FT NEWS

Sundecks add a certain charm and beauty to the outdoor area of a home, making it the ideal space for getting a taste of the outdoors, be it cool autumn evenings, mild winter mornings, or rainy afternoons. They are the ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and can be used to create a private space or perhaps even a social one where friends and family gather. 

While nature takes care of the visuals, it’s up to the homeowner to create a cosy seating arrangement to enable many hours of comfortable lounging in the outdoors. Protecting the area against the sun, especially when it is at its sharpest, is essential, and sunblinds, sunshades, or awnings are the best solution. They can help to make the sundeck an all-weather area. 

Performance fabric from Sunbrella is perfect for use in an outdoor area due to its all-weather nature. It outperforms its counterparts as it is fade-proof, mildew-resistant, and stain-resistant, maintaining its colour regardless of the weather. The sheer number of colours and patterns that it is available in makes it suitable for any theme or décor style.

Upholstery fabric for sundecks

Outdoor upholstery fabric makes for a comfortable setting in sundecks while enhancing the aesthetics of it. It can be used for the seat cushions, cushion covers, table runners or covers, table mats, curtains, and so on. It can also be used to create a skirt that conceals unsightly storage areas or perhaps even as custom made covers for barbeque grills or other appliances, when they are not in use, to keep the area looking neat and tidy. Since sundecks are subject to the forces of nature, it is vital that the upholstery fabric chosen is easy to maintain and resistant to the elements. Water resistance, mildew resistance, stain resistance, and fade resistance are desirable properties in the choice of outdoor fabric for sundecks as it ensures that the fabric is durable and does not require frequent replacement.

How to use performance fabric to create shade in sundecks

Creating shade for sundecks is a necessity, and it can be done in several ways through shade umbrellas, curtains, awnings, sunblinds, sunshades and more. For a small seating area, a shade umbrella in bright, bold colours can be used to liven up the space. In places that benefit from temporary cover, awnings, canopies, or even sun sails can be employed. The exposure to the elements of nature can cause some fabrics to fade or even stain due to various reasons. That is why performance fabric is ideal for shade cover on sundecks as it is fade-resistant, water-resistant, and stain-resistant, ensuring that it withstands the forces of nature without losing its colour and look.

Using performance fabrics to provide privacy for sundecks

The proximity of neighbouring homes or apartments in urban areas tends to compromise the privacy of balconies, sundecks and terraces. It places importance on installing curtains, blinds, or screens to make the space more private. Performance fabric is ideal for such applications as besides being an all-weather option, it comes in a vast array of colours and patterns to suit the overall theme of the area. Moreover, its fade-proof, water-resistant and fade-resistant properties make it ideal for outdoor applications as it is unaffected by the weather and is easy to wipe down and clean.

Ideas for creating themes for sundecks using performance fabric

Creating different themes with performance fabric is relatively simple, given the vast array of colours and patterns in which it is available. The additional advantage, of course, is that it is possible to switch between themes from time to time to revamp the overall look of the sundeck. Among the possible themes include a modern style such as a formal dining setting with a sophisticated patterned upholstery on the chair cushions. A rich navy blue drape can be used to set the tone for a luxurious and sophisticated setting. Another theme to experiment with is a tropical beach theme, which features lounge chairs with vibrant upholstery and floor cushions that add a playful and fun vibe.

Ideas for accessorizing sundecks using performance fabrics

There’s no better way to accessorise the sundeck than with vibrant hues and patterns to create a lively environment. The numerous options of colours and patterns in which performance fabric is available make it ideal for an outdoor setup. For instance, cushions with bright colours can be used in several ways. One option is to pile them up on the chairs and sofas for a more formal look, while another is to make use of floor cushions to create a casual setup. Coordinated table runners or covers for an outdoor dining setting alongside placemats can make the area look bright and welcoming.