Client Attraction Tips - Who Is Your Ideal Client?

“How do I attract more clients?”

Without a doubt, client attraction is one of the greatest challenges for businesses when developing an online marketing strategy. This is true not just for emerging online business owners, but even for veterans of the internet marketplace. Regardless of past success, client attraction remains an important element of your business, leading to increased referrals and long-term growth – as well as a steady revenue stream.

Attracting new clients requires two basic steps:

1. Creating or enhancing your brand

2. Identifying and appealing to your target audience

Being recognized as an expert in your niche, someone who can offer solutions is critical to your success. However, it’s just as critical to understand the needs, wants, and desires of potential clients. In other words, HOW you present yourself is as important as WHAT you have to offer, while knowing WHO to target is as important as knowing WHY they will benefit from your services.

Identify Your Ideal Client

To become a client attraction guru for your online business, you have to be able to step into your ideal clients’ heads. If you can create a clear profile of who they are and what they need or want, you’ll be able to speak to them in a way that will make them WANT to work with you! You can repeat this process over and over again when creating new products or services. The result is marketing materials you can use in multiple ways.

Of course, to accomplish this, there are a number of questions you’ll need to answer:

• Who is your Ideal Client?

• What are their Pain Points?

• What are your Solutions?

• What do they need to Know/Learn/Do to find a Resolution?

• What is their Ultimate Why for Seeking your Help?

• What is their Ultimate Outcome?

• What will Success look like?

Ultimately, your goal is to answer the most basic question of all for them, “What’s in it for me?” If they can’t identify a benefit from working with you or from buying your product, they won’t.

When you’ve completed your Ideal Client Profile, develop one simple sentence to put it all together: what’s often called an “elevator statement”. When you’ve finished, you’ll discover a stunning type of clarity around who you want to work with and what you can do for them!

Your elevator statement can then be used in multiple ways: in conversations with potential clients; in networking situations; as material for your home page – and as inspiration for blog posts, articles, newsletters, and list-building materials.

If you have more than one ideal client, work your way through this process again to create a new profile. It’s just that easy, and that hard.

Once you’ve created your unique, identifiable brand and developed your ideal client profile, you can begin to generate content that enhances your identity and speaks directly to your target audience, enabling you to take your client attraction strategy to a new level.

Remember, Ted remains available for marketing and business consulting to the trade. Simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Types of Optin Offers to Build Your Email Subscriber List

With the diversity of interior designers and furnishing dealers we work with across the country, it’s virtually impossible to share every type of optin offer that you might choose to offer. However, the following are some of the most common – and effective – examples we have seen.

As we shared in an earlier post:

Once you receive a subscriber’s email address in exchange for the valuable piece of information you offered them to opt-in to your list, you have an audience with whom you can engage. You can do this through newsletters, nurture email campaigns, “check-in” emails, event notices, and promotional materials.

This is how you begin to build relationships with your target audience in our digital world; relationships that show your expertise, create trust, and have the potential to generate conversions. (Yay, sales!)

Interior Design Optins

It goes without saying that many, if not most, people who consider working with an interior designer are interested in reimagining a particular space in their homes. Then again, some may be searching for nothing but new paint colors, high-end wallcoverings, or designer rugs. Potential clients like these will not be interested in tips about remodeling a kitchen, living room, or the whole house. So, your optin gifts must be targeted to smaller segments of your local design market.

• Paint color of the year

• Secrets of hand-tied springs for seating and/or bedding

• What does “Artisanal” mean and why they should care

• The value of Craftsmanship in luxury home furnishings

• What is the difference between tufted and woven carpeting and rugs?

• Types of wallpaper

• What to know about an Interior Design Consultation (with questions they might ask)

Since each of these optin gifts will appeal to a different segment of your target audience, you will be able to build your subscriber list with a diverse mix of potential clients whom you know are interested in what you offer.

Remember, free stuff generates interest and interest can eventually lead to conversions! This is why it makes sense to give away information you might be inclined to sell instead. So…

General Remodeling Tips

While many business owners are hesitant to simply give away their expert knowledge, it’s important to remember that you must build value and interest with the gifts you offer – value that is equal to or greater than the priceless remuneration you will receive in return – the email address of potential clients.

