The Repeat

What is a repeat and what does that have to do with my furniture?

A full repeat

The repeat is the size of the pattern of your fabric. This is measured both vertically and horizontally. In the above image you see the 9 flowers  - this is the whole 'repeat' since each line is different. These 9 flowers will be 'repeated' though out the fabric. Therefore, you need to measure 3 flowers across and 3 high to get the size of the repeat.

Reupholster or a Slipcover?

Not a good slipcover candidate

I'm sure you've asked yourself which is the better option at some point. Each option has it's benefits, and it depends on what you are trying to achieve with your furniture.

When a piece of furniture is reupholstered it will be stripped back inspected and any parts will be replaced (such as springs). Then new fabric is sewn to create the cover and cushions. The end result is a tailored, professional 'new' piece of furniture. We can also even make a few changes to the style of cushions and padding on the arms to make it look like a new piece.

To protect your furniture or not?

You've invested money in your new upholstered furniture, but do you have it protected? If you have had your furniture upholstered by a professional upholsterer or if you have bought new furniture then chances are you have had your furniture protected by a product that most people think of as 'Scotchgard'™ But not everyone has their couches protected, or you may have had your couch for a long time, then the 'Scotchgard'™ has probably worn or washed off over time so is it a good idea to get hold of a can or two (you can find it HERE and HERE) and protect your furniture?

Yes it's a good idea, a very good idea, even if you don't have kids. If you have animals or if you've ever spilled some juice on the couch, accidentally made a mark with a pen or had some other incident then you'll be glad you did.

How to make your upholstered furniture look cheap.

I think we've all seen those pieces of furniture. They initially look good, but something is a bit off that makes it look more 'home made' than professional. Do you know what it is?

It's the mismatched fabric pattern.

This tropical chair looks great, the chair is a lovely style, the fabric looks inviting, but look closely at the box cushion. 

How to choose patterned fabric for your upholstery.

When you are getting a piece of furniture custom made or reupholstered the fabric will determine the look and feel of the piece. Do you want the finished product to look crisp with clean lines, or something more cosy and inviting?

The fabric you choose will determine what the end result will be.

Once you have decided on what feel you are going for with your furniture, then you can think about plain or patterned fabric.

Patterns are fun and inviting, but you do have to know what you are doing with the fabric. This is where your upholsterer will be able to guide you. This is what upholsterers do everyday, so they can help you decide what fabric will create the look you are going for.

If you have decided on a patterned fabric (lets not even talk about colors, that is a whole separate post!), then you need to consider a few more points:

Cushions and Upholstery

When you think of upholstery, you no doubt automatically think of a sofa, or possibly a big plush arm chair. A big chunk of those pieces come down to the cushions that sit on them.

Some of the custom details on your sofa/arm chair can make quite a difference to the look of the piece.

Cushions can be tailored in different ways, lets look at a few:

Buying Vintage Furniture

Choosing vintage furniture is a good move, it's usually solidly made, it reduces your impact on the environment and can give your home a point of difference, but how do you choose wisely?

A 1950's piece.

First of all vintage furniture is not antique furniture, it's between 30-100 years old so that would be anywhere from 1913-1983. Most people when buying vintage furniture tend to look at the 1950's-1960's but remember the scope is much larger than this. If you are looking at buying a piece because you want to reflect that era, then make sure that the piece (or pieces) are of a classic shape and design. It would be a bit pointless to buy furniture that although was made at the right time, looks like it was made 20 years earlier or later.

For example if you are looking at a piece made in the 1930's it should have an Art Deco look, and may have lacquered wood. 1950's Mid Century pieces often were made with brightly coloured fabric, and chrome tables were also very popular at this time.

An Art Deco seat.

So when you come across a great looking piece at your local garage sale, what do you look for? Make sure it is well made! Trying it out before you pay money for it is a smart move. Feel if the legs are sturdy, if the back is wobbly or if there is any sagging in the seat. Keep in mind that if the bones are good, you can always get it reupholstered to bring a tired piece back to life. Tired looking pieces are usually pried accordingly so it's often a great way to to not only get the right look but also have it fit with your surroundings.

When you purchase from a vintage dealer, you will be paying more, but this is because they often have restored the piece first and they have chosen furniture that is likely to be in better condition than you local op shop.

Here is a great video from a woman who runs a vintage furniture shop in Austin, Texas.

Have you purchased a good piece of vintage furniture? Did you leave it as is, or did you have it reupholstered?