Designer Home Fabrics Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ

How do I get a swatch of one of your fabrics?
Swatches are available for all of our fabrics, leather and vinyl for a fee of $1.50 per swatch with a limit of ten swatches per order. Typical swatch size is 6 inches by 9 inches but on larger patterns we may send an 8 inch by 10 inch swatch. By default, swatches ship via US Mail, but you may request expedited shipping at a slight additional cost.

The fabric I received is a slightly different shade than the swatch I ordered.
This is normal to occur. Dye lots do occasionally vary from roll-to-roll of fabric. If dye lot must be an exact match, we suggest you inquire with your customer service representative.

Product Images

Can I get additional pictures of one of your fabrics?
If you would like an additional picture of one of our fabrics, feel free to call (800)-733-0113 or send an e-mail to sales@designerhomefabrics.com.

Why does the swatch I received look different from what I saw online?
We make every effort to provide images that closely represent the fabric and trim colors. However, due to all the possible variants - (light source, our monitor, your monitor, etc.) - we cannot guarantee that the images shown accurately represent the fabric's true colors. Please take this into consideration if you are trying to coordinate colors.
We are happy to provide additional images if requested. Also we always recommend requesting a swatch and viewing it in the room in which you plan on using it to ensure that your selection is right for you.

Reorderable Goods

I want to order more yards then you have in stock, what should I do?
Over 99% of our inventory is re-orderable and, while we try to maintain good stock, occasionally we may not have enough material on hand to fill your order! If you need more yardage than what we have on hand, customer service will be happy to place a backorder and contact you when the fabric arrives. For larger orders, we may require a small deposit for this service.
Additionally, you may order more yardage than we have on hand at any time during the checkout process. We will contact you via e-mail the next business day with a backorder date.

Closeouts

Do you have any closeout fabrics available for purchase?
We have items available at a significant discount from time to time in our closeout section of the site. These typically represent last-of-a-kind items that have been discontinued by the manufacturer. As a result, these deals are limited to our inventory on hand.

Ordering

Minimum Orders

What is the minimum amount I must order?
Order only what you need. Our minimum order is 1/8 of a yard for fabric and vinyl and 1/2 hide for leather.
Order only what you want. You may find it worthwhile to order more or combine orders in order to make the shipping costs worthwhile.
Also, we always suggest that you order a little more than you think is necessary. Sometimes, due to pattern repeat or unexpected circumstances, you may need more than your original estimate. While nearly all of our items are re-orderable, on occasion we may be out of stock, dye lots may change or an item may be discontinued. Since our prices are already substantially discounted, make sure you order enough to do the job.

How will my order be filled?

Will my fabric be shipped in one piece?
Most fabrics are shipped in one continuous piece. On larger orders, anything over fifteen yards, it is possible that you may receive two or more pieces. If this is the case, you will be contacted via e-mail prior to shipping and an allowance for additional yardage will be made to cover any seams.

Price-Matching

I found a price for the same item at another site online. Will you match that price?
We believe that our pricing, far below retail, represents a fair price and good value. For that reason, we choose to maintain our own pricing without "price matching".

Privacy Policy/Security

Will you sell or share my email address or other personal information with anyone else?
Simply put, no. We will not sell or share your email address with any other company.

Will you contact me by email?
We will contact you by email from time-to-time with news, money-saving offers and other helpful information. Each email will provide the option to "opt out" of future emails from us. Anytime you would like to "opt out", please feel free to do so or contact us and we'll do the same for you.

Special-Order Items

I didn't see a fabric I was looking for. Can you obtain it for me?
In many cases we can. However, special orders may be subject to minimum order quantities which are beyond our control, and may be subject to a no-returns policy. Check with your customer service representative when inquiring about a special-order fabric.

Changes to Your Order

Can I change my order once I've placed it?
We'll make every effort to help you get exactly what you want. But sometimes your order will be processed and out the door within hours of placing it.

Payment Methods

What types of payment do you accept?
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa or Discover cards. Your credit card will not be charged until the day we actually ship your order. If you would like to pay via PayPal please contact our customer service department.

Do you ship orders by C.O.D.?
No. We cannot ship orders C.O.D.

Shipping

Packaging

How will my fabric be shipped?
Fabric orders typically ship rolled on a rigid cardboard tube, wrapped in a heavy vinyl sleeve for protection. This method ensures that your fabric stays as damage and crease-free as possible.

When Do Orders Ship?

When will my order ship (Monday through Friday)?
All in-stock orders received before 3:00 pm EST Monday through Friday will ship the same day they are received. Orders for in-stock items received after 3:00 pm EST will ship the following business day.

When will my order ship (Weekends)?
Orders placed on weekends or after hours will be shipped on the following business day (Monday through Friday) excluding holidays.

Shipping Methods

What shipping service(s) do you use?
We ship most orders by UPS, but can ship by FedEx. You'll find that our prices for UPS are probably superior to other options.

Do you ship orders COD?
We do not ship orders COD.

Can you arrange for Overnight or Saturday Delivery?
Yes. The shipping companies charge additional fees for these services, but we'll gladly ship your order by this method. Simply select the "Next Day Air Option" when placing your order. If you require Saturday delivery, please contact customer service.

Delivery Times

When will I receive my order?
Depending on where you are located and which warehouse we ship from, your order will take from 1-5 business days to receive. Most orders ship via UPS 2-Day service.

When will my order arrive at my location?
Delivery times vary by your specific location, the delivery truck's route and the package volume. UPS ground and 2-day packages may be delivered any time up 6:00 pm on their day of delivery. UPS Overnight packages will be delivered before 10:00 am.