• Top 5 DIY Remodeling Tips

• 4 Easy Steps to Hang New Wallpaper

• Interior Designer Consult Checklist for Homeowners

• How to Select and Install New Bathroom Fixtures

• Best Space to Remodel to Increase the Value of Your Home

Now don’t start sweating at the thought of giving away such valuable info, with no guarantee of a return on your investment (of your training and experience).

The Secret Behind Valuable Optin Gifts

You see, the secret to this approach is this: even if you give away explicit, step-by-step instructions on how to install and finish the tile surrounding a beautiful new step-in bathtub (for example), it’s likely that 99% of those who need one will not have the patience or willingness to do it.

In other words, giving subscribers to your email list information that would otherwise cost them dearly has little to no risk for you. For example, anyone who would take your advice to start and complete a DIY remodeling project would be extremely unlikely to hire a designer anyway.

For the rest, they will receive your gift and think, “Wow, this designer knows their stuff. I should at least ask them about a consultation and estimate for remodeling my master bath.”

That about does it for a blog post, where space and attention spans are limited. In closing, it’s important to remember that a good optin gift solves a single important issue for your audience. It should then be followed with a series of emails to discover if the information you shared was helpful, eventually offering them a consultation.

Whether you offer a design consultation at no charge or for a minimal fee is entirely your choice. (Again, the high-value offer equals a high value in return – their time in front of you.)

And remember, Ted remains available for marketing and business consulting to the trade. Simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Grow Your Client List by Building a Solid Email Subscriber List

Building a strong email subscriber list remains one of the most productive marketing tactics you can use to grow your client list. The most popular approach to accomplishing this involves giving things away, or, the use of opt-in gifts.

The most important thing to remember when you are working on list-building opt-in gifts is this: there are no one-size-fits-all solutions to the pain points of your clients.

Now, we know you tell your design clients the same thing, and we know that you offer customized, real-world solutions for their home remodeling needs. And yet, we also know that, being human, you are hoping we will tell you that there IS a single solution to your email marketing and list-building questions. Unfortunately, we can’t.

What we can tell you is this… You will need a variety of opt-in gifts to generate interest, based on two things:

1. The varied needs of your target audience.

2. The range of services you provide.

After all, it will benefit no one to create an opt-in gift about high-end rugs if a visitor to your business website is searching for information on designer wallcoverings. Then too, offering advice on a service you do not offer, or a line you do not represent, will do you no good.

Therefore, you will need to tailor your list-building gifts specifically to the needs of your target audience and let them know that you can help them find solutions beyond your high-value opt-in.

Creating Effective Opt-in Offers

Let’s define some terms here, first:

• An optin offer is the presentation of a gift (usually digital) in exchange for the email address of a visitor to your website; perhaps the most valuable thing they have to offer in the age of online relationships.

• Typically, the optin offer is a bit of high-value information designed to resolve a particular issue important to a member of your target audience.

• The most common form of opt-in gift is an article or “whitepaper” that can be downloaded in document form, though a mini eBook (a 3–5-page PDF) is a very popular choice. Free video or audio training are also very popular optin gifts.

• Critical to the success of such an offer is that the information you share must be targeted to a particular portion of your audience and that your solution be laser-focused on a specific issue. Do NOT try to be all things to all people. Instead, provide a REAL solution to ONE problem.

• Finally, the most successful optins offer huge value in exchange for something of equal value – your visitor’s email address. In other words, the solution you share in your optin MUST be something that a client would be otherwise willing to pay you for.

Now that they’ve given you their email address in exchange for a valuable piece of information, you have an audience with whom you can engage. You can do this through the use of newsletters, nurture email campaigns, “check-in” emails, event notices, and promotional materials. This is how you begin building relationships in our digital world; relationships that show your expertise, create trust, and have the potential to generate conversions.

Well, this is some pretty heavy marketing info so, we’ll stop here and give you a chance to absorb it. But soon, we’ll follow up with some types of opt-in giveaways you can use to grow your client list by building your subscriber list.

And remember, Ted remains available for marketing and business consulting to the trade. Simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Spring Furniture Market Lines – Kewl Stuff We Saw & Showed

There is nothing quite like spending nearly a week at High-Point Market, whether spring or fall and taking in the stunning offerings in furniture lines, floor coverings, fabrics, wallcoverings, and accessories from the largest to the smallest manufacturer. At Market, finding beauty is a given while creativity and innovation are always a surprise… an almost mind-bending variety of unique creations whether new, old, or an innovative blend of the two.

Here, we offer just a peek at some of the beautiful offerings we either showed or discovered.

