Decorating Guides
8 Ways to Enjoy the Purity of Cotton at Home
There's much more to cotton than clothes. Bedding, upholstery and even headboards let you luxuriate in this natural fabric in every room
Of all the natural-fiber fabrics, cotton is the best selling worldwide. What makes cotton so desirable? This renewable resource comes in many ecofriendly versions, and its natural qualities also allow it to be used for a range of products, including towels, fabrics, coffee filters and even book bindings. Here are some of the best ways to use cotton fabric in home decor.
Upholstery. Cotton's strong and durable nature makes it a natural fit for upholstery. It's easy to print on, which allows for a wide variety of fabric patterns and colors. Unfortunately, many of these prints and patterns will eventually wear off with heavy use. However, cotton upholstery is easy to clean — simply spot clean it with warm water and a nonbleach detergent, then rinse with vinegar water to remove any soap residue.
Sheets. Cotton sheets have been used for centuries. Although they're breathable and cool to the touch, they also insulate in the winter. Soft and comfortable, cotton sheets wash and age well. I recommend a thread count of 600 to 1,000 for a fine-quality sheet. The higher thread count increases the material’s weight, softness and performance — as well as the price!
Towels. Cotton absorbs moisture and is easy to care for and wash, making it the perfect fiber for bath towels. Wash them with a minimal amount of detergent to prevent soap buildup, since this makes the fabric rough.
Americana Quilt
Quilts. Cotton has long been a favorite choice for quilts. A thin layer of cotton fabric is lightweight, durable, comfortable, and easy to wash and dry.
Slipcovers. Cotton is a proven choice for slipcovers, as it washes well and has a casual and comfortable feel. Use a nonbleach detergent and cold water if the fabric has a pattern or color to prevent fading. Cotton will shrink in the dryer, and pure cotton wrinkles easily, so air drying is often the best bet.
Mosquito curtains. Cotton has been used to make lightweight cloth in areas with tropical climates for thousands of years; in fact, it is believed that the ancient Egyptians cultivated cotton and used it for this purpose.
Window treatments. Cotton blends easily with other fibers, making it a great choice for window treatments. A combination of cotton and polyester makes for a strong, durable fabric that resists wrinkles and has good color retention.
More: 8 Modern Uses for Classically Beautiful Linen
More: 8 Modern Uses for Classically Beautiful Linen