Complete Home Fabrics Guide 2026: Everything About Carpets, Curtains & Furniture Upholstery - From Prices to Quality
Your complete guide to understanding carpet types (nylon, wool, polyester), curtain fabrics (blackout, linen, velvet), and furniture upholstery (leather, microfiber). Discover why some fabrics are expensive while others are cheap, best manufacturing countries, and hypoallergenic options. Detailed information for Saudi market 2026.
Introduction: Why This Article Matters to You
Imagine you're in a fabric store or carpet showroom, and you see two pieces that look almost identical in appearance and color, but one costs 50 SAR per meter and the other costs 500 SAR! Why such a huge difference? 🤔
Or you go to buy a new sofa, and the salesman tells you "This is genuine leather," another says "This is microfiber," and a third says "This is velvet"... and you're standing there confused: What's the difference? And which is best for my home?
In this article, we've compiled all the information you need in a simple and easy style. We won't just tell you the types, no! We'll explain to you why this type is more expensive than that one, what the real difference in quality is, which countries are famous for manufacturing, and how to choose the best for your circumstances and budget.
Whether you're furnishing a new home, renovating your old house's decor, or just want to understand why your neighbor paid double what you paid - this article is for you! 🏠✨
Section One: Carpets - Everything You Need to Know
First: What is Carpet and Why Does It Matter?
Carpet isn't just "a piece of fabric you put on the floor"! It's an essential part of your home comfort. The right carpet lets you walk barefoot without feeling cold, prevents slipping, absorbs sound (very important if you have children or downstairs neighbors!), and adds warmth and beauty to the room.
But the wrong carpet? It can cause allergies, get dirty quickly, fade after months, or break down after just one year making you spend money again!
Second: Types of Carpet by Material - The Real Difference!
1. Nylon - The Undisputed King 👑
What is it? Very strong and flexible synthetic fibers, and it's the most popular in the world (approximately 50% of global carpet is nylon!).
Advantages:
- Incredible strength: Withstands heavy use and traffic, ideal for living rooms
- Long-lasting: 12 to 15 years! Some types last 20 years
- Easy to clean: Cleans easily and stain-resistant (if treated with protective coating)
- Abrasion-resistant: Doesn't wear or fade quickly
- Hypoallergenic: Doesn't absorb dust and mites easily
- Returns to original shape: Even if you press it with heavy furniture, it bounces back
Disadvantages:
- Price: About 30% more expensive than polyester
- Static electricity: Can cause some static (but modern types are treated against this)
- Not as soft as polyester: Texture isn't as soft as some other types
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 75 to 300 SAR per square meter (depending on quality and density)
Ideal for: Living rooms, hallways, children's rooms, stairs, any high-traffic areas
2. Polyester - The Softest and Cheapest 💰
What is it? Very soft synthetic fibers, representing approximately 25% of the global carpet market.
Advantages:
- Very soft: Silky texture and comfortable for feet
- Vibrant colors: Holds colors excellently and retains them for years
- Stain-resistant: Better than nylon at resisting stains!
- Cheap: 30% cheaper than nylon
- Eco-friendly: Many types are made from recycled plastic bottles
- Mold and moisture-resistant: Doesn't mold easily
Disadvantages:
- Less durable: Doesn't withstand heavy use like nylon, lasts 5-10 years
- Wears quickly: In high-traffic areas, you'll see wear signs quickly
- Crushes under heavy furniture: If you place heavy furniture on it, it stays crushed
- Attracts oils: Oil-based stains are very difficult on polyester
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 50 to 200 SAR per square meter
Ideal for: Bedrooms, dining rooms, low-traffic areas
3. Natural Wool - True Luxury 🐑✨
What is it? Natural fibers from sheep's wool, used in carpets for thousands of years!
Advantages:
- Very luxurious: Unmatched texture and elegant appearance
- 100% natural: Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Natural stain-resistant: Wool has natural oils that prevent stain absorption
- Fire-resistant: Wool is very difficult to burn
- Regulates humidity: Absorbs excess moisture and releases it when air is dry
- Lasts 30+ years: If properly maintained, can last generations!
