Choosing to reupholster your sofa can be a big step in your home design. While it might not seem like a huge deal, changing the color or pattern of your piece can alter the entire feel of a room– and the feel of your furniture. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing new upholstery.
Consider Your Piece
What is the piece of furniture going to be used for? If you live in a home with a lot of kids or pets, you won’t want to choose an upholstery fabric that will be easily worn or damaged– or fabric that’s too expensive and fancy. In the same vein, don’t forget to check on how resistant the material is to stains, flames, and mildew says Better Homes & Gardens.
Request a Swatch – But Think Bigger
Make sure to order swatches of any fabric you’re seriously considering, recommends Wolf Gordon, whose extensive fabric collection offers samples for order online. This is the only way you’ll be able to determine what the fabric looks and feels like up-close. But think bigger– will that pattern still look good when it’s duplicated over and over again across an entire sofa? Just because you fall in love with a swatch doesn’t mean that it’s going to be flattering in larger form. Think carefully about how the pattern or colors will complement or clash with the larger picture.
Stay Neutral to Change the Focus
Choosing a neutral, solid-colored upholstery fabric is a good way to keep your room balanced and draw the eye to accessories or other accent pieces. If you’re looking to go classic instead of going loud, skip that lively pattern and choose a traditional fabric.
Begin your upholstery search so that you can get a feel for what’s out there. Don’t forget to check out design tips and recommendations.
