Throughout the process of decorating your home, you’ll be faced with fabric choices. With so many options out there, making a decision can feel overwhelming— including deciding between faux (not real; fake) fabrics or authentic ones. Believe it or not, faux fabrics aren’t just used by people wanting to save a buck. There are actually real benefits to using faux fabrics in your home.

If you prefer to avoid fabrics that aren’t made from animals, then this is definitely a big advantage of choosing a faux fabric. Another advantage is that many faux fabrics are easier to clean and maintain. The cost is also a huge advantage. Faux fabrics generally cost less than authentic ones. As with anything, however, with advantages come disadvantages–but that depends on the intended use, as well as the type of fabric itself.

There are several ways that faux fabrics can be used. Let’s take a deeper look at some types of faux fabrics and the ways they may be able to serve your decorating needs.

Faux Silk

Faux Silk fabric is an even weave fabric that resembles but is more durable than real silk. Desirable for its silky appearance, ease of care, and cost, faux silk can be an excellent choice for duvet covers and window treatments— especially if the windows are in high-traffic areas. Not only are they beautiful, but they’ll also hold up to the chaos. Faux silk also works beautifully for accent pillows. If you have a sofa or bed that needs a little sprucing up, then this is a great fabric choice. 

Faux Leather

Faux leather has increased in popularity over the past several decades for various reasons. Not only does it look good, but it’s also durable and more affordable than real leather. Additionally, it’s a great option for those who prefer to avoid animal products. With that said, not all faux leather is the same. For example, faux leather made of PVC doesn’t breathe well and can be hard to clean. Faux leather types that begin with “poly-” (e.g., polyamide microfiber, polyurethane) on the other hand, do breathe well, are much easier to clean, and are more environmentally-friendly. In general, faux leather is an average-use type of fabric. It can last longer if it’s treated kindly and maintained frequently, but in most cases, it’s best used on smaller furnishings like chairs and ottomans.

Faux Suede

Faux suede is a fabric that resembles natural suede leather. Although it may not be quite as durable as natural suede, it still overs several benefits. In addition to costing less than authentic suede, faux suede is stain-resistant, easy to clean, and free of any smells that tend to accompany animal-based fabrics. In general, faux suede holds up beautifully on larger pieces that see a lot of action. It’s also a wonderful choice for people who have families or pets. Microfiber suede is fairly easy to clean, so don’t hesitate to use it in a variety of ways, including on smaller items like pillows. Another perk is that faux suede comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making it a fabric that can easily suit any decorating style. 

Faux Fur

Most commonly found as a knitted, synthetic fabric made from a blend of acrylic and polyester fibers, faux fur is a fun and simple way to add an extra splash of personality to your home. While it is certainly a more animal-friendly alternative to traditional fur, there are some cons worth mentioning— primarily the environmental impact of microfibres, the microscopic plastic particles that can shed from synthetic textiles. The solution? A simple laundry bag to help catch any particles that come loose. If faux fur sounds exciting to you, consider adding a touch of warmth and sophistication by using it as a cozy throw. Or, create some textural interest by using it as a rug on the floor. 

Don’t Let Faux Fabrics Fake You Out

When shopping for faux fabrics, it’s important to remember that not all of them are the same. As with most other things, you really do get what you pay for. If it looks too flimsy and cheap, then it most likely is. When possible, purchase higher-end versions as often as you can so you get the most out of your investment.

When the time comes to give your interior fabrics a little shake-up, let us help. We have a wide variety of gorgeous designer fabrics, including some very lovely faux fabrics. Stop by one of our showrooms or browse online to find something you love!