Step inside our Buckhead showroom and you’ll understand why Lewis and Sheron has been Atlanta’s destination for exquisite furniture and fine fabrics for decades. From the handcrafted lines of Verellen and Wesley Hall to the curated textures of Lee Industries, every piece tells a story of quality, comfort, and design mastery.
But today, we’re talking about a textile with a story millennia in the making: China silk. It has a unique character that’s about so much more than a pretty sheen. It’s a secret weapon for creating truly luxurious, one-of-a-kind spaces.
From Ancient Dynasties to Buckhead Design
Choosing silk for your home isn’t a trend. It’s an intentional decision, a nod to craftsmanship that feels just as right in a historic Roswell estate as it does in a modern Alpharetta high-rise. You’re not just picking fabric; you’re curating a personal space that feels deeply finished.
This obsession with silk is ancient. Legend traces it to 2700 BCE, when a silkworm cocoon plopped into Empress Leizu's teacup. As she pulled it out, a single, impossibly long thread unraveled.
Oops. An industry was born.
That happy accident sparked the 4,000-mile Silk Road. It became so valuable that Romans traded gold for it. That legacy of artistry and value is woven into our own history, which you can read about in Lewis & Sheron's own four-generation story.
More Than Material. It’s an Experience.
Using silk transforms a room from "decorated" to deeply personal. It gives a house its soul.
Silk doesn’t just cover a pillow or a window; it elevates the entire room. It’s a quiet signal of taste and an investment in beauty that pays dividends in daily delight. This is the secret Atlanta’s top interior designers have known for decades.
Think of this as your backstage pass to one of Atlanta's best design resources. We’ll skip the fluff and get straight to the magic of using these fine fabrics in your home. This journey starts with ancient history and ends right here in our Buckhead showroom—a hub for designers and homeowners from Milton to Marietta.
Not All Silk is Created Equal: Understanding the Weaves
Thinking of silk as one material is like saying all wine tastes the same. The moment you step into our Atlanta fabric showroom and touch the fabrics, you'll see the world of China silk is incredibly diverse.
The secret to a project that wows? Knowing which silk does what.
Forget the textbook definitions. Let’s talk about how these designer fabrics feel in your hand and how they’ll perform in a room. Here are the silks you need to know.
Charmeuse & Chiffon: The Masters of Drape
Want pure, liquid movement? Meet Charmeuse. Famous for its brilliant satin front and dull back, it drapes and flows like nothing else. It’s an absolute dream for luxurious drapery panels that need to catch the light and puddle elegantly on the floor.
Chiffon is its ethereal, whisper-light cousin. It's a sheer, delicate fabric. While too fragile for most solo home decor projects, chiffon is a master of layering. Use it over a heavier drape to soften the look and create a romantic, diffused glow.
Dupioni & Taffeta: The Architects of Structure
Now, for fabrics that hold their shape. Dupioni silk is a client favorite for a reason. Woven from threads spun by two silkworms, it has signature "slubs"—tiny irregularities that scream character. These aren't defects; they’re marks of authenticity.
Dupioni has a crispness that designers love. It’s the go-to for structured draperies, tailored Roman shades, and decorative pillows that need to look sharp, not slumped. It brings body and incredible depth of color to a room.
Taffeta shares that crispness with a more refined finish. Famous for the subtle swoosh it makes, its tight weave creates a faint iridescence. It’s a timeless choice for formal, pleated draperies or for covering a statement accent chair that won't see heavy use. Appreciate these crisp silks? You'll enjoy our guide on the timeless appeal of white silk fabric.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for the China silk fabric types we carry.
A Quick Guide to China Silk Fabric Types
This table compares common China silk fabrics, highlighting their unique textures and best uses in home decor.
| Silk Type | Key Characteristic | Best For Home Decor | Look & Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charmeuse | High-lustre satin face, dull back | Luxurious, puddling drapery; decorative pillows | Liquid-like, fluid, incredibly soft |
| Chiffon | Sheer, lightweight, and delicate | Layering in window treatments; decorative accents | Ethereal, translucent, slightly rough matte feel |
| Dupioni | Crisp hand with noticeable "slubs" | Structured draperies, Roman shades, pillows | Textured, rustic, has a subtle sheen |
| Taffeta | Smooth, crisp, and tightly woven | Formal draperies, light-use upholstery | Polished, structured, with a signature rustle |
Choosing the right weave is about matching the fabric’s personality to your project. Whether you want flowing elegance or structured sophistication, the perfect silk is waiting in our showroom on Collier Rd.
