Foam and flammability

August 1, 2014  |  Upholstery

The foam used in upholstered furniture can be another environmental concern if it’s treated with flame retardants. Until recently, the only way to meet the flammability requirements of the California Bureau of Home Furnishings Technical Bulletin 117 was to use flame-retardant treated foam. &ld…
Read More
Bottom line: evaluating comfort

November 1, 2013  |  Markets, Projects, Upholstery

Recall your last marathon all-day, all-night drive—and the aftermath. Remember the aching back and neck, headache, sweating torso and ice-cold feet, the feeling of other-worldliness? The symptoms of uncomfortable vehicle seats include decreased concentration and tiredness that can lead to acci…
Read More
Discarded chairs molt into ‘Hybreeds’

October 1, 2013  |  Projects, Upholstery

An industrial designer in London, England, admits to having close personal relationships with chairs. “Not every chair speaks to me,” says Charlotte Kingsnorth. “There are special characters. Sometimes I will find beautiful chairs just dumped on the side of the road with a missing spindle or w…
Read More
Indoor/outdoor, high-performance cushion and sling fabrics from Phifer Inc.

August 12, 2013  |  Products, Upholstery

Featuring on-trend color combinations and designs in furniture fabrics—from solids and stripes to florals in traditional and contemporary weaves—Phifer’s chic, durable furniture fabrics can easily transition from an outdoor room to interior living spaces. GeoBella™ is Phifer&…
Read More
“Canvas” seating hits the wall

August 1, 2013  |  Projects, Upholstery

Japanese design studio YOY, a Tokyo-based studio composed of Naoki Ono, a spatial designer, and Yuki Yamamoto, a product designer, intended to “create a new story between space and objects” at the Milan Design Week 2013 exhibition. The international design event featured YOY’s &ldq…
Read More
Insectiban Thread with anti-bed bug treatment

August 1, 2013  |  Advanced Textiles, Products, Upholstery

Coats has developed threads and zips with an anti-bed bug treatment based on naturally occurring durable plant extract and oils. The treatment is harmless to humans and pets but fatal to bed bugs after extended exposure (about four days). As bed bugs use the seams and tape edges of mattresses and ot…
Read More
Printing home décor: generation next

July 1, 2013  |  Graphics, Products, Upholstery

Younger consumers want to live in environments that reflect their individuality and interests, and Maxwell Dickson, Los Angeles, Calif., prints canvases, pillows, clocks and coffee tables with images that grab the imagination. “We try to create an urban, colorful vibe in our products that appe…
Read More
Hybrid cradle chair—an upholstered hammock?

July 1, 2013  |  Products, Upholstery

Reclining in a hammock is the ultimate in summer comfort, while sitting in an upholstered chair is a routine feature of home or work life. Benjamin Hubert, a London-based industrial designer, partnered with Italian furniture company Moroso SpA to create the cradle chair, which combines features of h…
Read More
Custom RVs: homes on the road

June 1, 2013  |  Features, Marketing, Markets, Upholstery

As sales of RVs trend upward year after year, so do the opportunities for fabricators in custom shops. By Carla Waldemar The news for custom shops that tap into the RV market just seems to get better. Shops that connect with this group of ardent road enthusiasts could enjoy a comfortable niche&mdash…
Read More
Smart Printing with E.Volution

June 1, 2013  |  Graphics, Products, Upholstery

E.Volution, a new platform for textile printing, combines the latest technologies with artistic creativity and environmental responsibility. Latest-generation printers produce exceptionally clean images; specially formulated inks offer high quality and color fastness, using less water than tradition…
Read More