If you’ve ever fallen in love with a light-colored sofa or patterned chair but immediately thought, “That would never survive my kids, dogs, or everyday life,” performance fabrics are about to change your mind.
Today’s performance fabrics are designed to be both beautiful and practical, making them one of the best choices for custom upholstery in coastal homes, busy family spaces, and everyday living. At Sugarwood Interiors, we love helping clients in store and from afar virtually to create furniture that feels elevated without feeling untouchable.
Why We Love Performance Fabrics
Durability That Lasts
Performance fabrics are made to handle real life. They’re designed to resist stains, wear, and everyday messes better than traditional upholstery fabrics, making them a smart long-term investment for frequently used spaces like family rooms, beach homes, and open-concept living areas.
Protect Your Investment
Custom upholstery is an investment, and choosing a performance fabric helps protect it. Instead of constantly worrying about spills, pets, or fading, you can actually enjoy your furniture the way it was meant to be lived on.
Endless Color & Pattern Options
One of the biggest misconceptions about performance fabrics is that they only come in a few neutral options. In reality, there are now hundreds of beautiful textures, colors, and patterns available — from classic coastal stripes to soft linens and modern organic textures.
Family- & Pet-Friendly Without Sacrificing Style
Performance fabrics allow you to choose the fabric you actually want without compromising because of kids or pets. Whether it’s muddy paws, movie nights, or everyday lounging, these fabrics are designed to be cleaned and enjoyed. Your furniture should feel lived in — not off limits.
Spotlight: New Sunbrella® Fabrics with CR Laine
We’re especially excited about the newest Sunbrella® fabric offerings available through CR Laine. Known for combining timeless craftsmanship with high-performance materials, this collection blends comfort, durability, and elevated design beautifully.
These fabrics are designed to resist fading, making them especially ideal for coastal homes, new construction homes with large windows, and sunny spaces throughout Wilmington. In homes filled with natural light, fabric fading can become a major concern over time — but Sunbrella® performance fabrics are engineered to maintain their color and beauty even in bright environments.
That makes them perfect for beach homes, airy living rooms, and spaces where you want relaxed luxury without the stress.
Favorite CR Laine Pieces We’re Loving
The Classic Slipcovered Sofa

What we love: Relaxed coastal style, deep comfortable seating, and the ability to create a clean yet casual look that works beautifully in beach homes or family spaces.
A Turned-Leg Accent Chair

What we love: Traditional details mixed with performance fabric creates the perfect blend of timeless and practical. The turned legs add character while the durable upholstery keeps it livable.
Modern Coastal Swivel Chairs

What we love: Soft curves, clean lines, and versatile fabrics that fit effortlessly into modern coastal interiors. Perfect for conversational seating while still feeling relaxed and approachable.
Sloped Arm Sofa

What we love: The sloped arms give this silhouette a softer, more tailored feel while still being incredibly comfortable for everyday use.
Why Performance Fabrics Make Sense for Wilmington Homes
Living in Wilmington means embracing indoor-outdoor living, natural sunlight, sandy feet, pets, guests, and everyday entertaining. Performance fabrics work beautifully in this lifestyle because they’re designed to hold up while still looking elevated and refined.
Especially in coastal homes or homes with oversized windows, fade-resistant fabrics can make a huge difference in how your furniture looks years down the road.
Visit Us In Store
Want to see these fabrics and custom upholstery pieces in person? Visit us at Sugarwood Interiors in Wilmington to explore our favorite CR Laine pieces and performance fabric options firsthand.
Drop by anytime or schedule a custom upholstery consultation with one of our designers to start creating pieces that fit your home and your lifestyle.
Schedule Your Custom Upholstery Consultation Here:
