Romo Fabrics FAQ: Quality, Durability & What Every Office Buyer Should Know

If you're an office administrator tasked with sourcing upholstery or drapery fabrics for a commercial project – and like me, you didn't go to design school – you've probably got a head full of questions. After managing purchasing for a mid-size company (about 400 employees, three locations), I've learned a few things about Romo textiles that I wish someone had told me from the start. Here are the answers I wish I'd had.

1. What makes Romo fabrics different from cheaper alternatives?

From the outside, it looks like you're paying a premium for the name. The reality is that Romo's design-led quality – especially in their velvets, linara blends, and classic patterns – translates into a very different client perception. When we spec'd a budget fabric for our conference room redo, the VP remarked it felt 'low-end.' After we swapped to a Romo textile (a dark red upholstery fabric with a rich hand), the same room got compliments from every visitor. That $50-per-yard difference saved us the cost of a second redo.

"People think expensive vendors deliver better quality. Actually, vendors who deliver quality can charge more. The causation runs the other way."

2. Is rayon a durable fabric for commercial use?

Short answer: it depends. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber that can be surprisingly strong when blended (like Romo's Linara, a rayon-linen mix). But 100% rayon upholstery can wear faster under heavy use. For our office lounge (high traffic, daily use), our Romo rep recommended a twill or a knit with a high Martindale rub count. The Linara line actually passed our internal wear test with flying colors. So yes – but check the specific construction.

Our first year, I made the classic rookie mistake: assumed 'rayon' meant delicate. We nearly went with a cheaper all-polyester fabric that felt stiff. A quick sample comparison (Romo ships them free) proved that their rayon blends have a nicer drape and better color depth.

3. How do I get samples from Romo?

Easy. Visit their website and request up to 10 swatches per order. Shipping is prompt (I usually get mine within 3–5 business days as of January 2025). One tip: order more than you think you need. Colors look different under office LED vs. natural light. We learned that the hard way (note to self: always check under both lighting conditions).

4. What about 'deer velvet antler' – is that a fabric?

No, that's actually a health supplement. But I've seen people search it accidentally. If you're after a similar dark red upholstery fabric with a deep, warm tone that evokes the rich color of deer velvet antler, look at Romo's Khroma velvet in 'Burgundy' or their Bella chenille. The color is stunning and feels luxurious to the touch.

5. How durable is Romo upholstery fabric for everyday office use?

That depends on the specific line. Romo's velvets (like Romo velvet) are popular for a reason – they have a tight weave and good abrasion resistance. For contract-grade use, I always ask for the rub test results. Per FTC guidelines (ftc.gov), any durability claim must be substantiated, so reputable brands like Romo provide that data. Their Linara fabrics are also robust; we used them on guest chairs that see 50+ sits per day, and after two years they still look new.

6. What's the real cost difference between Romo and a generic fabric?

People assume the lowest quote means the vendor is more efficient. What they don't see is which costs are being hidden or deferred. The total cost of ownership includes base price, shipping, potential re-dos, and – most importantly – the cost of a bad impression on your internal clients. When I switched to Romo for our executive suite, the feedback from the C-suite was noticeably better. That's hard to quantify, but I can tell you: my job got easier.

7. Do I need to worry about lead times with Romo?

Nope. Their stock is generally good, and they offer quick-ship programs. But for custom wallcoverings (like Romo wallcoverings), I'd budget 4–6 weeks. In my first year, I waited too long to order and almost faced a delay. Now I request a sample first, confirm specs, and order at least two weeks ahead.

8. How do I ensure the fabric I pick will match my existing décor?

Order the biggest swatch you can. Romo's website lets you filter by color – look for 'dark red' or 'burgundy.' Hold it against your paint or existing furniture. And ask your Romo rep (they're super helpful) for a memo sample if you need a larger piece.

One more thing: if you're feeling pressured to make a quick decision on a rush project, take a breath. In hindsight, I should have pushed back on the timeline once. Instead, I chose a fabric based on a tiny online image. It arrived, and the color was off. Cost me a $600 re-order. Now I trust the sample, not the screen.

Hope this helps. Got more questions? Leave a comment – I'm happy to share what I've learned after five years of buying Romo textiles for our company.