- Heat and sound insulator: Keeps home warm in winter and quiet always
- Very resilient: Withstands pressure and returns to original shape
Disadvantages:
- Very expensive: Most expensive type! 3 to 10 times the price of nylon
- Needs special care: Cleaning must be done in a specific way with special cleaners
- Absorbs water: If a lot of water spills on it, hard to dry and may mold
- Moths like it: Moths can eat it, but there are treatments against this
- Sheds: Initially, it may shed a little (release threads)
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 300 to 800+ SAR per square meter (hand-knotted Persian rugs reach thousands!)
Ideal for: Majlis rooms, luxury living rooms, master bedrooms, luxury homes
4. Olefin/Polypropylene - The Water-Resistant One 💧
What is it? Synthetic fibers very resistant to moisture and stains.
Advantages:
- Water-resistant: Doesn't absorb water at all, ideal for humid areas
- Stain-resistant: Stains don't stick easily
- Cheap: Among the cheapest types
- Fade-resistant: Color doesn't fade even if exposed to strong sunlight
- Chemical-resistant: Not affected by strong cleaners
Disadvantages:
- Very weak: Wears and breaks quickly in high-use areas
- Crushes easily: Doesn't return to original shape after pressure
- Attracts oils: Oil-based stains are impossible to remove
- Uncomfortable texture: Somewhat rough compared to other types
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 40 to 150 SAR per square meter
Ideal for: Bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, basements, covered outdoor areas
5. Triexta (PTT/SmartStrand) - Modern Technology 🚀
What is it? Modern synthetic fibers (existing since 2009) combining nylon and polyester advantages, partially made from corn!
Advantages:
- Strong like nylon: Resistant to wear and abrasion
- Soft like polyester: Silky and comfortable texture
- Naturally stain-resistant: Stains don't penetrate fibers at all!
- Eco-friendly: 37% made from renewable materials (corn)
- Easy to clean: Even difficult stains like hair dye and coffee come out easily
- Long warranties: Some companies offer lifetime stain warranties!
Disadvantages:
- Price: About the same price as nylon or slightly more
- Sensitive to dry dirt: Dry and oily dirt can stick to it
- Relatively new: Doesn't have a long history like nylon and wool
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 80 to 320 SAR per square meter
Ideal for: Homes with children or pets, areas needing soft and strong carpet simultaneously
Third: Quick Comparison Table - What to Choose?
| Material | Strength & Durability | Softness | Stain Resistance | Price | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ (Medium-Expensive) | 12-15 years | High-traffic areas |
| Polyester | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ (Cheap) | 5-10 years | Bedrooms and guest rooms |
| Wool | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$$ (Very expensive) | 20-30+ years | Luxury majlis and living rooms |
| Olefin | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ (Very cheap) | 3-7 years | Humid and outdoor areas |
| Triexta | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ (Medium-Expensive) | 10-15 years | Homes with children and pets |
Fourth: Carpets and Allergies - Very Important Information! 🤧
Many people believe carpets cause allergies, but the truth is more complex than that:
Carpets That Cause Allergies (Avoid!):
- Very cheap carpet: Short, light fibers release into air and enter nose
- Old carpet: If older than 10 years and not well-cleaned, accumulated dust and mites
- Long-pile carpet (shag): Traps dust and mites heavily
- Carpet in humid areas: Can mold and release germs into air
Hypoallergenic Carpets (Best!):
- Treated nylon: Short, dense fibers, doesn't absorb dust easily
- Natural wool: 100% natural, no chemicals, doesn't cause allergies
- Low pile carpet: Easy to clean and doesn't trap dust
- Anti-Microbial treated carpet: Treated against bacteria and mold
- High-quality polyester: Smooth fibers don't absorb dust
Golden tip: If you have allergies, use a vacuum with HEPA filter at least twice weekly!
Fifth: Famous Carpet Manufacturing Countries - Where to Buy?
1. Iran (Persia) 🇮🇷 - Hand-Knotted Carpet Capital
Specializes in: Luxury hand-knotted Persian rugs (Tabriz, Qum, Kerman)
Materials: Wool, silk, cotton
Advantages: Complex traditional designs, very high quality, lasts generations
Price: From 2,000 to 50,000+ SAR per piece (depending on size and design)
Note: Iran also produces machine-made carpet (80 million square meters annually), but difficult to export due to sanctions
2. Turkey 🇹🇷 - Quality and Reasonable Price
Specializes in: High-quality machine-made and hand-knotted carpets
Materials: Nylon, polyester, wool, blends
Advantages: Excellent quality at reasonable prices, modern and traditional designs
Price: From 100 to 800 SAR per square meter
Note: 99% of Turkish carpet is handmade (made by women), country exports $1.62 billion annually!
