Kravet Fabrics: 7 FAQs for Office Administrators Who Handle Upholstery Procurement

Everything You Need to Know About Kravet – From an Admin Buyer Who Orders It

I'm the office administrator for a 50-person architecture & design firm. I manage all fabric and textile orders for our hospitality projects—roughly $200K annually across 8 vendors. In 2021, when I took over procurement, I knew nothing about upholstery. I learned the hard way what works and what doesn't.

Here are the questions I wish someone had answered before my first big Kravet order.

1. Is Kravet Bedding Different From Their Contract Upholstery Fabrics?

Yes—and don't mix them up. Kravet Bedding is a separate line designed specifically for mattresses, pillows, and toppers. It's softer, often has moisture-wicking properties, and isn't built for the abrasion resistance you need on seating. (Note to self: always verify the end-use before ordering.)

I once ordered a gorgeous velvet from the main upholstery collection for a client's headboard. It looked amazing. Then the client complained about pilling within three months. The fabric was never intended for daily rubbing. Simple mistake. Costly redo.

2. What Is Kravet Smart Fabric – And Is It Worth the Premium?

Kravet Smart Fabric is a performance-enhanced textile that resists stains, moisture, and bacteria. It's essentially Crypton or Sunbrella technology under Kravet's branding. For contract settings—hotels, waiting rooms, trade show booths—it's a godsend.

But here's the nuance (and the thing I overlooked): Smart Fabric doesn't mean bulletproof. It repels liquid spills, but not all chemicals. And it can't withstand heavy abrasion forever. The premium is justified when you expect spills or high traffic. For a private conference room where drinks are banned? Overkill. To be fair, the sales rep warned me. I didn't listen. (ugh.)

3. How Do You Actually Clean a Velvet Couch Without Ruining It?

This is the #1 question I get from my VP of Operations. The short answer: gentle vacuum + professional steam cleaning only. Never use chemical cleaners at home unless the fabric is specifically labeled as cleanable.

Hear my mistake: A vendor suggested a $25 spray for spot cleaning. I passed the recommendation to the maintenance team. Three weeks later, the velvet had a faded ring where they'd scrubbed. Cost to replace the panel: $480. (Note to self: always test on a swatch first.)

Per Kravet's care guide, most velvets are dry-clean or professional clean only. The 'how to clean velvet couch' advice from generic blogs often ignores the specific finish and backing of contract-grade fabrics. Simple rule: if it's not labeled water-safe, keep it dry.

4. Should I Consider India Textile Manufacturing for Kravet Orders?

Interesting question—and one most decorators don't ask. Kravet sources some of its woven goods from India. The quality can be excellent, especially for heavy cotton and linen blends. But not all Indian mills are equal.

I visited a supplier in Gujarat in 2023. They produced beautiful jacquards at 30% lower cost than domestic mills. But their lead times were unpredictable (6–12 weeks) and communication gaps were real. I said 'standard quality AQL 4.0.' They heard 'acceptable quality level 4.0 for visual defects only.' Result: received 20% with minor weaving flaws that wouldn't pass for our hospitality clients. Communication failure, plain and simple.

My take: India manufacturing can be a great option if you invest in on-site inspection and clear specifications. But don't assume 'made in India' means cheaper and just as good—it's a different process. Kravet's own India-sourced lines go through their quality control, but third-party sourcing is riskier.

5. How Reliable Are Recyclable Textile Material Claims from Kravet?

Kravet has introduced several recyclable and recycled-content fabrics (like their Re:Vive collection). But the term 'recyclable' is slippery. Per FTC Green Guides (ftc.gov/green-guides), a product can only be called 'recyclable' if recycling facilities are available to at least 60% of consumers. For upholstery fabric, that's rarely true—most municipal recycling won't take textiles mixed with foam or backing.

When I specs a 'recyclable' fabric for a client, I now add a disclaimer: 'This fabric is technically recyclable through specialized programs, not curbside bins.' Kravet's website is transparent about this, but the sales sheet often omits the fine print. So my recommendation: ask for the recycling program details. If they can't provide a take-back process, the claim is more marketing than substance.

That said, Kravet's recycled polyester options do use post-consumer waste, which is a genuine environmental benefit. Just don't expect to toss it in your blue bin later.

6. What's the Biggest Misconception About Kravet Performance Fabrics?

That they're 'indestructible.' I hear this from junior designers all the time. The truth: Kravet's Crypton and Sunbrella lines are extremely durable, but they have limits. A stain-resistant fabric won't stop bleach or harsh solvents. A high-abrasion fabric (Wyzenbeek 100,000+ double rubs) still can't handle heavy scissors or sharp edge contacts.

The most dangerous phrase is 'just use Smart Fabric and you won't have to worry.' That's oversimplification. I learned it when a client spilled red wine on a Sunbrella sample—it wiped off clean, but left a faint pink tint that required professional cleaning. The fabric didn't fail. My expectation did.

Moral of the story: performance fabric reduces risk. It doesn't eliminate maintenance.

7. Is Kravet's Luxury Line Right for Every Commercial Project?

No, and it shouldn't be. Kravet's high-end collections (like Lee Jofa, Groundworks) are stunning. But they're often not built for heavy contract use. I once specified a silk-blend for a boutique hotel lobby. The designer loved it. The hotel manager hated it after six months of fading and fraying.

My rule now: if the project has daily public traffic, stick to Kravet's contract-rated performance lines. Save the luxury silks and delicate weaves for executive offices or low-traffic VIP suites. I'd rather work with a specialist who knows their limits than a generalist who overpromises. Kravet's team can guide you—just be honest about the use case.

One final piece of advice: always order physical swatches before a bulk purchase. Photos and descriptions lie. (I learned this the hard way when a 'denim blue' turned out navy.) Good luck, and may your procurement be flawless.