Friday, May 4, 2012

Solid fabrics for Sofas

I've always believed in upholstering large pieces of furniture in solid fabrics.  Sofas in particular can be quite overpowering in a room if done in a bold pattern.  Solid fabrics have more longevity.  Just change out the pillows and you can have a brand new look.
 
 
 
 Timothy Whealon - Architectural Digest

I just had this sofa reupholstered for a job.




It looked like this before.

We will have lots of color and pattern in pillows, window treatments, and smaller pieces of furniture, but a solid color is a great base to build a room around.

Here are some beautiful examples of solid upholstery as a base.


Laura Moss - House Beautiful


Richard Mishaan - Architectural Digest


Sarah Richardson - Canadian House and Home

Meg Braff - House Beautiful


Suzanne Kasler - Architectural Digest



Katie Ridder - Canadian House and Home

 

Vicente Wolf - House Beautiful

 


Skye Kirby - Traditional Home

Timothy Corrigan - Architectural Digest
 
 
This room above by Timothy Corrigan has a lot of pattern and movement, achieved with accent pillows and art.  The solid color upholstery serves as a perfect backdrop.
 
 
 

17 comments:

  1. In total agreement...love that coffee table ottoman arrangement of Vincent's very original to me anyway!

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  2. Yes, I think the sofa should be solid. I want to have my red one in the sitting room reupholstered some time in a velvet, I think.

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  3. I agree, Carla, and the room by Sarah Richardson is my favorite. So many beautiful images.
    I bet your client was ecstatic with the change.
    Happy Friday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  4. I agree, Carla. A solid fabric and larger furniture pieces is a practical choice. And, with some added colour and pattern from cushions and throws, it's anything but boring!

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  5. I agree, Carla. My current one is a tonal cut chenille and I can't even stand the pattern anymore. It's going green velvet. Bold color, yes, but I can't think of anything I can't put with it. Solid is the way to go, most of the time. Have a great weekend.

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  6. Indeed! I love solid fabrics and neutral walls. Love the fretwork fabric in the Skye Kirby home. That's one of my favorite patterns right now. The color palette in the Laura Moss home most resembles my home. I love soft, muted color. Thanks for sharing such wonderful inspiration sources!

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

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  7. my stars what a difference that upholstry change made. brought that sofa right up-to-date and made it timeless. I am looking for one right now - my budget will probably like an older one to recover but whether new or not, I'll go with a solid fabric! donna

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  8. Absolutely agree that solid sofas have more longevity than patterned ones. Great post, I love the inspirational images, too!

    Have a lovely weekend, Carla!

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  9. Carla an insightful post, there are so many gorgeous fabrics one can get carried away...you are right though.

    Adore the Sarah Richardson image!

    I have featured an Interview on my site with Tina from The Enchanted Home...

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  10. YES! allmy sofa's have been solid neutrals, the accessory change up is wide open and don't forget the holidays all still goes
    thanks carla for visiting my blog
    debra

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  11. I couldn't agree more. I just need to the find the fabric that matches the dog's hair best!!!

    www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com

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  12. I always always always use solids and kind of shudder when clients ask for pattern on large pieces. I need to show them this post!
    Stacy

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  13. Solid fabrics are always the best option for sofas, no doubt!

    www.tatianadoria.blogspot.com

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  14. The fabric is so drab on my sofa. I need to do that! Great post.

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  15. I totally agree Carla...my living room couch and chairs are being made right now and they are all in a solid taupe...that way I can change the whole feel of the room on a whim or with every season! Great post.

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  16. You do not have to convince me of that.....I could never commit to anything but a neutral on a large piece of furniture!

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  17. Love this! That's always been a huge pet peeve of mine when the sofa or any large piece is in a bold print! Neutral always works and anchors the room! There are several pictures here that I wouldn't mind saving! They are beautiful! Have a great weekend!
    Carolyn

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