What Is Damask Fabric?

Types

• Damask fabric is often seen on antique furniture and household items such as drapes, wallpaper and tablecloths.

Significance

• Damask can commonly be found in fabric stores and is usually quite expensive. Price depends on the fabric used with silk being the most expensive.

Geography

• Damask is named for the city of Damascus, a major textile center during the 12th century. Though damask originated in the Asia, traders took to Europe where it became very popular.

Features

• Damask is a very thick fabric that is often many colored and dramatic. Though once only made from silk, cheaper damask is made from linen, cotton, wool and synthetic textiles.

Fun Fact

• In the 20th century, the invention of the Jacquard loom, which is today controlled by a computer, made weaving damask easier.