are for instance – hopsacks, twills, herringbones and satins. Common fabric compositions used for plain fabrics include natural fibres (cotton, linen) as well as synthetic fibres (polyester, acrylic, etc.)

Plain interior fabrics take on a simple and paired back aesthetic. Ideal for a minimalist décor, you can complement plain fabrics with more textured and tactile textiles for added interest to your home décor.

PRINTED: Printing is the process of applying coloured designs and patterns to a woven textile. One or more colours are applied to the fabric in specific parts only, using thickened dyes to prevent the colour from spreading beyond the limits of the pattern or design. In quality printed fabrics, the colour is bonded with the fibre so as to resist loss of dye from washing and friction (crocking). Printing is an ancient textile manufacturing technique of which there are five print production methods you can use:

Burn Out Printing: A process which uses chemicals, rather than colour, to burn out or dissolve away one fibre in a fabric. The purpose is to achieve a sheer design on a solid or opaque fabric. The chemicals used during production can make this fabric sensitive to ultraviolet degradation when hung in direct sunlight.

Digital Printing: Rapidly becoming a popular and commercially viable printing method due to its flexibility, precision and consistency. With this new printing technique it is now possible to print any design, even with photographic detail, onto fabric. There are no restrictions in the amount of colour that can be used.

Engraved Roller Printing: The printing method used for the majority of fabrics worldwide. The colours are printed directly onto the fabric. There must be one roller for each colour used in the print. The more colours used, the better the print definition and depth of colour. The number of colours used is printed on the left hand selvedge of a fabric along with the brand.



Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
11 hours ago

The Tova Show

Jen from Stuff

Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner

We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.

We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).

Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.

Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.

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1 day ago

Share your New Zealand music memories...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.

Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.

In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

6 hours ago

CUSTOM COMFORT: THE REALITIES OF ADJUSTABLE BEDS

Beds 4 U Tauranga

In modern sleep solutions, adjustable beds have gained significant attention.

They are known for their promise of enhanced comfort and customizable sleeping positions.

These innovative sleep systems have captured the interest of people who value their personalized comfort and want to improve their sleep.

Let’s explore the world of adjustable beds and look at the expectations and reality to decide whether these beds live up to the hype.

What is an Adjustable Bed?

An adjustable bed is often referred to as an adjustable bed base.

It’s a sleep system that allows users to elevate various mattress parts to create customized sleeping positions. These beds are equipped with motorized mechanisms that let users adjust the angle of their head, feet, and body alignment.

The primary purpose of adjustable beds is to provide comfort and reduce common sleep-related issues like snoring, acid reflux, and back pain.

Adjustable Beds: Do They Help?

Adjustable beds offer a promising solution for improved sleep quality and enhanced comfort.

Let’s look at the expectations vs. reality regarding whether adjustable beds help improve sleep quality.

Expectations: Improved Sleep Quality and Health

Adjustable beds are touted as a solution to various sleep-related problems.

These beds are often marketed to reduce discomfort by allowing users to find their optimal sleeping position. Be it elevated for breathing ease or with legs raised for improved circulation.

With the ability to customise sleeping positions by elevating different parts of the mattress, these beds can alleviate common sleep-related issues such as snoring, acid reflux, and back pain.

Whether adjustable beds truly help can be answered with a resounding yes.

Reality: Evidence-Based Benefits

The reality aligns with the expectations.

Adjusting the bed to provide better support for specific body areas can reduce chronic pain and improve comfort during sleep.


How to Choose an Adjustable Bed?

With various available options, choosing the right adjustable bed requires careful consideration.

Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Motor Quality and Noise. Opt for beds with high-quality motors that operate. Noisy mechanisms can disrupt your sleep and lead to frustration.

Mattress Compatibility. Ensure the adjustable bed is compatible with your existing mattress, or choose one that pairs well.

Number of Adjustable Zones. Look for beds that allow you to adjust different areas for personalised comfort.

More Features. Some adjustable beds include massage settings, USB ports, and under-bed lighting. Decide if these features are important to you.

Warranty and Customer Reviews. Research the manufacturer's warranty and read customer reviews to get insights into real-world experiences.

Adjustable Bed vs. Regular Beds: A Comparison

The differences go beyond aesthetics when comparing adjustable beds to regular beds.

Adjustable beds offer versatility and customisation that traditional beds often cannot match. The ability to adjust the angle of the head and feet can cater to specific sleep preferences and address various health concerns like snoring, acid reflux, and back pain.

Regular beds provide a fixed sleeping surface without the adaptability that adjustable beds offer.

While adjustable beds offer personalised comfort and targeted support, traditional beds still have their place, especially for individuals with simpler sleep needs.


Expectations: Enhanced Comfort and Flexibility

The primary expectation when comparing adjustable beds to regular beds is that the former offers enhanced comfort and flexibility.


The ability to customise your sleeping position is believed to be a game-changer, particularly for those with specific health concerns or preferences.


Reality: Personalized Comfort and Support

The reality is that adjustable beds do indeed provide a level of comfort and support that traditional beds often can't match.


The adjustability factor can cater to different sleeping positions and reduce discomfort, improving sleep quality and well-being.


Reduce Tension and Sleep Better

In the world of sleep solutions, adjustable beds have proven to be more than a marketing gimmick.


When searching for top-notch adjustable beds in New Zealand, Beds4U is your ultimate choice.


With their thoughtfully curated collection of adjustable beds, experience unmatched comfort and support for a revitalising night's sleep.


Discover Beds4U's range for a refreshing and pain-free start to your mornings.