Curated Kravet

The tagline for Curated Kravet reads, Design. Click. Delivered®… And, as always, the more than a century-old industry leader lives up to that declaration.

From pillows to lampshades and from accent tables to framed prints and pillows, high-end accessories, and eye-catching décor add style to any space. By using Curated Kravet, you will be able to use subtle alterations in fabrics, finishes, and lighting that will make your client’s space elegant and unique.

Leathercraft Furniture

“I’m into leathuh.” (Thanks, Woody Allen)

What impresses us so much about the Leathercraft Furniture line is not just the incredible craftsmanship; or the high-quality leather they employ; or the handcrafted frames they build; no – we just love the way the line keeps growing. From beautiful fabrics to gorgeous accents and from the perfect trim to beautiful hardware, the designers at Leathercraft keep the line fresh and scrumptious.

And now, their NOW Program promises “30-day Shipping on Select Frames and Leathers”.

Jaipur Living

For 45 years now, the rugs, pillows, and accessories from Jaipur Living have been, and still are, hand-knotted, hand-tufted, hand-woven, power-loomed, and always, always beautiful.

Founded on the principles of dignity and fairness, Jaipur focuses on employing “untouchables” and subverting centuries-old practices and prejudices that had shunned the poor, women, and artists.

In fact, “The Jaipur System removes the middleman by employing a network of 40,000 artisans in more than 700 villages in India, ensuring quality and consistency.”

Kravet Furniture

Lee Jofa… Brunschwig & Fils… GP&J Baker… Donghia… Collection after collection, Kravet offers interior designers and furnishing dealers countless choices in high-quality, designer home furnishings. These choices include the best in designer furniture, fabrics, wallcoverings, rugs and carpeting, pillows, lighting, and innumerable accessories.

In short, there is no need or desire that the “Industry Leader to the Trade” in luxury home furnishings cannot satisfy, in fashion and style.

Well, we did mention fashion and style from Kravet, right? So, yeah, we doubled up on their images. (Someone got a problem with that?)

For more information on any of the lines we’ve shared here, or for answers to questions about quality, innovations, or turnaround times, simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Indoor/Outdoor Rugs From Barbara Barry – Living Textures by Kravet

Thanks to our friends at hundred-year-old, furnishings industry leader Kravet, our curious minds were recently inspired to ask, “What’s new for summer?” After all, the next change of seasons is barely a month away with June 21, being this year’s Summer Solstice. Their answer? A new line of Indoor/Outdoor Rugs from designer Barbara Barry.

Kravet Helps to Get Ready for Summer

Yes, late spring is the best time of year for interior designers to help their clients prepare for warmer weather. Now, with help from Kravet and the durable, versatile Living Textures line of rugs from Barbara Barry, you have a variety of looks and feels for your clients to enjoy not just inside the house – but outside as well.

Barbara Barry is collaborating with Kravet once again, but this time, for an elegant indoor and outdoor experience. Living Textures is a luxurious selection of hand-woven, high-performance rugs.

“I am inspired by the subtle textures and tones in nature and love to bring them indoors,” says Barry. “These new rugs feel soft underfoot, bringing comfort and style to any room.”

Made from recycled plastic bottles, these rugs feature PET yarns that offer high durability with an ultra-soft hand and a wool-like sheen texture. Recommended for high-traffic areas, such as family rooms or outdoor living areas, this collection of rugs is UV stabilized and fade-resistant, therefore perfectly suitable for an outdoor oasis.

The two patterns offered in this collection, “Effervescence” and “Petcheck”, are made to order and available in nearly a dozen colors, ranging from soft seashore tones to crisp mountain greens. Rugs in this collection can also be custom-colored. Effervescence is a hand-tufted design, inspired by palm leaf shadows, while Petcheck is a bit more casual, featuring hand-woven yarns and multi-dimensional colors and textures.

Availability Questions

As mentioned above, rugs in the Living Textures line are made-to-order to match the needs of individual designers and their clients. For information on turnaround times and such, feel free to contact us right away.

In addition to this, Kravet continues to offer a wide variety of luxury furniture delivered with lead times of eight weeks or fewer. Again, get in touch with TD Fall for details.

Labor Shortages and Product Delays Persist But Are Improving

Following up on our post describing ongoing Marketplace Challenges for Interior Designers, this week’s post will get into some of the specifics behind those challenges: including skilled labor shortages and product delays.

