Do I need to order fabric samples before purchasing?

Samples are not required but are strongly recommended. Color, texture, and scale may appear differently on screens, so reviewing a physical sample helps ensure satisfaction before ordering fabric.

How do fabric samples work?

Most fabric samples require a small deposit and ship free within the United States. Samples may be kept, or returned within 30 days for store credit. Sample sizes vary by manufacturer and may ship directly from the mill.

Why can fabric color vary from the sample?

Fabric is produced in dye lots, and slight color variation can occur between production runs. Because of this, we cannot guarantee an exact match between a sample and future yardage unless a Cutting for Approval (CFA) is requested.

What is a CFA (Cutting for Approval)?

A CFA is a small cutting taken from the actual fabric roll that will be used to fill your order. After customer approval, the order is released for shipment. CFAs are available from most manufacturers when dye matching is important.

When is payment processed for fabric orders?

Orders are reviewed for accuracy and availability before payment is processed. We confirm stock and lead times before issuing an invoice. Orders are considered confirmed once payment is received on the issued invoice or PayPal authorization is captured.

Is fabric inventory guaranteed when I place an order?

Inventory and availability are not guaranteed until payment is completed. Manufacturer stock levels can change quickly, and invoices are typically valid for a limited time.

How long does fabric delivery take?

Most in-stock fabric orders are delivered within approximately 7–14 business days unless otherwise noted. Special order or made-to-order items may require additional production time.

How is fabric shipping calculated?

Shipping is calculated per manufacturer or brand. Each manufacturer typically offers free shipping once its individual order minimum is met. Orders from multiple brands may ship separately and incur separate shipping charges.

Do you require payment for backorders or special-order fabric?

For items that require manufacturing or special ordering, payment in full is typically required before production begins. Deposit arrangements may be available by exception for very large orders.

Can fabric be returned?

Fabric is custom cut to order and returns are limited. Approved returns must meet specific conditions outlined in our Returns Policy and may be subject to restocking fees. Cut or altered fabric is not returnable.

1-800-590-5844

Fabric Purchasing

This page is part of our complete customer policy and purchasing information system designed to provide clear expectations before ordering.

We offer first-quality fabrics, trim, and wallcoverings for projects of every size — serving homeowners, interior decorators, designers, and contract purchasers with the same personalized attention and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fabric and Ordering information

We respect your privacy. Customer information is never sold or rented and is shared only as necessary to process orders, complete payments, or provide requested services, as described in our Privacy Policy.
Privacy Policy

We work hard to keep pricing, product details, and availability accurate and up to date. Occasionally, specifications, pricing, or images may change or contain errors, which we reserve the right to correct. Inventory availability may vary, and in-stock items are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Product images are provided for reference only and may vary from actual material due to dye lot variation, screen settings, and manufacturer updates.

Ordering

By placing an order, you acknowledge and agree to our published Terms & Policies, including return conditions, cancellation guidelines, shipping timelines, and product specifications.

Orders submitted through our website are reviewed for accuracy and availability before payment is processed. We confirm stock, lead times, and any special shipping requests prior to issuing an invoice.

Orders are considered confirmed once payment is received on the issued invoice (or when a PayPal authorization is captured after review). Inventory and availability are not guaranteed until payment is completed. Invoices remain valid for a limited time due to changing availability. If you would like inventory held, please contact us promptly.

Security

Our website uses HTTPS encryption to protect all data transmitted between your browser and our servers. Payments are processed through secure payment providers.

Tax

All sales shipped out of the state of Arkansas within the United States will not be charged sales tax. Arkansas orders will be charged sales tax at the prevailing rate unless a sales tax permit is provided and verified.

Payment

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Wire Transfer, or proforma (payment in advance). Payment is collected after order review and confirmation. A secure invoice will be sent through our QuickBooks payment portal once availability and shipping details are verified. For PayPal transactions, checkout typically creates an authorization. Funds are captured only after order verification is completed. Charges to your credit card will reflect the parent corporation, Interior Purchasing, Inc. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars.

Backorders & Manufacturer Production

If an item is out of stock or requires manufacturer production, full payment is typically required to secure the order and initiate manufacturing.

For larger or trade projects, alternate payment arrangements may be considered at our discretion and must be agreed upon in advance.

Estimated delivery dates are provided by the manufacturer and are subject to change based on production schedules, material availability, and shipping conditions beyond our control.

