Your Kravet Fabric Questions, Answered by Someone Who's Actually Handled Rush Orders

So you’re looking at Kravet fabrics. Let’s get straight to the point.

I’ve spent the last several years coordinating rush orders for commercial and residential design projects. When a client calls on a Tuesday needing a custom sofa reupholstered by Friday for a photo shoot, I’m the one figuring out if it’s even possible. That means I’ve learned the hard way which questions actually matter when you’re picking a fabric, a pillow, a rug, or a roll of microfiber cloths. This isn’t a marketing brochure. This is the stuff I wish every buyer asked before they pulled the trigger.

Below are the real questions I get. Let’s dive in.

1. Is Kravet fabric actually “luxury,” or is that just marketing?

Honestly? It depends on the line. Kravet has a huge range. Their Kravet Couture collection is legitimately luxury-grade—think finer weaves, higher thread counts, and materials you’d find in a high-end hotel. But they also have contract-grade performance fabrics that are built to take a beating in a busy lobby.

Here’s the distinction I make: if you’re comparing by price per yard, the luxury lines usually run $80–$150+ per yard (you’ll see these in their showroom collections). The contract and performance fabrics hover more in the $40–$80 range. Both are high quality. The difference is in the hand feel, the drape, and the long-term wear pattern. For a sofa that gets daily use in a family room, a mid-range performance fabric is often the smarter buy than the most expensive velvet. (I learned that one after a client’s expensive velvet sofa showed wear within 18 months—not the fabric’s fault, just the wrong application.)

So yes, the luxury label is real, but it’s not necessary for every project.

2. What’s the deal with Kravet ikat fabric? Is it just a trend?

Kravet ikat fabric has been a staple for years now, and it’s not going anywhere soon. Ikat is a dyeing technique that creates that slightly blurry, hand-drawn look. Kravet’s versions are particularly good because the pattern clarity stays consistent even on upholstered curves.

Here’s a thing I’ve noticed: clients often assume ikat is only for bohemian or tropical spaces. That’s a misconception. In 2024, I specified a Kravet ikat in a navy-and-ivory colorway for a modern office lounge. It worked because the pattern was small-scale and the colors were subdued. The trick is to avoid the giant, high-contrast patterns if you’re going for something more subtle.

Would I recommend it for a high-traffic sofa? Only if it’s a performance-grade version. The standard ikat weaves can show wear faster on seats. For throw pillows or an accent chair? Absolutely.

3. Where can I actually buy Kravet fabric? (I don’t have a trade account.)

This is the number one question I get, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as I’d like. Kravet is primarily a to-the-trade brand. So you typically need an interior designer or a design firm to buy from them.

But here’s a workaround: many online retailers that stock Kravet fabrics will sell to the public by the yard. Places like Fabricut, DecoratorsBest, and YardsAndYards often have Kravet inventory and don’t require a trade account. Prices might be slightly above trade wholesale, but it’s usually the best option if you’re a homeowner or a DIYer.

Also, check their showroom locator on kravet.com. You can visit a showroom in person, and they’ll sometimes sell sample swatches directly. Getting a swatch is critical—seriously, don’t skip this step. Colors on a monitor are never accurate.

4. Are Kravet pillows worth the price?

A Kravet pillow (like a 20x20 down-filled square) will cost you anywhere from $150 to $400 retail. Is that a lot for a pillow? Yes. Is it worth it? Depends on what you value.

In my experience, the difference is the fill and the cover construction. Kravet pillows use a high-quality down-and-feather blend that holds its shape much longer than cheaper polyfill. The covers also have French seams and hidden zippers, so they look polished even when you unzip them. I’ve had clients buy cheap pillows that went flat in six months. Kravet pillows can last years if you fluff them regularly.

But here’s my honest take: if you’re going to use them in a high-abuse setting (kids, pets, heavy leaning), you’re better off with a performance velvet or a Crypton fabric cover. The down fill is luxurious, but it’s also delicate. For a living room that’s more “lived in,” I’d recommend the performance options.

5. How do I find linen bed skirts that actually fit my bed?

Ah, the linen bed skirt problem. It’s surprisingly tricky. Standard sizes don’t always match reality because bed frame heights vary.

A few hard-earned tips:

• Measure your drop length, not the length of the fabric. You want the skirt to barely touch the floor, not puddle. Typical drop lengths are 14”, 16”, or 20”. If your bed frame is taller, you may need a custom size.
• Linen shrinks. Wash cold, gentle cycle, then hang dry. Pre-washing before installation is recommended.
• Check the platform. Some linen bed skirts are split (easier to remove), others are wrap-around (more tailored look). I prefer split for easy access to under-bed storage.

Kravet’s linen bed skirts are nice because the fabric is heavier than average, so it hangs well without looking too stiff. But they aren’t cheap. If budget is a concern, consider a cotton-linen blend from a brand like Ballard Designs or Pottery Barn. Not as luxurious, but still good quality.

6. What is a solid viscose rug, and how do I care for it?

A solid viscose rug (like a solid color viscose rug from Kravet) is a rug made entirely from viscose fiber. Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. It’s known for its silky sheen and incredibly soft feel—think the texture of artificial silk.

Here’s the catch: viscose is not durable. It stains easily, wears down under heavy foot traffic, and can’t handle moisture well. I’ve seen clients buy a beautiful solid viscose rug for a dining room and regret it after one red wine spill.

If you want one, place it in a low-traffic area—a bedroom, a formal sitting room, or a home office where you don’t eat. And you must vacuum it without a beater bar. Use a suction-only setting. Professional cleaning every 1-2 years is a must.

Oh, and that sheen? It’s beautiful, but it shows every footstep and vacuum mark. (Should mention: I’ve had clients complain about that. It’s not a defect—it’s the nature of the fiber.)

7. Where do I get microfibers cloths for cleaning my upholstery? (Is that even a thing?)

You’re asking about where to get microfiber cloths—but I think you mean microfibers as in the cleaning cloths, right? Because microfiber fabrics for upholstery is a whole different conversation.

If you want microfiber cloths for cleaning your Kravet upholstery (like spot-cleaning a Crypton fabric sofa), you’ll want a plush, lint-free microfiber cloth. You can buy these almost anywhere: Amazon, Home Depot, Target, or dedicated cleaning supply stores. Look for “25-pack Kirkland microfiber towels” or “Yimara microfiber detail cloths.”

But if you meant microfibers as in the fabric type for upholstery—like a microfiber velvet—then you’re better off looking at performance fabrics from brands like Crypton, Sunbrella, or Kravet’s own performance collection. Microfiber upholstery is out of fashion right now (it’s often too plasticky and attracts lint), so most designers steer clear of it.

8. One thing most people miss about ordering Kravet fabrics: lead times.

Based on my experience with 200+ rush jobs in the last two years, here’s a number that matters: Kravet’s standard lead time is 2-4 weeks for stocked items. For custom pieces (custom colors or special weaves), it can be 8-12 weeks. If you need it faster, rush delivery is available—but you’ll pay a premium of about 25-50% over standard pricing, plus shipping.

In March 2024, I had a client who needed 30 yards of a specific Kravet contract velvet for a hotel lobby renovation. The standard lead time was 3 weeks. The client’s construction schedule was already delayed. We paid the rush fee (an extra $600 on a $2,800 order) and got it in 5 business days. The alternative was a $12,000 penalty for delaying the project opening. So the rush fee was worth it. Barely.

That said, if you don’t have to rush, don’t. The standard shipping is reliable. Rushing is for when you have no other option.

Bottom line: order samples first, check lead times before you commit, and never assume something is in stock. Call the showroom and ask.