3. Belgium 🇧🇪 - European Luxury
Specializes in: Luxury woven and tufted carpets
Materials: Wool, premium nylon, luxury blends
Advantages: Very high European quality, manufacturing precision, elegant designs
Price: From 200 to 1,200 SAR per square meter
Note: Belgium is the second largest carpet exporter in the world ($471 million annually)
4. India 🇮🇳 - Diversity and Competitive Prices
Specializes in: Hand-knotted, tufted, wool carpets
Materials: Wool, silk, cotton, blends
Advantages: Diverse designs, competitive prices, good to excellent quality
Price: From 80 to 600 SAR per square meter
Note: India is the world's largest exporter of handmade carpets ($460 million annually)
5. China 🇨🇳 - Mass Production
Specializes in: Cheap and medium-grade synthetic carpets
Materials: Polyester, nylon, olefin
Advantages: Very cheap prices, massive production, great variety
Price: From 30 to 250 SAR per square meter
Note: China and USA are the world's largest carpet producers
6. America 🇺🇸 - Technology and Innovation
Specializes in: Technical carpets (Triexta, SmartStrand)
Materials: Nylon, triexta, recycled polyester
Advantages: Modern technologies, high stain resistance, long warranties
Price: From 100 to 400 SAR per square meter
Famous Companies: Shaw Industries, Mohawk Industries
Section Two: Curtain Fabrics - From Sheer to Blackout
First: Why Are Curtain Fabrics Important?
Curtains aren't just "a piece of fabric that blocks sunlight"! The right curtain:
- Controls amount of light entering room (very important for bedrooms!)
- Maintains privacy (especially ground floors)
- Insulates heat and cold (saves you money on electricity!)
- Absorbs sound (makes home quieter)
- Adds beauty and elegance to decor
But the wrong curtain? Fades quickly, tears, is difficult to clean, or makes the room hot/cold!
Second: Types of Curtain Fabrics - Complete Guide
1. Cotton - The Versatile Classic
What is it? Natural fabric from cotton plant fibers, used for thousands of years.
Advantages:
- 100% natural: Healthy, safe, doesn't cause allergies
- Breathable: Allows air passage, doesn't make room stuffy
- Easy to clean: Machine washable
- Great variety: Endless colors and patterns
- Reasonable price: Cheap to medium price
- Absorbs moisture: Naturally regulates room humidity
Disadvantages:
- Wrinkles easily: Needs constant ironing
- Affected by sunlight: Color fades over time
- Absorbs stains: Stains stick easily
- Shrinks: May shrink after washing if not careful
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 30 to 150 SAR per meter
Ideal for: Living rooms, kitchens, anywhere you want natural and comfortable appearance
2. Linen - Natural Elegance
What is it? Natural fabric from flax plant fibers, softer and stronger than cotton.
Advantages:
- Very luxurious: Elegant appearance and luxurious texture
- Strong: Stronger than cotton and longer-lasting
- Fade-resistant: Retains color better than cotton
- Excellent breathability: Ideal for hot regions
- Bacteria-resistant: Doesn't grow mold easily
- 100% natural: Eco-friendly
Disadvantages:
- Wrinkles more than cotton: Needs special care
- Expensive: More expensive than cotton
- Absorbs stains: Difficult to clean stains from it
- Shrinks: Needs careful washing
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 80 to 300 SAR per meter
Ideal for: Luxury living rooms, dining rooms, classic and modern decor
3. Velvet - Luxury and Warmth
What is it? Fabric woven in special way giving it soft and shiny surface, can be cotton, silk, or polyester.
