Why Material Performance Matters as Much as Design
We recently sat down with David Zarin, President of Zarin Fabrics, one of the largest decorative fabric retailers in the United States. For 90 years, Zarin Fabrics has supplied designers, hospitality groups, commercial clients, and homeowners with high-quality textiles, custom upholstery, drapery, and fabrication services.
While fabrics and refrigeration may seem like very different industries, both businesses depend on a deep understanding of how materials perform under real-world environmental conditions. We spoke with David about durability, environmental factors, and why successful projects depend on selecting the right materials from the start.
Iron Mountain Refrigeration: Many people think of fabric primarily as an aesthetic choice. How much of your work is actually about performance?
David Zarin: A lot more than most people realize. The visual component is important, but performance is often the deciding factor. We spend a significant amount of time helping clients understand how fabrics will behave under different conditions—sunlight, humidity, heavy traffic, cleaning requirements, and long-term wear. The wrong material can look great on day one and disappoint a year later. Our job is to help people make choices that perform as well as they look.
Iron Mountain Refrigeration: Environmental conditions are obviously critical in our industry. How do environmental factors affect textile selection?
Zarin: A fabric installed in a sunny Florida hotel will face different challenges than one used in a New York apartment. Humidity, temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and cleaning frequency all affect longevity. We always start by understanding how the space will be used. Once we know the environment, we can recommend materials that will maintain their appearance and performance over time.
Iron Mountain Refrigeration: Commercial clients often prioritize reliability. How does that influence your recommendations?
Zarin: Reliability is very important for commercial clients. Restaurants, hotels, offices, and healthcare facilities can’t afford the downtime caused by constant replacements or maintenance issues. We often steer clients toward performance fabrics that combine durability with design flexibility. The best solution is usually the one that minimizes future problems while still achieving the desired aesthetic.
Iron Mountain Refrigeration: What role does experience play when evaluating products and materials?
Zarin: Experience helps you anticipate problems before they happen. We’ve been doing this for three generations, and we’ve seen how materials perform years after installation. That knowledge lets us guide customers beyond what’s written on a specification sheet. Real-world performance often tells a more complete story than laboratory testing alone.
Iron Mountain Refrigeration: What advice would you give facility managers or business owners making material decisions for commercial spaces?
Zarin: Think long-term. People sometimes focus heavily on upfront cost and underestimate lifecycle value. A product that lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and performs consistently often delivers the best return on investment. With fabrics, it’s not only the cost of replacing the material; it’s also the labor cost of remaking curtains or reupholstering furniture. Reliability usually pays for itself.
Iron Mountain Refrigeration: What’s next for Zarin Fabrics?
Zarin: We’re continuing to expand our work with hospitality, commercial, and residential clients across the country. More than ever, customers want materials that combine beauty, durability, and practicality. Our focus remains on helping clients make informed decisions that create spaces that not only look great on opening day but continue performing for years to come.
