Sustainable Meets Sophisticated: 5 Fabrics for Hospitality Design

Sustainable Meets Sophisticated: 5 Fabrics for Hospitality Design

By Alexis Wagman

In the world of hospitality design, finding materials that are both luxurious and eco-friendly is essential for creating spaces that feel as good as they look. Today’s top sustainable fabrics offer both style and durability, meeting the demands of high-traffic environments while supporting a commitment to the planet. In this blog, we’ll explore five standout sustainable fabrics that bring a touch of elegance to hospitality interiors, proving that great design can make a positive impact.

1. Hinge

Project: The Esther at River Bend | Design: Contract Interiors LLC

For designers, the hand of a fabric is paramount—it must be inviting for guests to touch, yet resilient enough to thrive in high-traffic hospitality settings. Hinge checks all these boxes, offering a soft, pleasing texture alongside robust durability, with an impressive 100,000 double rubs for lasting wear. Plus, it’s crafted with health and sustainability in mind: free from PVC, PFAS, finishes, and Red List chemicals, making it as safe as it is stylish.

2. Alu Net

Project: New Riff | Specifier: Luminaut in Cincinnati | Photography: Ryan Kurtz

Alu Net is a striking wide-width knit that brings both beauty and functionality to any space. Offered in a shimmering range of metallics, this lustrous sheer fabric is designed to enhance comfort and energy efficiency by absorbing and reflecting heat, glare, and UV rays. The result is a more comfortable environment with improved thermal efficiency. Plus, Alu Net meets rigorous SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold standards, ensuring it contributes to healthier indoor air quality. 

 

Find more inspiration:
More ideas for drapery beyond the window | Textiles for energy efficient design

3. Monocle Embroider

Designer: MSA Architects, Cincinnati | Location: Kenwood Country Club

Designer: DMAC Architecture P.C. | Location: Midtown Hotel, Chicago | Photography: Zachary Klaas

When you need a textile that’s as tough as it is stylish—think headboards and high-traffic upholstery—Monocle Embroider is a dream come true. This fabric combines durability and design with a no-wear rating of 200,000 double rubs, making it perfect for statement pieces that stand the test of time. Beyond its strength, Monocle Embroider is packed with sustainable credentials, including Cradle to Cradle Silver, LEED, MindClick Rated, and SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certifications. It’s bleach-cleanable, low in VOCs, and effortlessly blends beauty with performance. All the elegance, none of the compromise. 

Learn more about Xorel, the most durable and easily maintained textile ever woven.

4. Tartan

Designer: Ferris and Company | Location: Dumbo's on Duling

Designer: Contract Interiors LLC | Location: Boone Ridge Independent Living

We’re firm believers that Tartans are among the most versatile patterns in a designer’s toolkit. This timeless design can adapt to any aesthetic, from refined elegance to cozy rustic charm, depending on how it’s paired with other materials. That’s what makes it a top choice for hospitality design—its ability to tell so many visual stories. Plus, this Tartan fabric is crafted with soft chenille, offering an inviting hand, and is both PVC-free and bleach-cleanable, combining style with functionality. A true classic, reimagined for today’s interiors.

Want the look of Tartan that needs to perform in a higher-traffic area? Look no further than Tartan Print!

5. Xorel Genome Embroider

Designer: designstudio ltd | Project: W Hotel Philadelphia | Photography: Eric Laignel Photography

Biobased Xorel is a groundbreaking wall textile derived from sugarcane, offering an eco-friendly alternative that meets or exceeds Type II wallcovering standards. As a USDA Certified Biobased Product, it’s an ideal choice for designers pursuing LEED certification in their projects. With patterns like Genome Embroider—a modern, abstract floral—Biobased Xorel is as versatile as it is sustainable. In hospitality design, versatility is key, allowing designers to create cohesive, adaptable spaces that cater to diverse styles and changing trends. This subtle yet impactful design pairs effortlessly with bold elements or shines on its own, making it a valuable addition to any eco-conscious space.

Explore more ways to incorporate Biobased Textiles into your designs
Learn more about how Biobased Xorel is made.

About the Author

Alexis Wagman is the Content Marketing Specialist at Carnegie. Passionate about what connects all of us, she seeks to leverage creative Marketing and design to communicate real stories.