Home Textiles
Since ancient times, it has been a desire of homemakers to give their living places a different look. We find in history that first Textiles were used as decorative walls, hangings, bedding and cushion. These items were hand made using natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool.
Then in Middle Ages, Textiles became a status symbol for the wealthy class and Tapestries, embroidered tablecloths, and luxurious bedspreads came to their homes. In 19th century, Textile production took shape of industry and these items started getting manufactured in silk and gold threads. Slowly Textiles became more affordable and accessible to the middle class.
Efforts are done to keep interior comfortable and have all living facilities like a paradise and have their interior different from others.
It is an agreed fact that over the years Textiles has become a main source of providing living comfort, stylish look & in giving home interiors a defined aesthetic characteristic. It is now an integral part of interior environment of our homes.
Home Textile is also known as soft furnishing collection of items used in an interior of a home with Textile in different forms. It consists of various items in our daily use in interior of home . These items are of both furnishing and decorative kind in use in bedrooms, baths, kitchen and related domestic environment.
Home Textile products are made up of either 100% cotton, Polyester yarn or blended yarn having a combination of cotton and synthetic yarn in ratios as per regional requirements or likings. The weather condition is now the main factor considered while designing texture and designs of fabric for a particular region.
The most refined and latest development is the addition of temperature phase change materials into insulation products. It helps in providing an additional degree of control and resistance to sudden extremes of hot or cold temperatures. In last years, demand of Home Textiles made up of organic cotton is being seen but the main hindrance in its popularity is high cost.
Today Home Textile items are seen in every room and corner of home. Bed linen is the main terminology used for all type of Textile products laid on bed to cover it or to make it more comfortable.
Photo by Max Rahubovskiy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/modern-bedroom-interior-with-decorative-panel-and-tv-set-6394709/
Home use Textiles include the following finished articles.
Mattress cover
A fabric tightly stitched around mattress lying on bed for its protection. The fabric is mostly water resistant.
Fitted sheet
A fabric stitched with h elasticated corners to fit on upper side of mattress to protect it from dust and other stains. It can easily be removed for washing.
Flat sheet
100% cotton or Poly cotton loose fabric with hemmed ends to cover the fitted sheet. The fabric is either dyed or in printed form in attractive colors as per region’s requirement.
Bed Spread
A fancy and expensive stitched fabric in attractive colors laid on bed to cover it when not in use Pillow covers are sometime of same fabric.
Bed skirt
A valance stitched with Bed Spread to give it a stylish look. It helps to cover side boxes, legs of bed and the space under the bed. Its drop finishes just before floor. It is mostly in dyed fabric in contrast colors. The gathering of valence varies as per demand.
Pillows
A stitched fabric bag filled with cotton, hollow fiber or Polyester material to give rest to neck and head while laying or sitting. There are different sizes and standards of pillows and vary from country to country. In Pakistan, they include Euro pillows, neck rolls, bolster, bed/ sofa and floor cushions.
Pillow cover
Pillows are covered with stitched plain, dyed or printed fabric. The covers can be with or without flaps.
Quilt cover
Attached soft fabric bag having opening on one end to cover and protect quilt while in use or while being stored. The quilt cover fabric is washable and is easily removable.
Comforter / Blanket
These items are used on bed to have a comfortable night in cold weathers.
Bath Textiles
Face Towels, Bath Towels (Combed, Brushed), bath robe, bath curtain, Bath mats, Bath rugs
There is a wide variety of Towels both in sizes and material.
Kitchen Textiles
Aprons, oven Gloves, Towels, Wash pieces, Cloth napkin Bread basket, Tea pot cover, Table runner Kettle cover, Place mats, Dish cloths.
Furnishing items
Curtains, Cushion cover, Carpets, Floor mats
To conclude, home textiles have a long history and continue to change with changing trends and styles. Today, they are characterized by their functionality, durability, and adaptability. Easy maintainable and economical materials are choice of customers. New technology and techniques are being tried to meet the demands of competitive market. Home Textiles will remain an essential part of our livings.
