The Soft Furnishing Industry: A Beginner's Guide for Interior Designers

Are you a budding interior designer looking to specialize in soft furnishings like curtains and blinds? Or perhaps you're a seasoned designer looking to expand your services? Either way, the soft furnishing industry can be a lucrative and rewarding niche to work in. However, before you jump into this field, it's important to understand the key differences between interior designers who work with soft furnishings, decorators, and those who specialize in interiors without incorporating soft furnishings. In this article, we'll break down these differences and provide essential tips for those interested in working with curtains and blinds.

Differences Between Designers:

As mentioned, there are three types of designers: those who work with soft furnishings, decorators, and those who specialize in interiors without incorporating soft furnishings. Here's a breakdown of their key differences:

Interior designers are professionals who specialize in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. They work with clients to determine their needs and preferences, then use their knowledge of design principles, color theory, materials, and construction methods to develop a plan for the space. They may be involved in everything from selecting the layout of the space to choosing the furniture, fixtures, and finishes.

Decorators, on the other hand, are more focused on the visual aspects of a space. They may work with existing furniture and decor to create a cohesive look, or they may select new items to add to a space. While decorators may have a good eye for design, they typically do not have the same level of training or expertise as interior designers.

Soft furnishing designers, also known as textile designers, specialize in creating textiles for use in interior spaces. They may design fabrics for curtains, upholstery, bedding, and other soft furnishings, as well as rugs and other types of flooring. Soft furnishing designers need to have a strong understanding of textiles and their properties, as well as an eye for color and pattern. They may work closely with interior designers and decorators to create custom fabrics for specific spaces.

Each of these types of designers brings their own unique skills and expertise to the table, and understanding the differences between them can help aspiring designers decide which path is right for them.

What You Should Know:

If you're interested in working with curtains and blinds, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it's important to have a good understanding of different types of window treatments, fabrics, and hardware options. This will help you provide your clients with the best options for their space and budget. Additionally, you should have knowledge of measuring and installation techniques to ensure a professional finish. Finally, it's crucial to build relationships with reliable fabric and hardware suppliers to ensure quality products for your clients.

Tips for Aspiring Soft Furnishing Designers

If you're interested in becoming a soft furnishing designer and working in the industry, here are some tips to get you started:

• Get educated: Consider taking a course or program that focuses on soft furnishings, interior textiles, and window treatments. This will give you a solid foundation in the industry and help you develop the skills you need to succeed.
• Develop your design style: Take the time to develop your own unique design style. Study current trends, experiment with different fabrics and textures, and develop your own signature style.
• Build your portfolio: Start building a portfolio of your work. This can include sketches, mood boards, and photos of finished products. Make sure your portfolio showcases your design style and technical skills.
• Network with industry professionals: Attend trade shows, conferences, and other industry events to meet other designers, fabric suppliers, and industry professionals. Join online communities and forums to connect with others in the industry.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends: Keep up-to-date on the latest trends, fabrics, and technologies in the industry. Subscribe to industry publications, follow industry leaders on social media, and attend industry events to stay informed.
• Build relationships with fabric suppliers: Build relationships with fabric suppliers and manufacturers. This will give you access to a wide range of fabrics and ensure you have the resources you need to bring your designs to life.

While this article has given you a solid foundation on what it takes to start a curtain business, there’s still so much more to learn. Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive even deeper into the world of curtain business, and give you more tips and tricks to make your business stand out from the rest.

But for now, take the first step and book your very own demonstration of the software and find more about the InterioApp. It will save you so much time and energy that you can invest in making your business unique and creative. Our software is designed to simplify the process of curtain calculation, fabric selection, and ordering, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your business.

So sign up for our free demo call, and let us show you how InterioApp can help you achieve your business goals. With InterioApp, the sky’s the limit!