We are grateful to the folks at FurnitureToday.com for clarifying much of the statistical analysis derived from the Q2 2023 Houzz U.S. Renovation Barometer.

Skilled Labor More Available in 2023

First, the good news: it appears that, overall, carpenters, electricians, cabinetmakers, and other critical, skilled subcontractors are more readily available than a year ago.

“Carpenters are in the shortest supply, followed by electricians and cabinet makers (as cited by 42%, 28%, and 26% of industry pros, respectively). However, at least 30% fewer renovation and design pros are reporting shortages of these subcontractors as compared with [last year’s] survey.”

Still, “Labor shortages continue to be a headwind for the home renovation and design industry. The most significant business impacts include increased project costs (81%), subcontractor compensation (72%), and project length (71%).”

Product Shortages and Delays

While we are certainly seeing improvement in the supply-chain backlog, “construction and design professionals [continue to face] challenges in securing the items they need to complete their projects.”

“Nearly half of businesses not only report moderate to severe shortages of products and materials (49%), but also shipping delays once purchased (63%). Material challenges are greatest with copper or brass (47%), followed by lumber or plywood (46%), drywall (40%), and aluminum (40%).”

Unfortunately for interior designers and furnishing dealers, some of our most important product categories continue to be plagued by shortages and shipping delays.

“Delays in the arrival of cabinetry (96%), indoor furniture (95%), windows (94%), outdoor and indoor doors (94% and 93%, respectively), and lighting fixtures (92%) are top of mind for design professionals as they plan their projects.”

Things Are Improving

Yet, there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

“Nearly eight out of 10 of residential construction and design businesses (79%) report moderate to severe shortages in the past quarter, down from 91% of businesses in Q2 2022.”

Although some believe this good news to be a result of bad news; that is, a slight drop in new projects reported at the end of last year, we take a more positive outlook. If the traffic we saw at Spring Market and the myriad of new products from furnishings manufacturers are any indications, things are looking up all over!

Are you still struggling to find solutions to labor shortages and product delays in your design business? While he may not have all the answers (and does not happen to be captaining any container ships at present), Ted does have more than a quarter-century of experience in the design and luxury furnishings businesses. He is available for business consulting to the trade.

To learn more, simply… Contact TD Fall today.

Marketplace Challenges for Interior Designers – Have Yours Changed?

From finding installers and other tradespeople to ongoing lead time issues and rising costs, the various marketplace challenges for interior designers are being impacted by geography, local competition, the general economy, and consumer skepticism. (Run-on sentence, much?)

According to a piece at DesignersToday.com, the biggest issue facing interior designers right now also include managing expectations, finding talent, the “speed” of business in the luxury furnishings industry, and dealing with unrealistic client budgets.

We guess it goes without saying that, when one asks designers for the “biggest issue” they are facing at the moment (that is issue, singular), they offer not one but many (14, 15, or 16 depending on how you count them)! (Hey, that’s almost like the way we’ve written not one, not two, but three run-on sentences in a row. How designer-like are we?!?)

For example:

“Overall, I think it’s managing expectations – internal and external.  If I could highlight some of the top ones we see on our end, I’d say: Talent (it’s still a challenge to find the right talent when hiring); Industry speed of business (I find the industry still moves quite glacially, as a whole); and budgets, a perennial favorite that never really goes away. Clients’ expectations of how much things should cost versus how much they really do cost. And in general, the rising costs of it all.” ~ Alex Alonso, Mr. Alex Tate Design, Miami, FL

Furnishing Supply Chain Issues Persist

As for consumer skepticism, Claudia Leah of Claudia Leah Design in Naples, FL shares her thoughts:

“We are in this weird spot where on the one hand, we are still experiencing supply chain issues for certain quality items, components, and trades, literally designing around availability. Yet we are also facing the threat of discounted overstocks on the retail side where mass-produced container items are being shoved into our clients’ inboxes, making them question if we as designers are telling them the truth about those long lead times.” (emphases added)

Brittany Farinas at House of One in Miami agrees:

“One of the biggest issues facing designers today is the lead time on materials. We are still working through this [despite being] post-pandemic.”

Finally, the exponential growth of online shopping for anything and everything for the home – including luxury furnishings, designer wallcoverings, and hand-woven rugs (among so many other high-end items) has led to pricing pressure on designers and furnishing dealers alike.