Advantages:
- Very luxurious: Royal appearance and very soft to touch
- Rich colors: Absorbs colors deeply and richly
- Excellent insulator: Blocks light, heat, and sound
- Warm: Provides warmth to room in winter
- Heavy: Gives beautiful drape
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to clean: Needs dry cleaning
- Shows dust: Needs constant cleaning with vacuum
- Affected by sunlight: May fade or wear
- Expensive: Especially silk velvet
- Affected by humidity: Can mold in humid areas
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 100 to 500 SAR per meter
Ideal for: Bedrooms, luxury living rooms, home theater rooms, classic decor
4. Silk - Peak of Luxury
What is it? Natural fabric from silkworm cocoons, most expensive and luxurious fabric type.
Advantages:
- Unmatched luxury: Natural shine and silky texture
- Light and soft: Flows beautifully
- Wonderful colors: Reflects light enchantingly
- 100% natural: Healthy and hypoallergenic
Disadvantages:
- Very expensive: Among most expensive fabric types
- Very sensitive: Tears easily, affected by sun and humidity
- Needs extreme care: Dry clean only
- Stains easily: Even water leaves marks!
- Impractical: Suitable only for luxury decor
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 300 to 1,500 SAR per meter
Ideal for: Palaces, luxury villas, formal reception rooms
5. Polyester - Practical and Resistant
What is it? Versatile synthetic fabric, most popular for curtains.
Advantages:
- Cheap: Among cheapest types
- Wrinkle-resistant: Doesn't need ironing
- Fade-resistant: Color lasts long even with sunlight
- Easy to clean: Machine washable
- Shrink-resistant: Doesn't shrink after washing
- Great variety: Imitates appearance of silk, cotton, linen
- Lightweight: Easy to install and move
Disadvantages:
- Doesn't breathe: May make room slightly stuffy
- Less luxurious appearance: Shows it's synthetic
- Generates static electricity: Attracts dust
- Flammable: Burns quickly (but there are treated types)
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 20 to 120 SAR per meter
Ideal for: All rooms, especially for those wanting something practical and cheap
6. Blackout Fabric - For Quiet and Dark Sleep
What is it? Not a fabric type, but a treatment added to any fabric (cotton, polyester, linen) to block 100% light!
Advantages:
- Blocks 100% light: Total darkness even at midday!
- Heat insulator: Saves up to 30% on electricity bills!
- Sound insulator: Reduces outside noise
- Protects privacy: No one can see anything from outside
- Protects furniture: Prevents UV rays from damaging furniture
Disadvantages:
- Heavy: Needs strong curtain rod
- More expensive: 30-50% more expensive than regular curtains
- Limited colors: Usually dark colors
- May be suffocating: If room is small
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 80 to 250 SAR per meter
Ideal for: Bedrooms, children's rooms, home theater rooms, anywhere you want total darkness
7. Sheer/Voile - Lightness and Elegance
What is it? Very light and transparent fabric, usually polyester or silk.
Advantages:
- Allows light: Lets in beautiful diffused natural light
- Very light: Flows romantically
- Maintains privacy: Blocks view from outside (daytime only)
- Gives sense of space: Makes room appear larger
- Cheap: Reasonable price
Disadvantages:
- Doesn't block light: Not suitable for bedrooms
- No nighttime privacy: If lights are on inside, people can see you from outside
- Easy to tear: Very sensitive
- Doesn't insulate heat: Doesn't save anything on electricity
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: From 15 to 80 SAR per meter
Ideal for: Living rooms, kitchens, inner layers (under heavy curtain)
Third: Curtain Fabrics Comparison Table
| Fabric | Light Blocking | Privacy | Heat Insulation | Ease of Cleaning | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Medium | Good | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ - $$ | Living room, kitchen |
| Linen | Good | Very good | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ | $$ - $$$ | Luxury living rooms |
| Velvet | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | ⭐⭐ | $$$ - $$$$ | Bedrooms, home theater |
| Silk | Weak | Medium | Weak | ⭐ | $$$$$ | Luxury decor only |
| Polyester | Medium | Good | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ - $$ | All rooms |
| Blackout | Excellent 100% | Excellent | Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐ | $$ - $$$ | Bedrooms, children's rooms |
| Sheer | Very weak | Medium (daytime) | None | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ | Living room, kitchen |
Section Three: Sofa Upholstery Fabrics - Comfort and Durability
First: Why Does Sofa Fabric Matter?