Pricing

Pricing and product availability are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct pricing or descriptive errors. Shipping and any special processing charges are additional unless otherwise noted.

Fabric and Trim Samples

Fabric and trim samples ship with free standard delivery* — typically via USPS. While samples do not need to be returned, customers who send them back within 30 days of receipt will receive a store credit toward a future purchase at InteriorDecorating.com. Please allow approximately 7–14 business days for delivery.

Samples from most major fabric manufacturers are available with a $5 refundable deposit and free shipping*. This deposit helps cover the cost of obtaining and handling samples and is credited back when samples are returned within 30 days. In rare cases, certain exclusive or high-end manufacturers may require a higher refundable deposit due to the increased cost of the sample. *Free sample shipping applies within the United States.

When ordering samples from multiple manufacturers, packages may arrive separately. International sample orders are consolidated through InteriorDecorating.com before shipment.
If a sample becomes backordered, we will notify you with an updated availability estimate.
Sample sizes vary by manufacturer and may range from approximately 4×6 inches to 10×16 inches or larger. Specific sizes cannot be requested. If a larger cutting is required for evaluation, we recommend ordering 1 yard. Most samples ship directly from the manufacturer and may include instructions or inserts that do not apply to your order.

Expedited shipping is available for many sample orders; however, timing and cost may vary depending on the manufacturer. Because samples often ship directly from different brands, expedited charges may apply per manufacturer when multiple brands are ordered.

While we maintain a large in-house sample inventory, many swatches ship directly from the manufacturer. In some cases, samples must first arrive at our office before expedited shipping can be arranged.

When available, expedited options typically include FedEx 2-Day envelopes or USPS Priority Mail starting at approximately $10. Final expedited shipping options are determined on a per-order basis to ensure the fastest and most cost-effective delivery.

International sample orders are typically shipped via postal service when available to help keep shipping costs affordable. Postal sample shipping is billed at $10 per shipment. If additional postage or special handling is required, we’ll contact you in advance for approval before shipping. If you prefer FedEx delivery options, simply let us know when placing your order.

Find a fabric with our advanced fabric search.

Email Samples

Fabrics not shown on our website can be e-mailed at no charge. Keep in mind that although we make our best effort to provide accurate renderings of our fabric colors, what you see on your monitor may not exactly match the color of the fabric.

We encourage customers to obtain samples/swatches before making a fabric purchase.

Dye Lot Variation

Fabric color may vary slightly between dye lots and production runs. Since samples are often cut from different bolts, an exact color match cannot be guaranteed unless a Cutting for Approval (CFA) is requested or the sample originated from InteriorDecorating.com's in-stock warehouse fabric. When color precision is important, we are happy to help coordinate a CFA prior to shipment.

Cutting for Approval (CFA)

When precise color matching is important, a Cutting for Approval (CFA) may be available from most manufacturers at no additional charge. A CFA is a small cutting taken from the exact roll of fabric that will be used to fulfill your order.

The CFA is sent to you for review prior to shipment, allowing you to confirm color and dye lot before your fabric is released for delivery. Once approval is received, your order will be finalized and shipped.

Requesting a CFA may extend processing time slightly, as shipment is held until approval is received. Our team is happy to help coordinate a CFA whenever color accuracy is critical for your project.

Custom Cut Fabric Policy

Fabric is custom cut to the length ordered. Customers are encouraged to review samples and dye lot information prior to purchase, as cut goods may have limited return eligibility. Please review our complete Fabric Return Policy for full details and conditions. Fabric is custom cut.

It is not uncommon that orders totaling a full bolt (40-60 yards) are shipped in multiple pieces from the mill.

Shipping Estimates

Shipping charges are calculated per manufacturer or brand, as most fabrics ship directly from the mill or distributor. Enjoy free shipping when a brand’s individual order reaches the $400 minimum.

Because manufacturers ship independently, orders containing multiple brands may incur separate shipping charges. For example, ordering fabric from Robert Allen and Kravet will result in shipping being calculated separately for each brand. Certain specialty products — including craft and quilting fabrics, SheerWeave, vinyl, and other specialty materials — may follow different shipping structures based on manufacturer requirements.

Sample Return Address

Interior Purchasing, Inc.
Sample Dept
1004 22nd Street
Barling, AR 72923

Last updated: February 25, 2026