Kravet Fabrics: Where to Find High-End Textiles in South Carolina

What Kravet Fabrics Sells and Where to Buy It in South Carolina

Kravet is a New York–based textile manufacturer that produces upholstery, drapery, and decorative fabrics sold through design showrooms and select retailers rather than directly to consumers. In South Carolina, you can view and purchase Kravet fabrics through interior design showrooms in Charleston and Columbia, as well as through independent fabric retailers that carry the line. The company is known for high-quality weaves, patterns ranging from traditional to contemporary, and price points that reflect commercial-grade construction.

Kravet fabrics are typically not stocked on open shelves for walk-in browsing. Instead, you order through a designer, architect, or showroom professional who has access to the full catalog and can order samples or yardage. This structure means you'll need to visit a showroom or work with a design professional to see the collection in person and place an order.

Key Takeaways

• Kravet fabrics are sold through design showrooms and professional retailers in South Carolina, not through consumer retail stores.
• You can view samples and order fabric by visiting a showroom in Charleston or Columbia, or by working with an interior designer or decorator who carries the line.
• Kravet produces upholstery, drapery, and decorative fabrics in a wide range of patterns, colors, and weaves at mid-to-high price points.
• Most showrooms require an appointment or allow walk-in browsing during business hours; calling ahead ensures someone is available to help you navigate the catalog.

Kravet Showrooms and Retailers in Charleston

Charleston's design district, centered around King Street and the surrounding blocks, is home to several showrooms that carry Kravet fabrics. These spaces cater to designers, architects, and homeowners working with design professionals. Showroom staff can pull samples, discuss fiber content and durability, and explain the difference between Kravet's various collections—such as their performance fabrics designed for high-traffic upholstery or their decorative weaves for drapery and accent pieces.

If you are working with a local interior designer or decorator, ask whether they have a Kravet account. Many design professionals maintain relationships with showrooms and can order samples or yardage on your behalf, sometimes with professional pricing. Visiting a showroom in person allows you to see how colors and textures look in natural light and to feel the weight and hand of the fabric before committing to an order.

Kravet Showrooms and Retailers in Columbia

Columbia's design community also maintains access to Kravet through showrooms and design-focused retailers. The showroom environment in Columbia operates similarly to Charleston: you view samples, discuss your project needs, and place orders through the showroom. Staff can advise on fabric performance ratings, care instructions, and whether a particular weave suits upholstery, drapery, or decorative use.

If you are planning a renovation or redecorating project and want to explore Kravet's options, contacting a Columbia showroom directly will give you the most current information about available collections and any special orders or discontinued patterns. Many showrooms also carry complementary lines, so you may find coordinating fabrics from other manufacturers in the same space.

Understanding Kravet's Fabric Categories and Performance Ratings

Kravet organizes its fabrics into several categories based on intended use and performance. Upholstery fabrics are engineered to withstand repeated use and are rated by durability standards such as double rubs—a measure of how many times a fabric can be rubbed before showing wear. Drapery fabrics are designed to hang and drape well, often with different weight and hand than upholstery. Decorative fabrics may be used for pillows, wall coverings, or accents where durability is less critical than aesthetic impact.

Kravet also produces performance fabrics treated to resist staining and fading, which is useful in homes with children, pets, or high sunlight exposure. When you visit a showroom, ask the staff to explain the performance rating of any fabric you are considering, especially if it will be used on a sofa or chair in a busy room. The fiber content—whether wool, cotton, polyester, linen, or a blend—also affects durability, cost, and care requirements.

How to Order and What to Expect

Once you have selected a Kravet fabric through a showroom, the ordering process typically involves providing the showroom with your specifications: the pattern name and color, the yardage needed, and any special instructions such as railroading (running the pattern horizontally) or matching repeats. The showroom places the order with Kravet's distribution network, and delivery times vary depending on whether the fabric is in stock or requires a special order from the manufacturer.

Most orders arrive within two to four weeks, though special orders or discontinued patterns may take longer. The showroom will contact you when the fabric arrives and is ready for pickup or delivery. Costs include the fabric itself, any applicable shipping fees, and the showroom's markup. Working with a showroom professional means you have recourse if the fabric arrives damaged or does not match your expectations—the showroom handles the claim with Kravet on your behalf.

Working with an Interior Designer or Decorator

If you do not have a relationship with a showroom, hiring an interior designer or decorator is a common way to access Kravet fabrics. Designers have showroom access, professional pricing, and the expertise to recommend fabrics that suit your space, budget, and lifestyle. They can also coordinate Kravet fabrics with other textiles, furniture, and finishes to create a cohesive design scheme.

Design consultations may be charged hourly, by project fee, or as a percentage of purchases. Some designers offer a single consultation to help you select fabrics and finishes, while others manage the entire project from concept through installation. If you are considering this route, ask potential designers about their experience with Kravet, their showroom relationships, and how they structure their fees.

Kravet Fabric Care and Maintenance

Kravet fabrics come with care labels that specify cleaning methods—typically dry cleaning, professional upholstery cleaning, or spot cleaning with mild soap and water, depending on the fiber and finish. Performance fabrics may allow more aggressive cleaning than delicate weaves. Before using any cleaning product on a Kravet fabric, test it on a hidden area or a sample swatch to ensure it does not cause discoloration or damage.

For upholstered pieces, regular vacuuming with an upholstery attachment helps prevent dirt and dust from settling into the weave. For drapery, occasional vacuuming or gentle brushing keeps the fabric fresh. If a stain occurs, blot rather than rub, and address it promptly—the sooner you treat a stain, the better the chance of removing it completely. Your showroom or designer can recommend professional cleaners in the Charleston or Columbia area who specialize in high-end textiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Kravet fabric online and have it shipped to my home?

Kravet does not sell directly to consumers online. You must order through an authorized showroom or design professional. Some showrooms have websites where you can browse the catalog and request samples, but the actual purchase happens through the showroom. This structure protects the quality and pricing of the line.

What is the difference between Kravet and other high-end fabric brands?

Kravet is known for consistent quality, a broad range of patterns and colors, and commercial-grade durability. Other brands like Scalamandré, Lee Jofa, and Brunschwig & Fils occupy similar market positions. The choice often comes down to the specific patterns and colors available, the showroom's inventory, and your designer's preference.

Do I need an interior designer to buy Kravet fabric?

No. You can visit a showroom directly and order fabric yourself. However, a designer can help you select fabrics that coordinate with your existing décor, advise on durability for your specific use, and manage the ordering and installation process. Many people find this guidance valuable, especially for large or expensive projects.

How much does Kravet fabric typically cost?

Kravet fabrics range widely in price depending on fiber content, pattern complexity, and performance features. Basic cotton weaves may cost less per yard than wool blends or performance-treated fabrics. Prices also vary by showroom and any professional discounts. Ask the showroom for pricing on specific patterns you are considering.

Can I order a sample before committing to yardage?

Yes. Most showrooms offer sample swatches or small cuts so you can see how the fabric looks in your space and under your lighting. Some showrooms charge a small fee for samples, which may be credited toward your purchase if you order yardage. Requesting samples is a standard part of the ordering process.