What is Chenille fabric?

What is chenille?
Chenille is a type of textile known for its soft, velvety texture. The name ‘chenille’ comes from the French word for caterpillar, which immediately gives a good idea of the fabric's soft, fluffy texture. This texture makes chenille one of the most attractive and comfortable materials for furniture and interior accessories.

How is chenille made?
The production of chenille is an interesting and elaborate process. It starts with a core of yarn, usually made of cotton, silk, wool or synthetic fibres. Shorter pieces of yarn are wrapped around this core, which are then twisted. This gives the fabric its distinctive fluffy appearance and soft texture. The result is a yarn that feels both durable and lush, perfect for upholstering furniture. This gives the fabric its unique look and feel.

The advantages and disadvantages of chenille fabric
Advantages:

Unprecedented softness: Chenille is famous for its silky touch. It feels wonderful against the skin, which makes it ideal for furniture you often sit or lie on.
Luxurious look: The sheen and texture of chenille give your furniture an elegant and rich look. It instantly adds a touch of luxury to any room.
Durability: Despite its soft look, chenille is surprisingly strong and durable. It resists wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for busy households.
Versatility: Chenille comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, making it easy to find a style that perfectly suits your interiors.
Disadvantages:

Changing texture: with heavy use, the texture of chenille fabric can change. The fibres can compress and flatten, which can affect the look and softness of the fabric.
Chenille fabric is not water-repellent. Chenille can also absorb and retain stains, which can make it difficult to remove stains completely. Regular cleaning and immediate treatment of spills are important to keep the fabric beautiful.
Chenille fabric can discolour on contact with sunlight. So don't place your furniture in front of the window to avoid discolouration.
Products made of chenille
Besides being a widely used fabric for clothing, chenille is also ideal as an interior and furniture fabric. Cushions, plaids and curtains in chenille fabric create a luxurious and inviting look due to their rich and soft texture.

Furniture most commonly found in chenille fabric is a sofa, chair or armchair. They offer high comfort and add a touch of elegance to your living or dining room.

Maintenance
To keep your chenille furniture in top condition, here are a few simple maintenance tips:

Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming helps to remove dust and dirt.
Stain removal: Use a soft cloth and mild soap to gently dab away stains. Avoid hard rubbing as this can damage the fibres.
Professional cleaning: Consider periodic professional cleaning to keep your furniture looking like new.
Do you want extra protection for your (textile) furniture? Then we recommend purchasing the iProteqt care kit when purchasing your new furniture. You can read all about this service on our customer service page.