Fabric in Dubai: Durable Materials for the UAE Climate
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I have been with Fabric Prints for about years now, and to be honest with you, I knew very little about fabrics. But having worked with interior designers and furniture stores on so many projects and seen so many materials, I have a good idea about what works and what doesn’t in Dubai. So, I thought I would share with you some things I have learned.
About Me: I am just a guy working at Fabric Prints. My job is just to assist people pick some fabrics for different requirements. I am no textile specialist and no designer. All I have witnessed are some things working and some not at all at homes here in Dubai.
There Are Several Reasons As to Why Fabric In Dubai Requires Special Consideration
And what made fabric in Dubai uncool was that it tolerated very high temperatures, and air conditioning running 24/7 created an environmental situation I never would have imagined. I have witnessed expensive couches being exposed to the sun, with faded colors because of the wrong fabric. That’s why I always warn my customers about it.
The sun there is very hard on materials. I still remember, a customer brought back pictures after three months with her beautiful cream Sofa, which had turned yellow on one side because it was facing a window. That taught me to always inquire about sunlight while helping someone choose materials in Dubai.
Fabric Performance—What I Have Learned:
|
Problem |
How Often it Occurs |
What is the Common Cause |
My Go Easy Tips |
|
Fading |
Extremely Common |
The sun. |
Invest in fade-resistant materials. |
|
Cracking |
Sometimes |
Dry AC air. |
Choose natural materials. |
|
Staining |
Common within Families |
Spills. |
Opt for stain-resistant finishes. |
Just some patterns I've noticed from customer feedback.
My Experience with Merino Wool Fabric.
Frankly speaking, I always thought merino wool fabric cost an insane amount of money. Why should I pay so much money for something similar, and I could get it at a cheaper rate? But now, after learning about its longevity compared to cheaper materials, I understand it. A customer showed me her merino wool fabric couch that looked amazing after 8 years.
It feels wonderful against your skin, merino fabric does, and that matters if you’re rubbing up against your furniture every day. It’s cool on a warm day in a very perversely cool sort of a way. Customer after customer has assured me that their merino furniture is the most comfortable they have ever had.
A Justification for Using Merino Wool Fabric on a Long-Term Perspective.
But what makes all the difference in merino wool fabric is price per year. A relatively inexpensive fabric at 15 dollars per meter with a lifespan of three years becomes a more expensive merino with a twelve-year lifespan at 90 dollars. I make these calculations with my customers today, and it works wonders with understanding value.
What I Share with People About Upholstery Fabric:
It’s at the stage of choosing upholstery fabric that I see people making most mistakes. They fall in love with this beautiful and delicate fabric without taking into consideration their own life, and it all begins there because I always have to ask about kids, pets, and usage before I even start exploring fabric with them.
Functional upholstery fabric does not have to be ugly. I have discovered dozens of very hard-wearing options which were still beautiful. It is all about finding a perfect harmony between these two factors. A designer had once told me, “Your practical tips have saved my client thousands of dollars on replacement.”
The Basic Tips on Buying Fabrics in Dubai
It would be possible, if so, to have some testing done on fabrics in your own home. Store lighting is an entirely different thing from your own living room. You should bring some samples with you and check them out at home before buying fabric in Dubai.
Don’t be afraid to ask about the care. Some of these truly beautiful fabrics are professional clean only, and it does add up fairly quickly. I have learned that it is essential to bring that up because no one wants surprise expenses down the road.
Common Upholstery Fabric Questions I Get
“Are light colors an option?" Yes, but you have to pre-treat them for stains. Lots of people regret buying white couches once they get kids. “What about combining different materials?" It really works well as an accenting technique and helps split costs between high-end and low-end materials.
My Background: At Fabric Prints, I help the customer with his or her fabric needs. It has been an exciting learning experience with every new project and customer. I am happy to share all that I have learned.
If you are working on choosing some fabrics for your furniture or projects in Dubai, I would be more than happy to share some experiences I have gathered so far. We can discuss merino wool fabric and some upholstery fabric ideas that will be best suited for your needs.