Fabric is more than colour.

Textiles in interiors are not decoration. They are acoustically effective, define atmosphere, regulate light and determine how a room feels. Architects who specify wall claddings, curtains or upholstery fabrics make decisions about fire behaviour, sound absorption, light transmission and longevity.

Weaving techniques.

The weave determines the structure, haptics and performance of a textile. In an architectural context, three basic techniques are relevant:

• Plain weave: the simplest and most stable construction. Warp and weft threads cross alternately. Result: an even, hard-wearing surface. Typical for wall claddings.
• Twill weave: the threads form a diagonal pattern. Softer than plain weave, with more depth and play of light. Used for premium upholstery and wall fabrics.
• Jacquard weave: complex, programmable patterning on the loom. Enables graphic designs, reliefs and multi-coloured structures. The benchmark for craftsmanship-intensive wall claddings.

Fibres and their properties.

Fibre composition determines how a textile ages, how it responds to light and moisture, and how it feels.

Natural fibres

• Linen (LI): the most refined plant fibre. Naturally cool, anti-static, with a lively texture. Colour variation between batches: not a defect, but character. Prone to creasing.
• Wool (WO): warming, sound-absorbing, naturally flame-retardant. Ideal for upholstery and acoustic fabrics. Martindale values of 20,000+ in premium qualities.
• Cotton (CO): soft, breathable, easy to care for. Less dimensionally stable than linen; prone to fading under intense sunlight.
• Silk (SE): lustrous, extremely fine, light-sensitive. Rarely used as a solo fibre in interior fit-out; more commonly as a blending fibre for sheen.

Synthetic fibres

• Polyester (PES): dimensionally stable, colourfast, consistent. The basis for many wall claddings, as colour remains even across large surfaces. No natural character, but reliable.
• Acrylic (ACRY): wool-like handle, light-resistant, less expensive than wool. Common in exterior fabrics and light-exposed spaces.
• Viscose (VI): produced from cellulose, sitting between natural and synthetic. Silky, good drape. Sensitive to moisture.
• Trevira CS: a flame-resistant polyester that inherently meets fire protection class B1/B-s1,d0 (not through chemical treatment). Often specified in hospitality and public buildings.

Premium wall claddings often blend fibres: linen + polyester for natural character with even colour. Wool + polyester for acoustic effect with dimensional stability.

Fire protection for textiles.

In Swiss construction (VKF/AEAI) and in the SIA context, strict fire protection requirements apply to wall claddings and curtains, especially in public buildings, hotels and care facilities.

• EN 13501-1: the European standard for the fire behaviour of construction products. Classified from A1 (non-combustible) to F (no contribution). Textiles typically fall in the range B-s1,d0 to D.
• B-s1,d0: 'flame-retardant, no smoke, no burning droplets', the most common requirement for wall claddings in public spaces.
• Inherent vs. treated: inherently flame-retardant fibres (Trevira CS, modified wool) retain their properties permanently. Chemically treated fabrics can lose this property after cleaning, decisive for long-term specification.

Tip: always request the current fire protection certificate when specifying; test reports are time-limited (typically 5–10 years).

Martindale: abrasion resistance.

The Martindale test (EN ISO 12947-2) measures how many abrasion cycles a fabric can withstand before showing visible wear. The higher the value, the more hardwearing.

• < 10,000: light upholstery, decorative fabrics, only for lightly used surfaces
• 10,000–20,000: general residential use, dining chairs, sofas in private settings
• 20,000–40,000: intensive use, office chairs, restaurant seating, hotel rooms
• > 40,000: heavy use, public seating, waiting areas, transport

Wall claddings are not rated by Martindale, as they are not subject to rubbing abrasion. Here light-fastness and cleanability are the relevant criteria.

Acoustic effect of textiles.

Textiles are among the most effective tools in room acoustics. They absorb sound, reduce reverberation time and improve speech intelligibility, without needing to be recognisable as 'acoustic solutions'.

• Heavy, dense fabrics (> 300 g/m²) absorb low and mid frequencies
• Open, permeable weaves absorb high frequencies
• The effect increases with the distance from the wall (air gap behind)
• Sound absorption class (EN ISO 11654): from A (highest absorption) to E (lowest)

Wall claddings on frames with a 2–5 cm air gap are acoustically more effective than fabrics glued directly to the wall. For architects who consider acoustics in the design, this is an elegant solution.

Care and durability.

• Vacuuming: regularly with a soft nozzle; prevents dust embedding in the fibre
• Stains: blot immediately (do not rub). Professional cleaning for stubborn stains.
• UV protection: natural fibres (linen, silk) fade under intense UV exposure. Consider solar shading.
• Moisture: natural fibres (linen, wool) respond to room humidity, do not use in permanently damp spaces.
• Lifespan: premium wall claddings last 10–20 years with professional care.

Specification for architects.

When specifying textiles for a project, the following points should be clarified:

• Function: wall cladding, curtain, upholstery, acoustic panel?
• Fire protection: which class does the use require (public = B-s1,d0)?
• Acoustics: is sound absorption a goal? If so: weight > 300 g/m², open weave, ventilated fixing.
• Light: will the fabric be struck by sunlight? Check colour-fastness.
• Haptics: natural (linen/wool) or consistent (polyester)?
• Budget: natural fibres cost more, but age more beautifully. Polyester is less expensive and more consistent.
• Repeat: does the fabric have a pattern repeat? This affects waste and cost.

Our catalogue shows the composition, width, weight and fire class of every textile. For project-specific advice, contact the supplier directly. You will find the contact option on the product page.