JOIN USDress your furniture in dapper upholstery and do up your home in some dashing drapery. Not only will this rid you of boredom, it will also add some glitz to your living space, opines Charu Gupta
If you have had the same furniture, décor or upholstery at your home for the last few years, chances are, you may have become extremely bored of them. Or they may have faded, torn, stained or become dull, sucking the very spirit out of your otherwise lively home.
If so, it is now time to breathe a new life into your furniture. But mindless expenditure on unsuitable upholstery will only end up becoming an eyesore. With skill and a keen eye for detail, you can express a different style or colour palette easily. Also, with the right kind of fabric, you can turn any piece of furniture from casual to dramatic.
Begin to choose
A bright fabric could contrast or complement the sofa, giving it a fresh look. A new appearance can sometimes be accomplished with small items like throw pillows, different fabrics or a combination of colours and patterns and a clever arrangement on the sofa and chairs for an unusual appeal.
In addition to being durable (for obvious reasons), the fabric chosen should also appear crisp and clean over a long period of time. Try to think if you like plain designs, patterned ones or striped fabrics.
Roll with the seasons
The changing seasons also inspire us to make changes in our abode. Fall is a season of fantastic style and inspiration and the cooler weather brings with it a desire to cosy up with weightier fabrics, textures and warm colours. Another way to bring warmth to your room is with beautiful wooden blinds.
There are a variety of fabrics and trimmings available at stores, that can thoroughly spoil you for choice. Colours, designs and styles are your personal preferences. You can pick from graphic prints, floral, jacquard, tapestries, woven, crewels, faux suede, textured chenille, velvets or mohair – the choices are endless. However, before zeroing in on the fabric, one should keep in mind a few things, such as:
l One cannot have the same fabric on a formal sofa and a sofa cum bed. As these serve two very different purposes (the bed being subjected to rougher usage), the durability of a sofa cum bed has to be much more than that of formal sofa.
l The shape and design of the furniture is also a huge factor. Bigger pieces can have stripes with plain fabric in the same family or a contrast colour with the ambient décor of the room. Smaller pieces will look good if they have the same fabric and colour.
l Your upholstery has a huge impact on the look and feel of your room. Some styles are more versatile and can look fabulous in both, traditional and modern rooms. You can combine plain, stripes and floral designs for a dramatic look. Or else, opt for the same colour tone in different types of fabrics, like leather, chenille and suede. l Scatter cushions to bring out the fabric. This is the perfect way to finish your room. Cushions give both, style and comfort to the furniture.
l Swatches are a must. Get swatches at home to get the feel of the room and
visualise how it will work in your ambience before actually buying one. l Pick fabrics that gel well with your furniture.
l Upholstery and leather fabrics are affected by sunlight and heat. It is recommended that you position them away from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays, too, can damage both, fabrics and wood.
Most people have old or antique pieces of furniture at home that neither fit nor match with the rest of the décor. But with a little time and imagination, you can turn it into a whole new piece just by changing the polish or paint and reupholstering it in new fabric.
When choosing fabrics for upholstered furniture, keep in mind that tightly woven fabrics tend to wear the best. Also, keep the climatic condition of your city in mind. If you live in a hot city, cotton or natural fabrics are best.
If, on the other hand, you reside in a cold place, opt for heavier fabrics like leather or suede. Leatherite is good in a neutral colour for homes with children. It is relatively easy to maintain.
We all deserve a beautiful home without having to worry about the expenses. In a bid to use fabric just everywhere, one ends up wasting money and effort.
Instead, if the fabric content of the entire home is well planned and executed, one can afford to use even priceless fabrics during special occasions. One can easily have three to four sets of home furnishings and change them according to seasons and festivals.
Windows to your home
Curtains should be picked based upon how well natural light is present in a room. If the room is poorly lit, go for thin curtains and a single layer. However, if you have direct sunshine, a dual layer of curtains works best. A thick layer of handloom cotton or glazed cotton, which partially filters the light can be put up.
Keep in mind the length of the curtain too – whether you want it till the floor or just until the length of your window. Also, let them be a few inches broader than the window so that light doesn’t creep in through the corners.
Factors to consider
Note the tone of the room. For the living room and parlours, you could go for plain-coloured classy materials like silk or satin; whereas for bedrooms and other places, you could use cotton or rayon blends. For less conspicuously placed windows (kitchens or store rooms) , you can may be go for a lace or transparent curtain. Since drapes, especially the door curtains, need washing, make sure they are also colour fast.
Also, do not forget to maintain the fabrics once you fix them. One must regularly fluff to maintain their shape and comfort. Flip your upholstery cushions on a regular basis. Periodic vacuuming also removes dust and fungus.
(The writer is an interior designer & creative director, Medini)