Returns

Return Policy

I've received the wrong item. What should I do?
Do not cut the item. Please contact us immediately at (800)-733-0113. You may also send an e-mail to sales@designerhomefabrics.com. Please do not cut the fabric as we cannot accept returns which have been cut.

I needed less fabric than I purchased. Can I return the remaining fabric?
Unfortunately not. We suggest that you keep your extra fabric wrapped in its original package in a cool, dry place. You may need it for a repair or later addition to your room. It is very difficult for us to sell short yardage of any fabrics.

Can I return my order if I have changed my mind?
You may return your order within thirty (30) days of the initial purchase if it has not been cut or altered in any way. You will be responsible for return shipping charges plus a restocking charge of twenty-five percent (25%) of the returned portion of the order. Goods which have been cut partially or in total, sewn, treated or altered in any way may not be returned.

Damaged Goods

What do I do if my order arrives damaged?
If you experience a problem with any of our shipments, please contact customer service at (800)-733-0113. You may also send an e-mail to sales@designerhomefabrics.com.

Cut Fabrics

Can I return a fabric which has been cut?
Unfortunately no. We cannot accept returns for fabric which has been cut.

Special Orders

Can I return a special-ordered fabric?
Special order fabrics may be subject to a no-returns policy. Check with your customer service representative when inquiring about a special-order fabric.

Credits

I've returned fabric to you. How and when will I receive my refund/credit?
Refunds or credits will be issued against the original form of payment only. Refunds and credits take approximately 24 to 48 hours to be processed.

Claims

I'm having a problem with a fabric I purchased previously. What should I do?
Please contact customer service at (800)-733-0113. You may also send an e-mail to sales@designerhomefabrics.com . A customer service representative will assist you.

Fabric Info

General Information

How do I get more information about one of your fabrics?
Our customer service staff is more than happy to help with any additional questions you may have! Feel free to call (800)-733-0113 or send an e-mail to sales@designerhomefabrics.com.

What are the dimensions of your fabrics?
Most home decorative fabrics and vinyls are 54" wide. On occasion, items will be slightly wider or narrower. We provide this information on every product page so you can plan your project accordingly. Length, is of course, up to you.

Glossary

I don't understand some of the terms used to describe the fabrics.
See our Glossary page for detailed information on all fabric, vinyl and leather terms.

Railroading/Up the Roll

What does "product shown railroaded" mean?
Product shown railroaded means when the picture of the fabric was taken, the fabric was turned on its side and the selvege (frayed ends at the edges of the fabric) was running top to bottom as opposed to left to right. Many upholstery fabrics are railroaded in order to allow for continuous repetition of the pattern, especially, for example, across the back of a wide sofa.

For example, picture a roll of striped paper towels. If railroaded, the stripes would run side-to-side across each sheet of towels. "Railroaded" is the opposite of "up the roll".

What does "up the roll" mean?
Up the roll is the opposite of "railroaded". Most drapery fabrics have patterns which run up the roll in order to permit lengths of more than 54" without a horizontal seam.
This is the standard way to show a fabric, pictured as it would be seen coming off the roll.
For example, picture a roll of striped paper towels. If up-the-roll, the stripes would run up and down, continuously along the length of the roll.

click here for visual explanation

Leather Info

Leather Hides

What is the minimum order for leather?
The minimum order for leather is one half-hide. Hide sizes vary by style, ranging anywhere from 10 to over 60 square feet. This information is listed for each product.

How large is a leather hide?
Leather hides vary greatly in size from product to product and even from hide to hide. However, the most typical size of a cowhide is approximately 45-50 square feet. The useable area of a typical hide is approximately 62 inches x 67 inches. On the other hand, true suedes, cut from only the thickest part of the hide, will only measure approximately 18 square feet. Each product page provides an average hide size so you will know exactly what you need. If you have any questions, feel free to ask our staff.

The average hide size is listed at 50 square feet for my product, but I need no less than 50 square feet. How can I be certain I'll get 50 square feet?
Don't worry. Since we stock our leather hides, we can select the hide that works best for you. Just call or email us with your request and we'll work with you to get the exact hide you need.

I know how many yards of fabric I need. How does this translate to leather?
A 50 square foot hide is roughly equivalent to three yards of 54" fabric. One yard of fabric equals approximately 17 square feet of leather.

My leather hide has marks on it. Is it defective?
Leather is a product of nature. Like anything natural, leather is not always perfect - it will have markings that are considered nature's signature. Like all natural things, each hide is unique and bears characteristics which elevate its natural beauty above that of manufactured product.

Why is leather so expensive?

process of making leather is a time and labor-intensive process, and thus is costly. Although the initial cost may be higher, leather may be a better value than any fabric:
It never goes out of style; It wears longer; It's appearance improves with age; and it is easy to maintain. In the end, it will outlast any fabric, giving you value for generations.

Leather comes from animal hides. Did "Bessie" die to make my ottoman?
No. Leather is a byproduct of the meat industry. No animals are used strictly for leather. As long as anyone eats meat, here or anywhere, there will be hides available for leather. In fact, it can be a more ecologically sound choice than synthetic fabrics, which are made from petroleum products. Leather is a natural product.

Estimating Your Fabric Needs

Yardage Chart

How much fabric will it take to complete my furniture or drapes?
This chart may provide you a quick reference and starting point. We do suggest however that you check with your drapery or upholstery professional prior to ordering. Different styles of upholstering (tufting, pleats) and different fabric constructions or designs will affect the amount of fabric you will need. If ordering for a do-it-yourself job, please order more than you think you'll need. Save any extra for repairs later on.

click here to view the yardage chart

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