The sofa is an essential piece in the home, and its fabric determines:
- How comfortable you are while sitting (soft? rough? cold? warm?)
- How long it will last (1 year? 5 years? 20 years?)
- Ease of cleaning (especially if you have children or pets!)
- Overall home appearance (luxurious? modern? classic?)
Wrong sofa fabric = wasted money + constant annoyance!
Second: Types of Sofa Upholstery Fabrics - Complete Guide
1. Genuine Leather - The Classic King 👑
What is it? Natural animal leather (usually cow), treated and tanned.
Advantages:
- Very luxurious: Unmatched classic elegant appearance
- Lasts very long: 15-25+ years with proper care
- Improves with age: Develops "patina" (distinctive color and texture) over time
- Easy to clean: Wipe with damp cloth and done
- Stain-resistant: Liquids don't penetrate easily
- Breathable: Comfortable summer and winter (doesn't make you sweat)
- Odor-resistant: Doesn't absorb cooking or pet odors
- Healthy: Hypoallergenic and mite-resistant
Disadvantages:
- Very expensive: Most expensive sofa fabric type
- Affected by scratches: Pet claws or sharp objects scratch it
- Needs care: Needs periodic conditioning (every 6-12 months) to prevent cracking
- Cold in winter: Touch is cold in winter (but warms quickly)
- Limited colors: Usually brown, black, beige
- May crack: If not cared for or in hot, dry place
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: 3-seater sofa from 8,000 to 40,000+ SAR
Ideal for: Majlis rooms, luxury living rooms, offices, homes without small children or pets
2. Microfiber - The Smart Practical Choice 🌟
What is it? Very fine synthetic fibers (finer than human hair!), densely woven.
Advantages:
- Incredibly stain-resistant: Stains sit on surface and don't penetrate!
- Very easy to clean: Wipe with cloth and water and done
- Soft like suede: Velvety comfortable texture
- Durable: Resists wear and tear
- Fade-resistant: Color lasts long
- Relatively cheap: Much cheaper than leather
- Ideal for families: Withstands children and pets
- Hypoallergenic: Doesn't absorb dust
- Retains color: Doesn't fade quickly
Disadvantages:
- Attracts hair and lint: Pet hair and your hair stick to it (need lint roller)
- Doesn't breathe: May feel warm if sitting long
- Static electricity: Generates some static
- Synthetic appearance: Doesn't give luxury of genuine leather
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: 3-seater sofa from 3,000 to 12,000 SAR
Ideal for: Living rooms with children, homes with pets, heavy daily use
3. Velvet - Elegance and Softness 💎
What is it? Fabric woven in special way giving it soft and shiny surface, from cotton, silk, or polyester.
Advantages:
- Very luxurious: Royal appearance and extremely soft
- Rich deep colors: Reflects light beautifully
- Warm: Comfortable in winter
- Durable (good velvet): Treated polyester velvet lasts long
- Hides dirt: Dark colors hide small stains
Disadvantages:
- Shows everything: Scratches, sitting marks, even hand swipes show!
- Difficult to clean: Needs professional cleaning
- Affected by humidity: May mold or damage
- Attracts hair and dust: Needs constant cleaning
- Expensive: Especially silk velvet
- Sensitive to scratches: Cat claws are disaster on it!
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: 3-seater sofa from 5,000 to 25,000 SAR
Ideal for: Luxury living rooms, formal reception rooms, homes without children or pets
4. Linen - Comfortable Natural Elegance
What is it? Natural fabric from flax plant fibers.
Advantages:
- 100% natural: Healthy and eco-friendly
- Excellent breathability: Very comfortable in summer
- Strong: Stronger than cotton
- Modern elegant appearance: Gives relaxed feeling
- Can be washed: Some types wash at home
- Bacteria-resistant: Doesn't grow mold easily
Disadvantages:
- Wrinkles annoyingly: Needs constant ironing (but some like wrinkled look!)
- Absorbs stains: Difficult to clean stains from it
- Expensive: More expensive than cotton and polyester
- Shrinks: If not washed correctly
- Not suitable for families: Difficult to clean stains
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: 3-seater sofa from 6,000 to 20,000 SAR
Ideal for: Modern homes, light-use areas, coastal/beach decor
5. Cotton - Comfortable Classic
What is it? Natural fabric from cotton plant fibers.
