Whether for upholstering a beautiful furniture silhouette, creating soigné curtains, or the most serene bedding, white fabrics are an invaluable element in any decorating arsenal. They instantly refresh a room, adding crispness, light, and visual breathing space. Because white is so versatile, there’s almost an endless array of fabrics (and paint colors)—which can make choosing one a bit overwhelming. We asked FREDERIC editor in chief Dara Caponigro (who does double duty as the creative director of Schumacher) to share some of her favorites (her house is mostly white, after all!). Here’s what she loves and why.
In Caponigro’s living room, curtains in Lismore Linen Plain are trimmed with Tuft Braid Tape by Neisha Crosland for Schumacher.
Max Kim-Bee
Patent Linen by Patterson Flynn for Schumacher drapes a console table in her entry.
Max Kim-BeeThe Best White Fabrics
LISMORE LINEN PLAIN
I used this for my own living room curtains. It’s a classic linen that’s perfect for refined window treatments and upholstery.
MARCO PERFORMANCE LINEN
If you like the look of relaxed Belgian interiors, this one is for you. If this fabric could talk, it would say, “Put your feet up.”
LANGE GLAZED LINEN
One of my all-time favorite fabrics. To me, nothing is chicer. It has the great push-pull of humble and grand, where natural fiber meets glamorous luster.
BARNETT
Barnett is a union cloth—a combination of linen and cotton. It has all the style of linen but with cotton added in for heft and durability.
PIET PERFORMANCE LINEN
A staple everyone should know about. Not too heavy, not too light, Piet is just perfect!
EVERETT PERFORMANCE TWILL
This is what I chose for my living room sofas and it’s held up beautifully. In a sturdy twill weave, stain-resistant yet soft, this relaxed fabric is remarkably versatile.
CECIL COTTON CHINTZ
Cecil always makes me think of the great Albert Hadley. It’s got timeless all-American style.
ANNABEL COTTON
A gorgeous, thick cotton with an artisanal weave—for when something plain and simple just won’t do.
LEO GLAZED LINEN
A slightly thicker version of glazed linen that’s a surefire way to bring high style to your upholstery.
COOPER INDOOR/OUTDOOR
If you’re afraid of a white sofa, try Cooper! It has the look and feel of an indoor fabric but is far more practical.
