THE BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR FABRICS
Refreshing textiles for hot summer days
We know very well what clothes to wear when it is so hot that we sweat from head to toe with almost every step we take. In scorching heat, we intuitively look for light airy cotton or linen clothes that breathe, bring us relief whenever we touch them, and do not irritate the skin. The same should apply when selecting fabrics to surround us during the hot summer months in our gardens, terraces, balconies and everywhere we spend time outdoors, lounging in deck chairs, seeking shelter from the sun and the wind behind screens or awnings, and using all other types of outdoor furniture.
Our irritated senses of touch and sight long for peace brought by the calm aesthetics of natural fabrics which breathe, filter light and touch us in the gentlest possible way. One of the greatest advantages of outdoor fabrics is their dry, matt surface. It is pleasant to the touch and absorbs light, which prevents blinding reflexes. Thus, the light becomes softer and interplays beautifully with shadows. Another property you should expect from summer fabrics, similarly to summer clothes, is the resistance to burning sunlight. We value those fabrics that provide cool shade and bring us respite on a hot day. Such fabrics can be used to make e.g. shade sails, which are a spectacular and an increasingly popular alternative to traditional awnings and garden umbrellas.
High quality outdoor fabrics should be resistant to fading caused by intense sunlight as well as stains, water and mould. Such combination is a hallmark of fabric durability. While outdoor fabrics have hydrophobic properties, they use a cloth weave to make them softer and more pleasant to the touch. Unfortunately, this slightly reduces their water impermeability. While this does not mean that cushions used in outdoor furniture will be ruined by a small shower, water from a torrential downpour can penetrate inside and damage them. This is why we recommend protecting outdoor furniture against the elements and storing them somewhere safe and dry when not in use.
When selecting fabrics you should expect to find the same quality, weave and patterns you use inside your home. Long gone are the times when outdoor fabrics resembled stiff plastic film that had no texture, weave or patterns, came in uninteresting colours and were generally unpleasant to the touch and disagreeable. Today, you can choose from comprehensive collections of patterns, natural weaves and jacquard effects, creating your own tasteful, aesthetic, personalised compositions.
Colour matters
When exposed to sunlight, the colour of the fabric is of utmost importance. The colours you choose will affect the mood of your outdoor surroundings. Furniture and decorations may blend flawlessly with natural landscapes or do exactly the opposite – stand out and provide strong, dynamic contrasts, which are further reinforced by the interplay of light and shadows in strong sunlight. Sandy shades of beige, airy whites and stone greys resonate with reflections of the sun's rays to sooth your senses. Vivid and energetic shades of yellow, orange and red provide a strong contrast against the green colours of nature, and will certainly invigorate you with summer energy. Fruity shades of lime and green are very pleasant, especially when combined with white and cream colours.
Outdoor fabrics from Dekoma featured in this photo-session:
Striped outdoor coordinate for plain Helios. Its finish and high colour fastness to sunlight make it a perfect material for deck chairs, hammocks, umbrellas, folding screens or hotel swimming pool beds. Holiday is available in 19 energising summer colours. Colourful stripes, combined with contrasting light stripes, are reminiscent of marine motifs, especially in the dark blue and azure version. Recommended for moderm designs.
Plain outdoor coordinate for Holiday. Its finish and high colour fastness to sunlight make it a perfect material for deck chairs, hammocks, umbrellas, folding screens or hotel swimming pool beds. Helios comes in 20 energising and juicy summer colours, e.g. shades of marine dark blue and azure, and vivid warm yellows and oranges.
Photo-session for Dekoma.
Creative idea, text, photographs and styling MBBM Studio.