How to Actually Use Silk in Your Home (Without Regrets)
It's a familiar scene in our Atlanta fabric showroom. A designer or homeowner runs a hand over a bolt of China silk, completely captivated. We get it. It’s irresistible.
But the big question always follows: "Can I really use this in my home?"
Let's talk about where silk truly shines. It's the undisputed champion for jaw-dropping custom drapery and luxe accent pillows. That incredible drape translates into window treatments that pool on the floor with an elegance no other material can touch.
But here’s some honest advice: that delicate fiber is not the hero for your high-traffic family sofa in Marietta. It wasn’t made for kids, pets, and Friday night pizza.
The Right Place for Silk
Think of silk as a specialist, brought in for stunning impact. It's the star for a statement piece in a more formal or protected setting.
- Custom Drapery Panels: Nothing compares to the way silk drapery catches the light. For a formal living room in a Buckhead high-rise, it’s the ultimate expression of luxury.
- Accent Chairs & Benches: An armchair in a quiet bedroom corner? A bench at the foot of the bed? Using silk upholstery here makes a powerful statement without heavy, daily wear. Perfect for our Wesley Hall sofas or Lee Industries chairs.
- Decorative Pillows: The easiest, lowest-commitment way to bring silk’s gorgeous color into a room. A few well-placed silk pillows on an Ambella furniture piece can elevate the entire space.
The secret to using silk well is to place it where it can be admired, not abused. Strategic luxury. A Wesley Hall settee in a formal sitting room, upholstered in a rich Dupioni? Genius.
Real-World Considerations (No Fluff)
Before you commit, let's talk reality. As a natural fiber, silk has two enemies: sun and moisture.
Direct sunlight will fade those rich colors. That’s why a high-quality lining is essential for any silk drapery. Learn more in our guide to custom drapes and drapery lining. It's the single most important step to protect your investment.
Likewise, keep silk away from high-moisture areas. It's not the right choice for a bathroom window treatment.
By understanding where silk thrives, our clients from East Cobb to Forsyth County make brilliant choices every day. That’s how you ensure your investment in a fine fabric becomes a lasting part of your home—with zero expensive regrets.
How to Choose the Perfect Silk Like a Design Pro
Walking into a fabric showroom is about more than what catches your eye. When it comes to a luxury material like silk, a few key details separate a project you like from one you’ll love for years. We’ll show you what our Atlanta design pros look for, so you can choose your next China silk with total confidence.
First up: momme weight, or mm. Think of it like thread count, but for silk. It tells you the fabric's density.
A higher momme weight (look for 19mm and up) means more silk, resulting in a heavier, more opaque, and far more durable fabric. This is non-negotiable for custom upholstery on a Wesley Hall sofa or a statement Lee Industries chair. Lower momme weights are for scarves; in home décor, substantial weight is a true sign of quality.
Beyond Weight: Finish and Lining
Next, consider the finish. Are you drawn to the high-gloss shine of Charmeuse, or the rich, slubby texture of Dupioni? A smooth finish feels glamorous, while a textured one brings an organic warmth perfect for a curated Roswell or Milton home.
After picking the silk, the most important decision is the lining. For silk drapery, a quality lining isn’t a nice-to-have; it's essential. It shields fibers from sun damage and adds the body needed for that perfect, heavy drape.
China produces 79% of the world's raw silk, and its Mulberry silk has a tensile strength up to twice that of cotton. For our designers sourcing for clients in Forsyth County and homeowners in Buckhead, this means access to the world's best Dupioni and Tussah silks. Explore the quality firsthand in our 100% silk collection sourced from the best mills.
This quick guide helps visualize where silk makes the most sense for upholstery.
The takeaway: be cautious with high-traffic furniture, but let silk shine on low-traffic accent pieces.
Your Final Checklist
Choosing any fabric means balancing looks with practicality. It's smart to understand the basics of how to choose upholstery fabric for lasting style so your final choice meets both your aesthetic and real-world needs.
For more specific advice tailored to our collections, check out our guide on how to choose upholstery fabric. Now you're ready to choose with both your heart and your head.
Caring for Your Silk Investment
Think of your China silk fabrics like a piece of fine art you get to live with. To keep that art looking its best, it needs the right care. Thankfully, it's less complicated than you think.
First, the big one: never, ever toss silk furnishings in the washing machine. The delicate fibers will shrink, and that gorgeous luster will be gone forever. For any silk furnishing, professional dry cleaning is the only way to go.
Everyday Care and Spill Response
For routine upkeep, a light touch is all you need. Gently vacuum your silk drapery or upholstery with a soft brush attachment. This keeps dust from settling into the weave and dulling the shine.
