Starting solely with awnings, Sunbrella soon branched out and began designing boat tops, sail covers and marine upholstery using its advanced grade fabrics. Today, Sunbrella is the leading fabric choice for power boaters and sailors who appreciate the quality and durability of the fabric.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that Sunbrella considered using its advanced technology fabrics for home furniture. Sunbrella was asked by furniture manufacturers to take their fabric formula of high performance awning fabric with the look and feel of cotton and apply it to outdoor furniture. If it could work for awnings and boat covers, then why not patio chairs and loungers?
Vinyl was the top fabric for outdoor furniture at the time and Sunbrella would be entering a highly competitive marketplace. However, with the confidence gained from their success in other industries, the Sunbrella team began with umbrellas and furniture cushions that had the look of an indoor fabric with the performance of a high-grade outdoor material. It didn’t take long for furniture makers who had relied on vinyl to quickly transition to Sunbrella.
In the 2000s, Sunbrella would continue its advancement and thanks to intricate jacquard weaving, innovative yarn constructions and advanced fabric finishes, the design and manufacturing teams at many furniture makers created fabrics that would match the look and feel of fine interior fabrics. Now, in addition to deck and poolside furniture, Sunbrella fabrics can be found in the everyday décor of living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and bathrooms.
Contact us today to learn more about the brands that use Sunbrella fabrics and where to find their products. Our showroom in West Hartford gives you the chance to see and feel for yourself why so many brands continue to use Sunbrella fabrics.