If you find yourself losing sleep because of the regularly shifting marketplace challenges for interior designers, Ted is available for business coaching and consulting to the trade. Simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Designer Business Tip – What About Engagement Fees?

Well now, as we move forward from the craziness, excitement, and fear that we’ve missed something important at Spring Market, we would like to lighten things up a bit. Besides, we can’t work that hard ALL the time, right? And so, we have a quick designer business tip on charging your design clients an “engagement fee”. (You know, a trivial little subject that hardly matters!)

According to Sean Low, “the go-to business coach for interior designers” at BusinessOfHome.com, for designers who know their value, an engagement fee is a must. However, those who doubt themselves and continue to “hustle” for design projects like a newbie might want to reconsider.

(If there’s one thing we know about Mr. Low, it’s that he pulls no punches.)

Are You Worth It?

Answering the above question depends largely on you. If you’ve established a solid reputation as a designer who delivers what you say you will, dependably and creatively, why would you think otherwise?

As Mr. Low says, “Your talent, wisdom, and experience have intrinsic value and deserve to be recognized (and compensated). Your willingness to dedicate the time necessary to fulfill your … promises needs to be appreciated and paid for. That’s where an engagement fee comes in. It’s not a deposit or retainer; it is a fee for your talent and attention that goes against nothing and is non-refundable.” (emphasis added)

In other words, they are paying you – for you – and all that may include!

“If you ask a client to invest a significant sum in you to create the transformative environment they seek, the more likely they will give you what you need to make the transformation happen. As much as they are investing in you, they are investing in themselves. Once invested, you will be better able to receive the kind of information you need to create as you must.

What Do You Owe After the Fee?

“You do not owe your clients anything other than your best work. You have nothing to prove, only the willingness to share your talent, wisdom, and experience with those clients [who] truly care about your work and how it will come to be for them.”

He concludes with, “While a significant engagement fee might make your firm more money, that is not my ultimate aim. Instead, I want you to establish a relationship dynamic from the very start that will yield the greatest opportunity for success.”

There now. How was that for a lightweight, frivolous topic following the hectic week at Spring Market? You’re welcome!

And remember, Ted remains available for questions and answers about things like charging an engagement fee and other designer business tips to help you grow your business. With more than a quarter century in the business, Ted has the experience and knowledge to offer high-quality business consulting to the trade. Simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Spring High Point Market 2023 – Preview of Coming Attractions

As always, this year’s Spring High Point Market will offer much more than exhibitions of new products from manufacturers like Kravet and dealers like TD Fall & Co.

There will also be entertainment and educational opportunities galore. We feel comfortable in assuming you’ll be able to find the entertainment yourselves. With that in mind, we will preview a few of the more important educational opportunities for you.

Spring Market Classes and Events

Two of the more important educational offerings at Spring Market will be a presentation on last year’s CPSC Ruling with another by Jaipur Rugs, which we proudly represent.

• Get the Facts: The CPSC Ruling and What it Means for Retailers and Interior Designers

Regulatory and compliance issues can be complicated, and there is a lot to know regarding the CPSC ruling, the Study Act, and new ASTM guidelines. Join Bill Perdue, AHFA’s vice president of regulatory affairs, as he breaks down the new guidelines and how it affects retailers and interior designers. What are manufacturers doing to address the ruling? When does it go into effect? How will this impact my business? Get the answers to all these questions and more on April 21 at 10 a.m. in the Universal Furniture Learning Center. (RSVP Required) Speaker: Bill Perdue

Location: Educational Commerce Concourse, Universal Furniture International, Inc. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

• Jaipur Living – Rugs 101: Rugs, Design, Manufacturing, and Sales

Class is in session as Jaipur Living hosts IDCEC-certified CEU Rugs 101. Learn exactly how a rug is made–from the design process to material selection and yarn dyeing to construction. This course is the ideal entry into the world of rug weaving and will assist interior designers in gaining the rug knowledge necessary to help guide clients to the perfect rug selection. Attendees who complete Rugs 101 will receive one CEU credit. (RSVP Required) Speaker: Matt Peterson

Location: Market Square and Elm, Rugs 101 – CEU, Jaipur Living, Commerce & Design, Floor 4, 4B, 4N, 4P Shuttle Stop: 14 (Red/Green Line)

10am - 11am Friday, April 21

Spring Market Keynote Series

No Market would be complete without keynote presentations by industry experts. In quick succession on the 22nd, you may attend discussions on creating, growing, and sustaining an interior design business from well-known names in the trade. In today’s market environment, we consider these to be “Don’t Miss” events for virtually any young design house owner.

