Useful Information
I’m often asked where are the best places to look for fabric, so thought a blog post, which I will add to over time would be a great place to start.
I am also asked a lot of questions on where to get things such as cushion pads, foam or spare parts for blinds, so this post will form an ever growing one-stop-shop for all this information.
FABRIC
Let’s start with fabric. Most companies send samples either for free or for a small postage and handling fee and I’d always suggest getting samples, because a lot of fabrics look different on the screen compared to reality. some of the main companies both myself and my clients use are listed here:
John Lewis also has an interior fabric department in store, which you can visit and see larger hangers of fabric. The Cloth Shop and Cloth House also have lovely shops you can visit in West London.
Some other great places to visit for fabrics is Shepherds Bush Market and Goldhawk Road, while mainly being fashion fabrics, there are a few interior fabric shops and some of the fashion based fabric shops do have some lovely linens. These fabrics are sometimes end of line or they only have a roll or two, so it is good to go armed with knowing how much you need and not leave it too long to decide as they can sell out by the time you return.
Berwick Street in Soho is another fabric heaven, however it is also more fashion based, but you can still find some gems. The shops there tend to be a bit more expensive compares to Shepherds Bush, but they do have some unusual and unique fabrics.
FOAM AND CUSHION INSERTS
FOAM
In some cases, clients have a bench seat or chair and there’s actually nothing wrong with the fabric, but the inner pads are a bit lumpy or tied. These are easily replaced. I use one foam company who have a very easy to use website, full of advice and suggestions on the best density of foam and many types of foam, too.
One thing I would suggest from experience, is to get the Stockinette, which is a cover over the foam making it not only last longer by protecting the foam, but also far easier to slip in and out of covers.
For Foam, I use eFoam
The website is simple to use, you can pick the shape and add in your measurements for an instant quote. Be sure to double check your unit of measure, for example cm or mm! There are helpful descriptions if you are unsure on anything and prices are reasonable.
CUSHION INSERTS
For cushion pads, I use Homescapes Online. They have both feather and synthetic fillings in a great range of sizes. Delivery is quick and the prices are reasonable, too.
SPARE PARTS
I’ve had a few clients who have had broken blinds and asked for a quote to make a new one when actually all that was needed was a spare part. There are a few websites, which if you know what to search for, have spares for most of the components that make up a roman blind mechanism, for example.
BlindSpares have a few components with names and clear images.
BlindParts have spares for several types of blinds, including roller, vertical and roman. They’re also a small, family owned business.
Curtain hooks and rings can be found at many high street shops including Dunelm Mill, B&Q, Homebase and John Lewis.
I also use eBay to source some of the more unusual parts if I can’t find them elsewhere, however I have found that most companies, if you call, will try and help.
If you have a part that you need, let me know and I can add more information here as I find it.
OTHER HELPFUL BITS
STAINS
A common question is how to minimise stains. There’s a simple at-home solution, which wasn’t as available years and years ago as it is now and that is Scotchgard Spray. You can buy a can online and spray your bench seats or high traffic cushions and chairs yourself and it is far more cost effective than is used to be. The treatment spray works as a barrier to stop stains from being absorbed, and giving you a chance to wipe them up. One thing to note is that it is worth topping up the treatment now and again as well as after washing or dry cleaning.
There’s several brands out there including Scotchgard and Liquiproof LABS.
Tip: use Amazon to read up reviews if the place you would like to buy doesn’t have any, however the above two are generally rated quite well.
Is there anything you would like to know? Send me an email and I can add more useful information for you here.