After selling furniture for a couple of
years and 25 years experience as an Interior Decorator, I’d like to suggest the
tips below if you are in the market for new upholstery. When looking for
upholstery, you should ask the salesperson for information on fabric and
construction before making your decision to purchase.
1. Fabrics:
Durability and function should be paramount in selecting which fabric you choose for your upholstery. Fabrics can add color, character and charm to your room.
-Leather has features which can make it superior to other upholstery materials since it will not tear along the seam lines or easily rip as some other fabrics do. Leather is made to provide you with years of timeless beauty, however, it is a bit pricy.
-Leathermatch is a more economical material choice. Leather match upholstery means the piece has a combination of real leather and dyed-to-match vinyl. It features the look of leather at a more affordable cost.
-Microfiber features superfine filaments that are manufactured and woven together to create synthetic fabric. It has a softer, almost suede-like texture and is generally lighter than conventional fabrics. In general, microfiber fabrics are resilient or resist wrinkling; have a luxurious drape and body; retain their shape; and resist moisture very well. In addition, they are relatively strong and durable in relation to other fabrics of similar weight.
If fabric durability is a concern when purchasing your upholstery, a fabric constructed out of synthetic fibers (such as Viscose and Polyester) may be the right choice for you.
-Organic fabric:You can also consider wools and heavy cottons, which usually wear well. Cottons can range from twills to chintz (polished cotton). In my opinion, I prefer chintz because they clean better than twills.
In summary, all fabrics are subject to wear-and-tear. Sunlight and humidity can affect the quality of your upholstery. I highly recommend taking proper care of your furniture to ensure that the quality and appearance of your furniture does not change.
2. Furniture construction:
Comfort is key to a great piece of furniture. When deciding upon the construction of your furniture’s cushions, it is important to keep in mind that both down and synthetic cushioning have different advantages. Synthetic cushions (i.e., foam) tend to give firm yet comfortable support for upholstered seating. Down filled pieces will provide a smoother seat, allowing you to feel like you are "sitting on a cloud."
The other important aspect of your furniture's construction is the spring foundation. If you prefer sinking into the softness of the cushion, you should explore styles that are supported by 8-way suspensions. This type of support is achieved when single coil springs are attached to the webbing with link and then hand tied to each other to create superior elasticity in the seat. This gives the entire cushion a durable but very soft feeling with little support from the frame.
Sinuous Spring support is made up of S-shaped wires that are also known as “S coils” and “zigzag springs.” Springs are fastened with clips and no-sag nails to be staggered every few inches from front to back or top to bottom under the seat cushion and behind the seatbacks. This tightly held formation provides a slightly firmer support for your sofa, chair or ottoman.
Furniture frames are most commonly constructed out of kiln-dried hardwoods. Typically, Oak, Maple, and Poplar woods are used in this type of frame construction. Kiln-dried hardwoods provide sturdy structure and long-lasting durability to your furniture. Other pieces are constructed with rattan or metal, making your furniture stylish as well as strong.
3. Function of the Room:
Before selecting upholstery for your room, consider the function of the room. Is it a formal seating area? What about a casual living room where friends and family can feel at ease?
Furniture styles and fabric choices can aide you in creating a space that will meet your needs and provide your room a great new appearance. Fabrics with details (such as damask, tapestry, brocade) and matched with elegant framing structures create a more formal appeal. While furniture with darker fabrics and softer style-lines (such as microfiber or leather) are ideal for high-traffic areas in your home.
4. Style of your Room:
Style is a channel through which you are able to express your imagination and individuality. Here are some common style themes that are useful to consider when purchasing furniture for your home:
-Traditional Style: Calm, orderly, and conventional. This style is functional and uncomplicated. Traditional furniture pieces tend to accommodate a busy lifestyle, by being easy to maintain and child-friendly. However, there are many traditional pieces that adhere to the non-trendy design principle (for example, 18th century furniture) which can create a more formal atmosphere.
-Transitional Style: Transitional style is the synthesis of traditional and contemporary furniture. Finishes, materials and fabrics are combined to create a timeless and versatile design. This furniture is simple yet sophisticated and utilizes straight lines and very carefully balanced proportions.
-Modern Style: Modern style features clean lines and unique shapes. You will notice neutral elements accentuated by bold colors and geometric patterns. Modern style can be both casual and formal in appearance.
-Casual Style: Casual style is warm, comfortable and inviting. This style is defined by simple details, neutral colors and comfortable seating. Textured elements of fabrics along with softer choices of fabrics create an informal, welcoming atmosphere.
-Formal Style: Formal style features delicate, opulent fabrics which are ideal for light-use and if the room is used only for entertaining or conversation.
Durability and function should be paramount in selecting which fabric you choose for your upholstery. Fabrics can add color, character and charm to your room.