Advantages:
- 100% natural: Healthy and hypoallergenic
- Breathable: Comfortable in all seasons
- Soft: Comfortable texture
- Great variety: Endless colors and patterns
- Reasonable price: Cheap to medium
- Can be washed: Some types wash at home
Disadvantages:
- Absorbs stains easily: Stains very difficult
- Fades: Color fades with washing and sun
- Wrinkles: Needs ironing
- Weak: Tears easier than synthetic fabrics
- Shrinks: Needs careful washing
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: 3-seater sofa from 4,000 to 15,000 SAR
Ideal for: Light use, guest rooms, homes without children
6. Chenille - Distinctive Texture
What is it? Fabric woven with twisted and cut threads giving it soft texture like caterpillar (French name means "caterpillar"!).
Advantages:
- Very soft: Plush comfortable texture
- Durable: Resists heavy use
- Luxurious appearance: Gives depth and distinctive texture
- Easy to clean: Easier than velvet
- Great variety: Can be cotton, polyester, or blends
Disadvantages:
- Affected by scratches: Cat claws ruin it!
- May pill: Threads can form small balls
- Sensitive to sunlight: May damage or fade
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: 3-seater sofa from 4,500 to 18,000 SAR
Ideal for: Living rooms, medium to heavy use
7. Crypton Treated Fabrics - Advanced Technology 🛡️
What is it? Not a fabric type, but a treatment added to any fabric (cotton, polyester, velvet, even leather!) to protect it.
Advantages:
- Incredibly stain-resistant: Even hair dye and red wine come out easily!
- Odor-resistant: Doesn't absorb cooking or pet odors
- Bacteria and mold-resistant: Very healthy
- Nearly indestructible: Excellently resists wear
- Easy to clean: Water and soap only
- Long warranties: Some companies offer 10-year warranties!
- Maintains texture: Doesn't change original fabric texture
Disadvantages:
- Expensive: 30-50% more expensive than same fabric without treatment
- Limited: Not all stores offer it
Price in Saudi Arabia 2026: 3-seater sofa from 8,000 to 30,000 SAR
Ideal for: Families with children, homes with pets, anyone wanting peace of mind
Third: Sofa Upholstery Fabrics Comparison Table
| Fabric | Durability | Ease of Cleaning | Stain Resistance | Comfort | Price | Expected Lifespan | Suitable for Children/Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genuine Leather | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$$ | 15-25+ years | ❌ (scratches) |
| Microfiber | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ - $$$ | 7-15 years | ✅ Excellent |
| Velvet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ - $$$$ | 5-15 years | ❌ |
| Linen | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ - $$$$ | 7-20 years | ❌ |
| Cotton | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ - $$$ | 5-10 years | ❌ |
| Chenille | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ - $$$ | 7-15 years | ⚠️ (beware scratches) |
| Crypton | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ - $$$$$ | 10-20 years | ✅ Very excellent |
Section Four: Why Are Some Fabrics Expensive and Others Cheap?
Factors Determining Fabric Prices:
1. Material (Raw Material)
- Natural = Expensive: Wool, silk, linen = expensive because they need farming or animal breeding
- Synthetic = Cheap: Polyester, nylon = cheap because made from petroleum
- Example: Meter of wool = 500 SAR, meter of polyester = 50 SAR
2. Density and Weight (Face Weight)
- High density = Expensive: More threads per square meter = higher price
- Example: Nylon carpet density 50 oz/yd² = 200 SAR, density 30 oz/yd² = 100 SAR
3. Manufacturing Method
- Handmade = Very expensive: Hand-knotted Persian rugs = thousands of SAR (takes months of work!)
