 | Matching sofas get an update with neutral upholstery and fringed pillows.
Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com |
Are you planning to have an old chair or sofa recovered? Find out how to give it a new look.Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies Here's How: - Ask your fabric store and upholsterer for advice and recommendations for your style of furniture.
- Eliminate outdated short skirts (also known as kick pleats). Eliminating the skirt altogether will allow you to add decorative legs to the furniture.
- Update a large sofa by asking the upholsterer to use fewer seat cushions for a sleeker look. Downsize from 4 to 3, or from 3 to 2 seat cushions.
- Sofas from the 70's were often made in a tuxedo style with tall straight arms. Have your upholstery workroom redo these into softer, rounded arm styles.
- Thin seat and back cushions are very "last century". Bring your furniture into the new millennium with deeper, softer, larger cushions.
- Choose fabrics that will be long lasting. Plain fabrics including textured chenilles, velvets, and cottons, can serve as a backdrop for patterned fabrics, rugs, and occasional pieces.
- Add interest to a plain colored sofa or chair with coordinating pillows, edge cording, bullion fringes, and other interesting details.
- Revive the look of a button tufted back or attached back with soft back cushions or a row of plump pillows.
- If you prefer the look of a skirt/kick pleat, then update it by asking for a deeper waterfall skirt. Accent it with a border of contrasting fabric when appropriate.
- Not wild about the arm shape, seat height, or style of your furniture? These can often be changed by updating the frame before recovering with your new fabric.
- Low sofas can be raised, put on casters, and reworked to make them more comfortable and up-to-date.
- Consider having a set of custom slipcovers made when your furniture is reupholstered. When you want a new look for the holidays, summer, or special occasions just pop on the slipcovers and enjoy!
Tips: - Make sure your upholsterer will take the time to repair any broken or damaged joints and springs.
- Ask about your options for cushion foam and padding for the "feel" you prefer -- from firm to soft.
- Consider buying several extra yards of your upholstery fabric. This should be saved Consider buying several extra yards of your upholstery fabric. This should be saved in the future in case repairs are ever needed on the piece.
More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating
~ Glenna Morton |