-Leather has features which can make it superior to other upholstery materials since it will not tear along the seam lines or easily rip as some other fabrics do. Leather is made to provide you with years of timeless beauty, however, it is a bit pricy.
-Leathermatch is a more economical material choice. Leather match upholstery means the piece has a combination of real leather and dyed-to-match vinyl. It features the look of leather at a more affordable cost.
-Microfiber features superfine filaments that are manufactured and woven together to create synthetic fabric. It has a softer, almost suede-like texture and is generally lighter than conventional fabrics. In general, microfiber fabrics are resilient or resist wrinkling; have a luxurious drape and body; retain their shape; and resist moisture very well. In addition, they are relatively strong and durable in relation to other fabrics of similar weight.
If fabric durability is a concern when purchasing your upholstery, a fabric constructed out of synthetic fibers (such as Viscose and Polyester) may be the right choice for you.
-Organic fabric:You can also consider wools and heavy cottons, which usually wear well. Cottons can range from twills to chintz (polished cotton). In my opinion, I prefer chintz because they clean better than twills.
In summary, all fabrics are subject to wear-and-tear. Sunlight and humidity can affect the quality of your upholstery. I highly recommend taking proper care of your furniture to ensure that the quality and appearance of your furniture does not change.
2. Furniture construction:
Comfort is key to a great piece of furniture. When deciding upon the construction of your furniture’s cushions, it is important to keep in mind that both down and synthetic cushioning have different advantages. Synthetic cushions (i.e., foam) tend to give firm yet comfortable support for upholstered seating. Down filled pieces will provide a smoother seat, allowing you to feel like you are "sitting on a cloud."
The other important aspect of your furniture's construction is the spring foundation. If you prefer sinking into the softness of the cushion, you should explore styles that are supported by 8-way suspensions. This type of support is achieved when single coil springs are attached to the webbing with link and then hand tied to each other to create superior elasticity in the seat. This gives the entire cushion a durable but very soft feeling with little support from the frame.
Sinuous Spring support is made up of S-shaped wires that are also known as “S coils” and “zigzag springs.” Springs are fastened with clips and no-sag nails to be staggered every few inches from front to back or top to bottom under the seat cushion and behind the seatbacks. This tightly held formation provides a slightly firmer support for your sofa, chair or ottoman.
Furniture frames are most commonly constructed out of kiln-dried hardwoods. Typically, Oak, Maple, and Poplar woods are used in this type of frame construction. Kiln-dried hardwoods provide sturdy structure and long-lasting durability to your furniture. Other pieces are constructed with rattan or metal, making your furniture stylish as well as strong.
3. Function of the Room:
Before selecting upholstery for your room, consider the function of the room. Is it a formal seating area? What about a casual living room where friends and family can feel at ease?
Furniture styles and fabric choices can aide you in creating a space that will meet your needs and provide your room a great new appearance. Fabrics with details (such as damask, tapestry, brocade) and matched with elegant framing structures create a more formal appeal. While furniture with darker fabrics and softer style-lines (such as microfiber or leather) are ideal for high-traffic areas in your home.
4. Style of your Room:
Style is a channel through which you are able to express your imagination and individuality. Here are some common style themes that are useful to consider when purchasing furniture for your home:
-Traditional Style: Calm, orderly, and conventional. This style is functional and uncomplicated. Traditional furniture pieces tend to accommodate a busy lifestyle, by being easy to maintain and child-friendly. However, there are many traditional pieces that adhere to the non-trendy design principle (for example, 18th century furniture) which can create a more formal atmosphere.
-Transitional Style: Transitional style is the synthesis of traditional and contemporary furniture. Finishes, materials and fabrics are combined to create a timeless and versatile design. This furniture is simple yet sophisticated and utilizes straight lines and very carefully balanced proportions.
-Modern Style: Modern style features clean lines and unique shapes. You will notice neutral elements accentuated by bold colors and geometric patterns. Modern style can be both casual and formal in appearance.
-Casual Style: Casual style is warm, comfortable and inviting. This style is defined by simple details, neutral colors and comfortable seating. Textured elements of fabrics along with softer choices of fabrics create an informal, welcoming atmosphere.
-Formal Style: Formal style features delicate, opulent fabrics which are ideal for light-use and if the room is used only for entertaining or conversation.
Hope these tips have been helpful to you. As always, until next month, Happy Decorating!
Thanks, I'll keep these tips in my mind before buying any furniture online. Thanks once again for letting us know :)
ReplyDeleteLuxury home accessories
It makes sense to determine your needs before you buy furniture and there are some important questions you need to ask yourself before buying furniture. Since furniture is essentially a functional commodity and it is meant to solve problems related to how your home functions for you, it is important to figure out what your biggest needs are.
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