- Machine-made = Cheap: Synthetic carpet = tens of SAR
4. Special Treatments
- Stain-resistant: Increases price 20-30%
- Blackout: Increases price 30-50%
- Crypton: Increases price 40-60%
- Fire-resistant: Increases price 15-25%
5. Brand
- Famous global brand: Shaw, Mohawk, Karastan = 30-50% more expensive
- Local or unknown brand: Cheaper
6. Country of Origin
- Europe (Belgium, Germany): Very expensive (high quality + high labor costs)
- Turkey: Medium (excellent quality + reasonable price)
- China: Cheap (massive production + low costs)
Real Example:
American nylon carpet (Shaw):
- Material: Premium nylon
- Density: 45 oz/yd²
- Treatment: Stain-resistant + fade-resistant
- Warranty: 20 years
- Price: 250 SAR/m²
Chinese polyester carpet:
- Material: Regular polyester
- Density: 25 oz/yd²
- Treatment: None
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: 50 SAR/m²
5 times difference! But the first will last 15 years, the second will break after 3 years!
Section Five: Golden Buying Tips - Save Money and Choose Best!
For Carpets:
1. Determine Use First
- High traffic (living room, hallways): Nylon or triexta
- Low traffic (bedrooms): Polyester or wool
- Humid areas: Olefin
2. Request Samples!
Before buying, take small samples and put them in your home for a week. See how they look with lighting, color with furniture, and texture.
3. Ask About Warranty
Good carpet comes with 10-20 year warranty against wear and stains. If no warranty = beware!
4. Check Density and Weight
Press carpet with your hand. If bounces back quickly = good. If stays compressed = weak.
5. Don't Forget Padding
Good padding makes carpet last twice as long! Invest in it (50-100 SAR/m²).
For Curtains:
1. Determine Purpose
- Block 100% light: Blackout
- Diffused light + privacy: Sheer + heavy curtain (two layers)
- Heat insulation: Velvet or blackout
- Luxurious appearance: Linen or silk
2. Measure Correctly!
Buy 1.5 to 2 times window width for beautiful fullness.
3. Test Fabric with Light
Hold fabric in front of strong light. See how much light it blocks.
4. Think About Cleaning
If you don't have time for dry cleaning, choose washable polyester or cotton.
For Sofas:
1. Know Your Lifestyle
- Have children or pets: Microfiber or Crypton (forget leather and velvet!)
- Quiet home without children: Leather, velvet, linen
- Limited budget: Microfiber or polyester
- Want luxury: Genuine leather or velvet
2. Test Texture Yourself
Sit on sofa in showroom for at least 5 minutes. See if comfortable or not.
3. Ask About Martindale Test
This test measures fabric strength. Higher number = stronger:
- Less than 15,000: Weak (light use)
- 15,000 - 25,000: Medium (family use)
- More than 30,000: Very strong (heavy use)
4. Ask About Cleanability
On card attached to sofa, you'll find symbols:
- W: Clean with water
- S: Clean with solvents only (Dry Clean)
- W/S: Clean with water or solvents
- X: Vacuum only (beware!)
5. Don't Forget Smart Colors
- Very dark colors (black): Show light dust
- Very light colors (white): Show every stain
- Medium colors (gray, beige, brown): Best for hiding dirt!
- Patterns: Excellent for hiding small stains
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Save Money, Enjoy Beautiful Home!
After all this information, now you know:
- ✅ Difference between nylon, polyester, and wool - and why this is more expensive than that
- ✅ Best curtain fabrics for every room and use
- ✅ Best sofa fabrics according to your lifestyle
- ✅ Famous countries manufacturing fabrics and carpets
- ✅ Hypoallergenic fabrics and health-safe ones
- ✅ Why some fabrics are expensive and how to differentiate between high and low quality
Always remember:
1️⃣ Cheapest isn't always best: Cheap carpet at 50 SAR breaks after 2 years = loss. Good carpet at 200 SAR lasts 15 years = smart investment!
2️⃣ Know your needs: You don't need luxury wool carpet in laundry room! And don't need sheer curtains in bedroom!
3️⃣ Request samples and test them: You don't buy a car without test drive, right? Same with fabrics!
4️⃣ Invest in important areas: Living room and majlis deserve best quality, but guest room used twice a year can have lower quality.
5️⃣ Proper care extends life: Even best fabric will break if not cared for. Clean regularly, avoid direct sunlight, use appropriate cleaning products.
Now go choose your fabrics with confidence! You know what to buy, why to buy it, and how to maintain it. Your home deserves the best, and your money deserves to be spent wisely! 🏡✨💰
Good luck, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask specialists in showrooms - and always compare prices before deciding! 🎯