• Designing a Business You Love Keynote Event

In this casual conversation, moderated by Business of Home podcast host Dennis Scully, design stars Joanna Gaines, Amber Lewis, Jean Stoffer, Julia Marcum from Chris Loves Julia, and Carrier and Company's Mara Miller and Jesse Carrier will share their experiences in building design-oriented businesses with staying power. Sponsored by Loloi. Doors open at 1:30pm. Following the discussion, a mixer will be held in the Loloi showroom, IHFC D-320. (Sponsored by LOLOI)

Location: High Point Theatre (located in the Transportation Terminal)

2pm - 3pm Saturday, April 22

• Honoring Heritage While Building a Business for the Future Keynote Event

Third-generation owners Chad & Ashley Stark of STARK CARPET & founders of ASHLEY STARK HOME, discuss forging the future at a legacy brand while holding onto their heritage - plus growing & launching new businesses while staying hyper-focused on building world-class client experiences. (Doors open at 2:30pm.)

Location: High Point Theatre (located in the Transportation Terminal)

3pm - 4pm Sunday, April 23

Where to Find Us

Of course, we would love to see you next week. You’ll find TD Fall & Co at this year’s Spring High Point Market exhibiting our lines at our exhibit. Or, simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Furniture Stain Protection – Effective Resistant or Deadly Chemical?

Under the heading, “What are consumers being told that could affect your business?”, we offer these gems on the critical chemicals used in furniture stain protection from various sources found on the interweb.

First, we must ask what are these chemicals and how are they used. The answer is, they are called PFAS, and this blend of chemicals may be used in just about any capacity and will likely be found anywhere. What are they?

“Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) The per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.” (cdc.gov)

Sounds like magic, right?

What is an example of a PFAS? Well, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Services, they may be used in:

• Cleaning products.

• Water-resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas, and tents.

• Grease-resistant paper.

• Nonstick cookware.

• Personal care products, like shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup.

• Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.

Now the bad news. The magic chemical combinations ubiquitous to so many manufacturing processes and which we pedal as stain protection for our precious fabrics may not be very healthy.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health:

“A recent review from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines a host of health effects associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.” (Harvard.edu)

Unfortunately, the really bad news is yet to come…

Are PFAS Stain Treatments Effective?

This then is the ultimate question when we consider the possible risks of using these chemicals: Do they work?

In an April 4th article at FurnitureToday.com, serious questions are raised about the effectiveness of these stain-fighting chemicals.

“A new peer-reviewed study published today in the AATCC Journal of Research, calls into question the stain-fighting effectiveness of fabrics treated with PFAS. Scientists conducting the study tested fabrics with PFAS and found that they had limited to no effectiveness versus non-treated fabric, particularly under real-world conditions.

“It was surprising that these harmful but supposedly indispensable chemicals had no practical benefit,” said lead author Jonas LaPier, a PhD candidate in civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University. “It makes you wonder what other uses of PFAS are also unnecessary and could be easily eliminated from products without a noticeable change in performance.

“Using droplets of coffee and oil-based salad dressing, the researchers tested six PFAS-finished and three non-PFAS-finished fabrics used for indoor commercial furniture. For water-based coffee stains, none of the PFAS-finished fabrics performed better than the unfinished fabrics. The stains were minimal and easily removed from finished and unfinished fabrics alike. Only fabric type (polyester vs. cotton/nylon, patterned vs. non-patterned, light vs. dark) affected coffee stain performance.”

For us, this new information raises the ethical question of promoting a stain protection system that may not be effective – and which may be dangerous to use in the first place. The article continued:

“Exposures to PFAS from furniture occur during the manufacture, use, and disposal of finished fabrics, generating health risks for workers, consumers, and communities living near production sites as well as environmental harm, according to the study. Various states have or will be implementing laws banning certain PFAS from products sold in those states.”

There are certainly organic alternatives to stain treatments that contain PFAS and other chemicals. But, this also begs the question of their effectiveness at protecting the beautiful designer fabrics, carpeting, rugs, and furniture you offer your clients.

Ted remains available to answer questions about the furniture stain protection used by the lines we represent and other issues important to interior designers and luxury furnishing dealers. Simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.