Fabric Application

      When a designer is choosing fabric, they have several things they must consider. First, you must specify how the application will be used. There are six major applications such as seating, window treatments, wall coverings, panel applications, flooring and fiber-based artwork. Among these six, fabrics for seating are the most popular. In a high traffic area it is important to pick a fabric that can withstand the wear of every day use.

      In the Student Union building at Texas Tech University, hundreds of students walk through those doors to eat lunch or grab a snack daily. There are many tables with chairs as well as half-circle booth style seating that go through the pleasure of comforting each person as they quickly eat and scurry off to class. Although the color of the fabric used to cover all the seating is not the most appealing, but the dark colors with accents of bright colors work well with the light woods in the room. The pattern works well because it is used all through out the space. The repeating pattern on the booth seating and the color on the chairs work in the large, brightly lit room and come together to make the space feel welcoming and warm. The fabric was a good decision by the designer because it is very comfortable when sitting on. A blend of fabrics was used for the cushion on a person's back while simulated leather was used for the actual seat. Both fabrics are good applications because they are very easy to clean. If something were to be dropped or spilled, they only maintenance needed is to wipe up the mess and maybe use and wet napkin in the back cushion. Other than being comfortable and easy to clean, the fabrics are also very durable. It is obvious that they fabric have been used for several years because the pattern is out of style, but it is still in tact. Many of the booths show no sign of tears or look as if they will be tearing in the near future.
      The major signs of good fabric application in a high traffic area prove to have comfortableness, durability and easy maintenance. Most of the seating in the dining area in the Student Union building at Texas Tech surpass these tests over the many years. These applications prove to be a good choice by the University and the designer who chose the fabric.