How to Order Kravet Fabric Samples (And Why You're Probably Doing It Wrong)

If you're a designer or procurement specialist working on a commercial or high-end residential project, you know the drill. You need to see and feel the fabric before you specify it. Kravet has one of the most extensive libraries in the industry, but getting the right Kravet fabric samples—fast, and without the headache—is a skill. Most people make it harder than it needs to be.

I've been coordinating rush orders for a high-volume B2B interior design firm for the last four years. In my role, a stalled project because of a delayed sample is a direct hit to our deadline. Based on our internal data from over 200 rush jobs, here's a straight-forward checklist to get your Kravet samples right, every time.

This is a 4-step process. Follow it, and you'll cut down on order errors and the dreaded "wrong color in person" reveal.

Step 1: Don't Just Search the Collection—Use the Right Filter First

Most people's first instinct is to go to the Kravet website and search for a color or a pattern name. That's fine for browsing, but it's inefficient for ordering samples. The single biggest mistake I see is requesting a sample of a fabric that is out of stock or discontinued, which burns a week of your timeline.

Before you even click "Request Sample," use the website's filters to check inventory status. Look for the fields that say "In Stock" or "Lead Time." Kravet is a massive distributor, but their stock levels change daily. I'm not 100% sure, but I think a lot of designers don't realize you can filter by inventory position directly on the product page.

The 'always check stock first' advice ignores the nuance of contract-grade fabrics. For Kravet contract fabric, the stock might be in a different warehouse than their residential line. So, filter for stock at the specific distribution center that serves your region. This one step saved us from a $12,000 project delay in March 2024 when a client needed a performance velvet for a hotel lobby with a 48-hour turnaround.

Step 2: Know the Difference Between a "Memo" and a "Cut"

This is the most misunderstood part of the process. Kravet, like most major fabric houses, offers two main types of samples: memos and cuts. They are not the same thing.

• Memos: These are small swatches, usually around 4"x6" or 5"x7". They are often free or available for a small deposit that is refundable when you return them. Memos are for initial color and texture checks.
• Cuts: These are larger pieces of fabric, sold by the yard or half-yard. You pay for these. Cuts are for presentation boards, full-scale mock-ups, or when you need to see the drape of a fabric like a Kravet velvet or a heavy drapery.

The trap is thinking you can use a memo for a final presentation or to check the drape. You can't. The assumption is that bigger samples cost more because they're more fabric. The reality is they cost more because they represent a commitment to the supplier that you are serious about spec'ing that fabric. I've seen people try to save $15 on a sample cut, only to order 40 yards of a raffia upholstery fabric that hung completely differently than their memo suggested.

Step 3: Verify Your Shipping Address and B2B Credentials (The Boring But Critical Step)

Kravet operates on a B2B model. You need a trade account (Kravet Inc. login) to get wholesale pricing and to have sample orders processed efficiently. If you're an individual consumer, you can often buy by the yard, but the sample process is different.

Every time we have a problem with a Kravet sample order—and we do, about 5-10% of the time—it's because the shipping address or the account credentials aren't synced. For example, if you place an order under a company account but ship it to a residential address that's not on file, the order will be flagged. According to USPS guidelines (usps.com), they can only deliver to the address you've verified.

This sounds basic, but the third time our receptionist ordered cars bedding samples for a kids' hospital project under the wrong client name, I finally created a verification checklist. Should have done it after the first time. To be fair, Kravet's system is robust, but it's built for a professional workflow, not casual ordering.

Step 4: The "Is This Satin Shiny?" Reality Check

This is the most common question I get: is satin fabric shiny? It's tempting to think you can answer this from a jpeg. But the sheen of a satin weave depends heavily on the fiber content, the finish, and the thread count. A rayon satin vs. a polyester satin vs. a silk satin all look and feel different.

Here's where the process breaks down for most people: they rely on the product description. The 'satin is always shiny' advice ignores the nuance of modern performance textiles. Many contract-grade satins are treated with a matte finish to reduce glare. The only way to know is to get a cut—not a memo—and hold it up next to your light source.

Roughly speaking, 80% of the time a satin fabric will have a noticeable luster. But if you're spec'ing it for a project where a high-sheen look is detrimental (like a corporate boardroom with fluorescent lights), you need to see it in person. I get why people try to shortcut this—time is money. But the delay cost of ordering the wrong 100 yards is far greater than the cost of a $15 sample cut.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering samples on a Friday: Kravet's fulfillment centers are typically closed on weekends. Order Monday-Wednesday for the fastest processing.
• Not returning memos: If you request a memo and don't return it, you might be charged. More importantly, it blocks other designers from seeing that swatch. It's just good professional courtesy.
• Assuming all Kravet showrooms have the same stock: The NYC showroom might have a different inventory level than the Dallas showroom. If you need a specific Kravet blue fabric immediately, call the local showroom to confirm stock before placing the online order.

Pricing as of January 2025; verify current rates at kravet.com. Getting samples right is a small part of the overall project, but it's a non-negotiable first step that sets the tone for everything else. Put this checklist on a sticky note. Your future self will thank you.