The discussion around natural vs synthetic fibers is one that encompasses various industries including textiles and apparel, home furnishings, industrial applications, and many more. Today, we will discuss the differences and similarities of the two fiber groups in the context of home furnishings like upholstery and floor coverings. We will compare characteristics such as durability, cleanability and environmental impact, so you can choose which fabric is best for you.
What Are Fibers?
Fibers are the primary materials from which textile fabrics are made. More specifically, they are hair-like structures of matter characterized by their significantly greater length than width, typically with a ratio of at least 100:1. They possess properties such as flexibility, strength, and the ability to eventually be spun into yarn and/or woven into textiles.
Natural Fibers in Home Furnishings
Natural fibers, sourced from plants and animals, have been integral to home décor for generations. Depending on the fiber and fabric construction of a piece, different natural fabrics and floor coverings can be best suited for different interior uses. Natural fibers are typically more environmentally friendly to produce and dispose of, as highlighted in this article from Fabrics Insights.
Natural Cellulosic (Plant-Based) Fibers
Cotton and linen are much more prevalent in upholstery than in floor coverings. Both cotton and linen are very breathable materials, making them well suited for upholstery fabric. They are also known for their cleanability, which allows them to withstand regular use, as they can be thoroughly cleaned using either solvent or water-based cleaning methods. If you encounter floor coverings made up of natural cellulosic fibers, it will rarely be made up of primarily cotton or linen. Instead, they might feature fibers such as sisal, jute, or coir. This class of fibers is not necessarily recommended on floor coverings, particularly due to their poor resilience. This means that when these fibers encounter heavy traffic and/or crushing, they do not easily bounce back to their original form.
Pros and Cons of Natural Cellulosic Fibers
Pros
- Become up to 20% stronger when wet, allowing more aggressive wet-cleaning methods to be utilized
- Often produced using natural, sustainable materials and methods
- Soft and breathable
- Can be effectively cleaned using either solvent or water-based cleaning solutions
- Excellence resistance to alkalis (high pH substances)
Cons
- Water-loving fibers— long dry times can lead to mold or mildew problems, particularly in humid environments
- Poor resiliency
- Poor to average resistance to sunlight can lead to color loss if exposed to sunlight
- Risk of cellulosic browning due to moisture exposure
- Poor resistance to acids (low pH substances)
Protein (Animal-Based) Fibers
Fibers like silk, wool, mohair, camel hair and cashmere are prized for their soft feel and strong resiliency. Wool offers excellent insulation and resistance, bringing a coziness to any space as a wool area rug or wall-to-wall carpet. Silk is used in both upholstery and floor coverings, and contrary to popular opinion is among the easiest fabrics to clean when maintained properly! Mohair is a versatile fiber that offers a higher luster than other natural fibers, while still maintaining strong resiliency and cleanability properties.
Pros and Cons of Natural Cellulosic Fibers
Pros
- Good to excellent resiliency
- Good resistance to sunlight (with the exception of silk)
- Can be effectively cleaned using either solvent or water-based cleaning solutions
- Excellent resistance to acids except for silk, which has average resistance
Cons
- Hide dirt and other soils very well— this may seem like a pro, but this means that frequent vacuuming is a crucial step to maintaining a wool rug, as dry particles will act as sandpaper to the fibers if left unchecked
- Poor resistance to alkalis
- Becomes up to 20% weaker when wet
Synthetic Fibers in Home Furnishings
Synthetic fibers, engineered through various chemical processes, have become prominent in modern home furnishings– both indoor and outdoor– due to their versatility and performance characteristics. Synthetic fibers come in many shapes and sizes—just because a fabric is made up of synthetic fibers does not mean that it is sustainable or durable.
Manmade Cellulosic Fibers
Fibers such as rayon and lyocell are derived from plant cellulose but undergo significant chemical processing to form a finished product. Fabrics made up of these fibers are often made to mimic the appearance and certain properties of natural fibers like silk — rayon found its origins at a time when silk prices rose to all-time highs in the late 1800s. This group of synthetic fibers is also known for its lustrous shine and its soft feel, giving it a luxurious appearance in either upholstered furniture or area rugs, despite being cheaper to produce than its natural counterparts. These traits, unfortunately, are often short lived. Rayon loses most of its tensile strength when wet, leaving fabrics prone to shading, crushing, and shedding. This group also exhibits poor resiliency, is prone to yellowing, and can be very difficult to clean safely and effectively.
Pros and Cons of Natural Cellulosic Fibers
Pros
- Soft to the touch
- Lustrous appearance
- Versatile in its applications
- Relatively inexpensive to produce
Cons
- 50-80% weaker when wet
- Prone to shading, crushing, and yellowing
- Lacks resilience
- Can be extremely difficult to clean effectively
- Production process has a track record of polluting water sources and air quality
Manmade Non-Cellulosic Fibers
This group includes fibers such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and olefin (polypropylene), and are crafted from petrochemicals. These fibers are inherently repellant to water and are quick to dry, giving them popularity amongst outdoor fabrics. These fibers are the most popular in carpets due to their resiliency and durability, as well as their ability to be thoroughly wet cleaned. Manmade non-cellulosic fibers, for many years, were viewed in the home furnishing world as exclusively outdoor fabrics or carpets. However, they have become much more versatile in recent decades, allowing them to exhibit similar comfort and feel to natural fibers, while still offering the durable qualities that made them popular in their original uses.
Pros and Cons of Natural Cellulosic Fibers
Pros:
- Strong sunlight resistance (when solution dyed)
- Strong resiliency (olefin is average)
- Good resistance to water and mildew
- Resistant to both acids and alkalis
- Can be cleaned using water or solvent-based methods
Cons:
- Less breathable than most natural fibers
- Chemicals used to produce can be harmful to the environment
- Oleophilic (attracts and holds oils)
Fiber Blends and Fabric Construction
Although understanding the performance qualities of your fibers are key to preserving your furnishings for the long run, there are other important factors to consider. In many cases, two or more of the fibers we discussed are blended to form a final upholstery or floor covering product. Unfortunately, the cleanability and sustainability of a fabric is ultimately governed by the weaker fiber. Fabric construction and rug construction also play crucial roles in the longevity of your furnishings. Whether the decision is between is a pile construction vs a flat weave upholstery fabric, or a machine-woven vs hand-tufted rug, the way in which the fibers are crafted and woven will have much to do with how to care for a soft surface.
Synthetic vs Natural Fibers: The Verdict
Choosing between natural and synthetic fibers for your home furnishings depends on several factors, including desired aesthetics, functional requirements, maintenance capabilities, and environmental considerations. It is okay to sacrifice some functionality to meet your aesthetic goals, but it is important to consider the added maintenance that may be needed later on. Professional cleaning and/or fabric protection services are a great way to prolong the life and beauty of your furnishings regardless of their fabric makeup or construction. Fiber-Seal offers complimentary spot cleaning services on all your protected items, allowing you to select your perfect interior and rely on the pros to keep them looking that way!
By understanding the inherent properties of each fiber type, homeowners and designers can select materials that not only enhance the beauty of a space but also align with practical needs and sustainability goals.
