When your favourite piece of furniture’s upholstery starts to fade or lose its lustre because it’s over a decade old, then you have some decision making to do. You can choose to either buy a new couch or lounge suite, or you can reupholster it. Between buying and reupholstering there is a cost issue involved. However, reuphostery will be the more affordable between the two.
If you’ve selected the reupholstery option, you have the luxury of choosing your own fabric for the furniture. Now you can let your style dictate what the furniture should look like. This is wonderful because you can decide on the colour, pattern and fabric. You’re not limited to only a few choices such as when you went to buy the furniture in the place. If your lounge is decorated with a specific theme such as a French theme, then you can select a fabric that matches the theme.
At this stage, you will have hundreds of fabrics to choose from but there are few things that you need to keep in mind when choosing fabric for your furniture. Although you want to keep costs low consider the longevity you are trying to achieve. Cheaper fabrics may seem like a good idea in the short run but it can lead to another purchase later. Cheaper fabrics fray when it is stretched over the frame of the furniture. It may be because it was not made for this purpose. Keep in mind that when the furniture is reupholstered, the fabric is stretched over the frame to create the perfect appearance. When you choose a fabric make sure that it has a tight weave for long lasting durability.
Consider the type of pattern you want and how it will appear when it is pulled over the furniture. For example, if you decide on a striped pattern then let the upholsterer know in which direction you want the stripes to flow. Should they all go across the furniture laterally or from top to bottom? If you choose a floral pattern, then you need to advise the upholsterers how you want the floral pattern to cover the furniture. Should the floral pattern flow diagonally or laterally?
Reupholstering your old furniture gives you the opportunity to be creative and to have fun with the process. Once you see your choices come to life it will stir up feelings of excitement and joy.