Spill something? Act fast. Blot the spot with a clean, dry, white cloth—and never rub. Rubbing just grinds the stain deeper.
Resist the urge to use a DIY spot cleaner. Home remedies often leave rings or cause dyes to bleed. Your safest move is always to call a professional cleaner who handles fine fabrics.
Why Professional Cleaning is Non-Negotiable
A true pro understands the personality of different silks. They use specialized solvents that clean without stripping natural oils or damaging the fabric's structure.
Here’s the game plan for accidents:
- Blot Immediately: Use a clean, white, absorbent cloth. Press gently from the outside in.
- Avoid Water on Most Stains: Water can set stains permanently or leave its own watermark.
- Call an Expert: Contact a professional upholstery cleaner recommended for high-end textiles. It’s the smartest way to protect your investment in furniture from brands like Verellen or Wesley Hall.
This isn't fussy; it's smart ownership. These steps ensure the luxury furniture Atlanta and designer fabrics you've chosen remain a point of pride for a lifetime.
Bring Timeless Luxury Home with Lewis and Sheron
This is where it all comes together. Reading about silk is one thing; experiencing it is another. We genuinely invite you to our Atlanta fabric showroom in Buckhead to feel what makes these textiles so special.
Come run your hand across a Charmeuse or see how light catches a Dupioni bolt. Visualize how these exquisite silks would look on our custom furniture from lines like Verellen, Wesley Hall, and Lee Industries.
The market for luxury textiles is projected to hit $25 billion by 2028. Since 1944, we've brought this world-class quality to Atlanta, helping clients create pieces with enduring value. See how we bring global luxury to Atlanta's finest homes.
An Invitation for Atlanta’s Design Community
For our fellow interior designers working on projects across North Georgia—from Roswell to Cumming, Milton to Alpharetta—we extend a personal invitation. The Lewis and Sheron Trade Program was built to support your work, giving you dedicated access to our exclusive designer fabric collections and a team that gets it.
Whether you’re designing an estate on West Paces Ferry or reupholstering a chair in East Cobb, our team is here to create something exceptional. We’re more than one of the high-end furniture stores in Buckhead; we are a design destination.
From our constantly updated designer fabrics to our American-made custom furniture, everything in our showroom is chosen to spark creativity. We look forward to creating something beautiful with you.
Your China Silk Questions, Answered
Considering a material like China silk fabric, you’re bound to have questions. That’s smart. We hear these all the time in our showroom, so here are some straight answers.
Is China Silk Durable Enough for Upholstery?
The honest answer: it depends on the weave and where the furniture lives.
Heavier silks like Dupioni or Tussah can be stunning for pieces that don't see heavy daily wear. Think of a dramatic accent chair in a master bedroom, a beautifully upholstered headboard, or a bench in a formal entryway. They perform wonderfully.
But for the main family sofa in a busy Cumming home? We’d steer you toward a high-performance fabric. Our design experts in Buckhead can help you decide if it’s a practical fit.
Will My Silk Drapery Fade in the Sun?
Without protection, yes. Silk is susceptible to sun damage. That’s why a high-quality lining is an absolute must-have for any custom silk drapery we create. For many projects, we even add an interlining.
A proper lining does more than just block UV rays. It gives the fabric weight and structure, creating that full, luxurious hang you see in magazines. Think of it as insurance for your investment. It’s non-negotiable.
Can You Really Tell Real Silk from a Look-Alike?
Absolutely. While synthetics have gotten close, they can't capture the living character of genuine China silk.
Here's what to look for:
- Luster vs. Shine: Real silk has a deep, pearlescent luster. Many polyesters have a flatter, one-dimensional shine.
- The "Scroop": Run a high-quality silk through your hands. You’ll hear a subtle, crisp rustle—a tell-tale sign of the real thing.
- The Drape: Authentic silk flows with a graceful weight synthetics can’t replicate. Feel it for yourself at our Atlanta fabric showroom.
What Are Good Alternatives for a Luxury Look?
If you love the aesthetic of silk but need something tougher, you have incredible options. High-sheen velvets offer a similar opulence. Some Belgian linens provide a sophisticated, textured elegance.
The design team at Lewis and Sheron can help you explore our huge library of designer fabrics, including high-end performance blends engineered to mimic silk with added stain resistance. We’ll help you find the perfect textile for your design vision and your real-world needs.
Ready to feel the difference for yourself? Visit Lewis and Sheron Textiles in our Buckhead showroom, one of the premier high-end furniture stores in Atlanta, or explore our curated collections online and bring timeless luxury home.