When you’re choosing fabric for your next project, whether that’s a set of new curtains or new upholstery for a favorite piece of furniture, the options can be overwhelming. Silk stands out as one of the most luxurious choices for an elegant home. But how do you know if silk is suitable for your needs? Keep reading to learn all about the pros and cons of silk. 

Pros

Silk can sound intimidating to work with, but there are many benefits to investing in silk for your home decorating project. Here’s what silk is excellent at: 

• Strength. Silk is a standout among both natural and manufactured fabrics. The individual fibers are incredibly strong, and when woven together, they resist warping. As a result, silk can be stretched and pulled without showing signs of ripping. This makes it an excellent fabric for upholstered furniture – a process that includes a lot of rough handling. 
• Anti-Wrinkle. Compared to other natural materials, silk doesn’t succumb to wrinkling very easily. Likewise, it resists crushing and rumpling. This makes silk ideal for drapes and curtains; they’ll maintain their sleek shine, even if chairs are pushed up against them or if they are tied back away from the window. 
• Appearance. Obviously, no fabric compares to the classic beauty of silk. It’s easily recognizable and imparts an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication. 

Cons

Of course, no fabric option is perfect, and silk isn’t without its drawbacks. Here’s what to be wary of – and how to deal with it.

• Durability. While a strong material, Silk is likely to show the effects of regular wear and tear much more readily than other fabrics. Because of this, silk should be reserved for furniture that isn’t used very often. 
• Affordability. As we mentioned above, silk is an incredibly luxurious fabric – and it comes with a price tag to match. You’ll need to make extra sure that silk is suitable for your project to know if it’s worth the cost. If you want more silk than your budget allows (or for projects not ideal for authentic silk), faux silk and silk velvet might be better alternatives. 
• Sun and Water Damage. Silk is highly susceptible to damage from the elements. Even a tiny bit of water can leave a visible stain that’s impossible to get rid of. And sunlight weakens the fibers of silk, resulting in tearing and fading. To combat these issues, use a liner on silk curtains to protect the side facing the window from sun damage. And when you need to clean it, it’s best to consult professionals to avoid staining from liquid cleaning products. 

Getting the suitable fabric and design for your custom project is vital. Let the experts at Papilio Prints help. Our team of fabric and custom fabric printing experts is ready to help you choose the best silk or other material for your needs. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form to get started!