skip to main content

Home Decorating Furniture Design Dilemma

Be Relaxed Performance Fabric for Sectional

3 years ago

Has anyone had experience with performance fabrics from Barrow Industries? They have a line of upholstery fabric "Be Relaxed" that I was shown at Bassett. I want to purchase a skirted sectional. The Barrow fabric I was shown was gorgeous - a beige/gray = "grayiege" that looks fresh and versatile. The color is called 'Linen".

I am curious if anyone has used a performance fabric from Barrow Industries and what your experience has been.

Below are some fabric swatches that I am working with. The Barrow Performance Fabric is the light beige solid on the right. The others are ideas for accent pillows.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
First where is the piece going? IMO a solid beige fabric in a FR is a disaster waiting to happen so where it goes is important.
J Mat
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The piece is going in a family room. However, there are no children or pets in the home anymore. Just me and hubby. Most of our visitors are adults.

The fabric shown to me is a "Performance Fabric" by Barrow Industries. I cant find much information on the manufacturer. The fabric is 100% polyester, non-chenille twill. It qualifies as “heavy-duty for residential use”, 15,000+ double rubs. Suitable for family rooms.

I am more concerned about the fabric stretching and leaving "bum marks" or the fabric itself piling.
Related Discussions
Looking to buy a new sectional, performance fabric or leather
Q
Comments (3)
Top Grain Leather will outlast any fabric at a ratio of 4 years to 1. If you had a piece that only went 5 years, it was almost certainly bonded of bicast leather, and neither are top grain, they are made of leather by-products and more plastic poly sheeting than anything else. Real top grain, with regular cleaning and conditioning will go 30 + years. Performance fabrics DO NOT last longer (common misconception). They are just soap and water cleanable, think baked-in Scotchgard. The Double Rub Rating or Wyzenbeek test rating determines longevity of the material. Almost every fabric sold has a rating. Read more here on that. https://www.btod.com/blog/2017/02/13/fabric-and-upholstery-double-rub-count-a-durability-standard/ Few fabrics in daily use will go much longer than 8 years or so before needing a recover. You have to spend money to get good covers on well made upholstery. You won't find it at Costco or Bob's Discount Furniture. Here's a very well made (in USA) Sectional from Century Furniture in a Top Grain Leather on a factory closeout, probably a cancelled order. This Cornerstone series normally sells for $ 11k, this one is 30% off while it last. This is a top quality unit. http://www.myfurnitureforum.com/showthread.php?8835-Century-Cornerstone-Sectional-HOT-DEAL Good luck in your search. Duane Collie
...See More
Looking for a White on White Upholstery fabric for sectional
Q
Comments (1)
You’d have to see this, as it won’t copy well... Kravet Smart 35361.101.0 | , Herringbone/Tweed White - Kravet Smart Fabric
...See More
Pottery Barn Big Sur Sectional Sofa with Sunbrella
Q
Comments (5)
I have had the Sunbrella Performance Slub Tweed in Charcoal since May 2019 and it is not pilling at all. Fabric still looks great and we have two kids and two dogs (who are allowed on the couch). However, I have the (non Sunbrella) Performance Heathered Tweed on my ottoman at is pills quite a bit.
...See More
Arhaus Pavo Sectional Fabric
Q
Comments (1)
I have Crypton on my dining room chair cushions; it's durable and very easy to clean. Fabric websites describe Graceland as soft chenille, which sounds very appealing for a sofa. If I were springing for the Arhaus sectional, I think it would be worth the extra to go for the Crypton.
...See More
Yayagal
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Here's a link. https://davidsfurniture.com/blogs/whats-your-style-inspired-at-davids/best-performance-fabrics-home

I have real linen slip covers and they never wrinkle or sag, have had them for 8 years.
J Mat
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Thank you for the link! It is very informative and goes into great detail about what the fabrics etc. However, when ever I try to research Performance Fabrics - I get info on the big 3 ie Revolution, Sunbrella and Crypton. They get great reviews!! The fabric I was shown is by Barrow Industries and it is called Be Relaxed. Bassett Furniture is where I saw it. I am curious if anyone has experience with this fabric in particular - but, my question may never be answered!

I went ahead and placed me order. So, I may end up answering my own question once the sectional is delivered. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I made a good upholstery choice!
Amanda Caldwell
6 months ago
Did you get this ?
J Mat
Original Author
6 months ago
I didI’d. it is pretty, but i am very careful with it. i tried having it professionaly cleaned - but no company would touch it. In hindsight, i would purchase something else. i wish i went with Crypton.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Performance Fabrics Are Changing the Way People Design and Live

By Gwendolyn Purdom

An interior designer talks about why performance textiles have become a game changer inside the home

VACATION HOMES Houzz Tour: Casual Lakeside Retreat for Relaxing and Swimming

By Jess McBride

Durable fabrics, bunk beds and a waterfront deck make this vacation home an inviting spot for family and friends

DECORATING GUIDES Your Perfect Lounge Space: Great Ways With Sectionals

By Debbie Snider

UPHOLSTERY Seeking a Quiet, Relaxed Spot? Try Upholstering Your Walls

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Upholstery can envelop an entire room, a framed panel or a single wall. See some design options and learn what to expect

FURNITURE 10 Reasons to Love Big, Comfy Sectionals

By Laura Gaskill

With their soft lines, visual heft and casual versatility, modular sofas are a great choice for many rooms

FARMHOUSES Houzz Tour: Relaxed Farmhouse Life for a Texas Family

By Becky Harris

Antiques, nostalgic collections, soothing colors and soft landing places let this family kick off their boots and get comfortable

CONTEMPORARY STYLE Room of the Day: A Relaxed and Stylish Beach-House Living Room

By Jeannie Matteucci

A California couple buy a second home and create a comfortable, no-fuss space to enjoy with their family

VACATION HOMES Houzz Tour: Lakeside Cottage Relaxes Into Country Style

By Becky Harris

Paneling, wallpaper, area rugs, comfy furniture and vintage touches give this Ontario home a lake-house vibe

MODERN HOMES Houzz Tour: Relaxed Living in a Modern Courtyard Home

A new Melbourne home is highlighted by a stunning cedar ceiling that soars and dips

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: Organic Modern Style for Off-Season Relaxing

By Becky Harris

A designer helps an NFL player and his wife set up an inviting base for Texas-size gatherings

Sponsored

17 Reviews

The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County

More Discussions

How to salvage too many shades of neutral in lounge and dining room?

22

Dining room update

20

Help with Studio Apt

11

kitchen mixing metals

8

Is this wall art hung too high?

2