Can You Use Outdoor Fabric for Indoor Projects?

When You Can Use Outdoor Fabric Indoors

Outdoor fabrics can be a great choice for certain indoor applications, particularly decorative accents. These include:

• Throw pillows
• Lampshades
• Curtains
• Craft projects

These types of projects don’t experience the same daily wear and tear as upholstered furniture, so outdoor fabrics perform just as well as indoor fabrics in these applications.

When You Shouldn’t Use Outdoor Fabric Indoors

For upholstered furniture and cushions, woven outdoor fabrics are generally not recommended. Upholstery fabrics need to withstand constant use and tension. Many outdoor fabrics lack the necessary durability for everyday seating, leading to premature wear or stretching.

This may seem surprising — after all, outdoor fabrics are designed to endure the elements. However, consider how often you use your patio furniture compared to your indoor sofa. Outdoor fabrics are rated for "occasional use," whereas indoor upholstery fabrics are engineered for daily wear and tear.

Key Differences Between Indoor & Outdoor Fabrics

Manufacturers design most decorative outdoor fabrics for intermittent use. Many patio cushions are stored away between uses, meaning outdoor fabric doesn’t need to be as durable as indoor upholstery fabric. Some printed polyester outdoor fabrics may even stretch or fade over time with heavy use, though the fabric itself remains structurally intact.

If you want a seamless look between your indoor and outdoor spaces, consider using an indoor/outdoor performance fabric. These fabrics are specially designed to handle both environments. Some top choices available at Sailrite include:

Woven Fabrics: Outdura®, Sunbrella® Upholstery and SunRite™.

Faux Leather Upholstery: EverSoft™, Ultraleather® Summit and Coast, and Morbern™ Bayside.

Click here to read our blog about performance fabrics.

Making the Right Fabric Choice

Understanding the strengths and limitations of outdoor fabrics will help you select the right material for your next project. If you need more guidance, check out these helpful resources:

"A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Upholstery Fabric" — Learn what makes a fabric durable for upholstery applications.

"How to Choose an Outdoor Fabric" — Find the best outdoor fabric for your needs.

By choosing the right fabric for the job, you’ll ensure that your DIY project looks great and lasts for years to come!