96 District Fabrics: A Fabric Store in Columbia's Design District

What 96 District Fabrics Offers

96 District Fabrics is a fabric retailer located in Columbia's Design District, the neighborhood along Devine Street where interior designers, architects, and home furnishing shops cluster. The store carries upholstery fabrics, drapery materials, and decorative textiles for both residential and commercial projects. You can browse in person, handle samples, and get advice from staff who work with designers and homeowners alike.

The store's inventory leans toward mid-range and designer-quality fabrics rather than budget basics. You'll find natural fibers like linen and cotton, blends, and performance fabrics designed to resist staining and wear. The selection changes seasonally, and the store often stocks patterns and colors that align with current interior design trends.

Key Takeaways

• 96 District Fabrics is in Columbia's Design District on Devine Street, where you can walk to other home furnishing and design shops.
• The store carries upholstery, drapery, and decorative fabrics at mid-range to designer price points, with an emphasis on quality and durability.
• You can purchase fabric by the yard for DIY projects or bring samples to match with existing décor and furniture.
• Staff can advise on fabric performance, care, and suitability for specific uses like high-traffic seating or window treatments.

Location and Hours

The store sits in the Design District, a walkable area of Columbia where interior designers maintain showrooms and fabric suppliers operate alongside furniture shops and home décor retailers. This location makes it convenient if you're already visiting other design resources or working with a designer who has a studio nearby.

Before visiting, confirm current hours by calling ahead or checking the store's contact information, as retail hours can shift seasonally or for special events. The Design District itself is accessible during standard business hours, and street parking is typically available along Devine Street.

What to Bring When You Visit

If you're upholstering a piece of furniture or recovering a chair, bring measurements of the area you need to cover. For drapery projects, bring window measurements and any existing hardware samples. If you're matching fabric to existing décor, bring paint chips, photos of your space, or small samples of colors and patterns you want to coordinate with.

Bringing a fabric swatch or photo of your furniture helps staff recommend suitable materials. If you're working with a designer, they may already have accounts with the store and can place orders on your behalf, sometimes with professional pricing.

Fabric Types and Uses

Upholstery fabrics at 96 District Fabrics range from traditional woven materials to performance textiles engineered to resist spills and fading. Natural fibers like linen and cotton offer classic looks but require more careful maintenance. Synthetic blends and solution-dyed acrylics hold up better in homes with pets or children and are easier to clean.

Drapery fabrics include lightweight sheers for privacy and light filtering, medium-weight materials for standard curtains, and heavy blackout fabrics for bedrooms or media rooms. Decorative textiles for pillows, wall hangings, and accent pieces round out the selection. Staff can explain the difference between fabrics suited for high-traffic seating versus occasional-use pieces, and which materials work best in direct sunlight.

Pricing and Yardage

Fabric prices vary widely depending on fiber content, brand, and design. Designer fabrics and performance materials cost more than basic cotton blends. The store sells fabric by the yard, so you pay only for what you need. Most upholstery projects require anywhere from 2 to 8 yards depending on the piece size and pattern repeat; drapery yardage depends on window width and desired fullness.

Ask staff to calculate yardage for your specific project before you purchase. Buying slightly extra accounts for pattern matching, shrinkage, or mistakes during installation. Some fabrics are ordered to stock, while others may require a special order with a lead time of one to three weeks.

Design District Context

The Design District is Columbia's hub for interior design resources. Beyond 96 District Fabrics, the neighborhood includes furniture showrooms, lighting galleries, paint suppliers, and design studios where professionals work with residential and commercial clients. If you're planning a room renovation or furnishing a new space, spending an afternoon in the district lets you compare options across multiple shops and gather inspiration.

Many Design District businesses cater to both designers and the general public, though some showrooms operate by appointment or require a designer introduction. 96 District Fabrics welcomes walk-in customers, making it an accessible entry point if you're new to the neighborhood and want to explore what's available.

Working with a Designer or Upholsterer

If you're having furniture professionally upholstered or working with an interior designer, they often have established relationships with fabric suppliers and may purchase at professional rates. Some designers maintain accounts at 96 District Fabrics and can order on your behalf. This can streamline the process and sometimes offer pricing advantages.

If you're selecting fabric independently, staff at the store can answer questions about durability, cleaning, and suitability for your project. They can also recommend upholsterers or fabricators in the Columbia area if you need referrals for installation or custom work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order fabric online or by phone?

Contact the store directly to ask about phone or online ordering options. Some fabric retailers offer remote ordering, while others prefer in-person visits so you can see and feel the material before purchasing. Staff can describe fabrics over the phone and may be able to mail samples if you're unable to visit in person.

Do you carry fabric from specific designers or brands?

The store carries a rotating selection of mid-range and designer fabrics, but inventory changes seasonally. Call ahead to ask whether they stock a particular brand or pattern you're looking for, or visit to see what's currently in stock.

What's the difference between upholstery and drapery fabric?

Upholstery fabrics are woven tightly to withstand repeated sitting, rubbing, and contact with skin and clothing. Drapery fabrics are lighter and more fluid, designed to hang and move. Using drapery fabric on a chair or sofa will wear out quickly; upholstery fabric works for curtains but may hang stiffly. Staff can help you choose the right weight and weave for your project.

How much fabric do I need for my project?

Yardage depends on the size of the piece, the width of the fabric, and whether the pattern requires matching. Bring measurements to the store, and staff can calculate how much you need. It's standard practice to buy 10 to 15 percent extra to account for pattern matching and installation mistakes.

Can you recommend an upholsterer?

Staff at 96 District Fabrics work regularly with local upholsterers and fabricators and can often provide referrals. They may also know which upholsterers are experienced with specific fabric types or techniques, which is helpful if you're working with a delicate or specialty material.