How to Choose the Perfect Upholstery to Complement Your Interior Design Style
Photo by alice kang on Unsplash
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a unique and challenging time for so many people, but it has also allowed us to explore interests and hobbies we never knew we had. As many as 71% of workers whose responsibilities could be completed remotely were forced to work from home during this time. Due to this, people began to see their home environments as an extension of themselves, and furniture restoration and upholstery quickly became popular activities for those looking to make the most of their newfound time at home.
With the majority of people spending extra hours per day in their own homes, it became increasingly important for them to create comfortable and inviting spaces for work and relaxation. Research from Harvard found that home improvement spending has increased each year of the pandemic reaching $420 billion in 2021 with projections to reach $625 billion by 2025. Luckily, upholstery projects can be relatively cheap and simple ways to instantly improve the look of your living space.
With so many upholstery fabrics and materials available, you can customize furniture with any color or texture you wish — making it unique to your style. Whether you choose a traditional style or something completely avant-garde, upholstery can be used to make your furniture reflect your personality.
What is upholstery?
Upholstery is the craft of making furniture comfortable and attractive, using fabric and other materials for padding, support, and decoration. Its origin dates back to ancient times when people used hay and moss for chair cushions.
During the Middle Ages, padded seating was reserved for the wealthy, while by the 17th century, stuffing made from horsehair was commonplace. In the 18th century, upholsterers developed methods of suspending seating cushions with metal springs to make them higher and more comfortable. These were covered with upholstery fabrics such as velvet or damask.
The 19th century saw a shift towards synthetic materials such as cotton batting, feathers, foam rubber padding, and coiled springs. This made furniture more affordable since it no longer had to be stuffed with natural materials like horsehair. Today’s upholstered items are designed for greater durability using synthetic fibers like rayon or polyester, foam rubber padding, and metal springs for greater longevity.
Things to consider before selecting upholstery
Selecting the best upholstery fabric for your living space is a big decision, and it’s not always an easy one. Choosing the right upholstery can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the room, so careful consideration is key. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right upholstery for your space:
Who you live with
When choosing upholstery for your living space, it is essential to consider the people and pets you live with. This is especially true if you have children or pets, as certain fabrics are better than others when resisting stains and smell.
For example, stain-resistant fabrics are ideal if you have young children who may frequently spill or make messes. “We want our families to live and function in their spaces, not be fearful of destruction,” says designer Kellie Burke of Kellie Burke Interiors, “Durability and stain resistance without the sacrifice of style and soft subtle texture is key when selecting upholstery.”
On the other hand, dust and dander-prone fabrics like velvet should be avoided if you have pets in your home, as they can hold onto these odors and allergens and make them airborne in the home environment.
Another factor to consider when selecting upholstery for a living space with children or pets is durability. Look for heavier and more tightly woven fabrics to ensure they stand up to wear and tear. By considering the people and animals living in your home before selecting upholstery, you can create an interior design that is both beautiful and functional – no matter what room or style you are trying to achieve.
What room you are upholstering
When selecting upholstery for your interiors, it is also helpful to consider the room in which you are decorating. The needs of each room are different and should be carefully considered when making your selection.
For example, the living room tends to be a high-traffic area, requiring upholstery fabric that can withstand wear and tear. You may opt for a more durable fabric such as linen or leather or an easy-to-clean synthetic material such as microfiber.
Alternatively, you may want something softer and more luxurious for your bedrooms, such as velvet, cotton, or silk. These materials will look beautiful and provide comfort and warmth when lounging in bed.
How you want the room to feel
You should also consider what atmosphere you wish to create in each room. For example, a living room might require something brighter and more energetic, while you may want your bedroom to feel subdued and moody. Either way, upholstery can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your space, so be sure to choose carefully.
How the fabric ages
The longevity of your upholstery fabric is another critical factor to consider when making your selection. Different types of upholstery fabric will age differently depending on their composition and quality. For example, leather can be extremely durable and maintain its look over time, while polyblend upholstery may start to show signs of wear more quickly.
While leather and designer upholstery fabric can often be more expensive than other fabrics, it is crucial to think about the long-term investment when considering how your upholstery will look in the years to come. “How will it look in five years?” asks furniture expert Bob Williams, “Will you still love the leather as it develops a nice patina from everyday living?” All upholstery fabric ages differently, so it is imperative that you appreciate the aged aesthetic of the upholstery you select.
Considerations for the furniture itself
It is vital to consider the furniture piece itself when selecting upholstery for a room, as this will also impact the space’s aesthetic and functionality. Depending on the type of furniture, you may have different considerations when selecting a fabric that suits your desired look and feel. Here are a few things to consider when selecting upholstery for your furniture:
The size
When selecting new upholstery for your interiors, considering the size of the furniture is as essential as any other factor. More prominent and grander pieces of furniture may require a more subtle upholstery to create balance and avoid overwhelming the room. In addition, natural colors such as beige and greys can be calming, allowing other decorative elements to stand out.
On the other hand, smaller accent pieces like ottomans or chairs can take more daring colors and patterns without being too disruptive. Choosing bolder hues, bright colors, and more intricate designs can add depth and character to a room while creating visual interest.
The shape
It is necessary to consider the shape of your furniture when deciding on upholstery. Upholstering a curvaceous piece of furniture can be tricky and requires an eye for detail. Solid-colored fabrics often look better on curved furniture than patterned fabrics, as they tend not to chop up when being put back together. This is particularly true if the shape is intricate or ornate.
The purpose
The purpose of your furniture piece should be considered when upholstering so that the fabric can be tailored to the function and placement of the piece.
For example, an upholstered chair or sofa for a living room may be more comfortable with a plush velvet or faux suede. In contrast, dining room chairs might require a more durable material like stain-resistant polyester. When considering outdoor spaces, these areas may require upholstery fabrics resistant to water and UV rays, while indoor upholstery can focus more on comfort and fun texture.
The impact
When selecting upholstery for your interior design, it is essential to consider the furniture’s impact on the room. For example, brighter and more vibrant designs can dramatically affect a space, while more muted tones may provide a subtle backdrop.
For example, if you want an accent chair to be the focal point of a room, choosing an eye-catching pattern or bright color will allow it to stand out from the other furnishings. On the other hand, if you want a sectional sofa to dominate the space, selecting an upholstery fabric with bolder hues or larger patterns can create an impressive statement.
In addition to considering how each piece of furniture will affect the visual appearance of a given room, it is also vital to ensure that its upholstery fabric complements any existing fixtures and decor elements. Alternatively, if you are going for a more maximalist look, you may prefer contrasting textures and patterns in your interiors, as finding fabrics that vary significantly in color and texture can effectively create interest in your space.
The cost
Good quality upholstered furniture can be costly, so it is crucial to consider all the factors mentioned above before spending money. Because it is a significant investment, you’ll want to ensure you get lasting furniture that also looks good. Cheaper materials may wear out more quickly or not provide the same level of comfort, so it’s helpful to factor in cost when deciding.
How to select the perfect upholstered piece for your space
Once you have narrowed down your choices with careful consideration, it’s time to get creative with selecting the perfect upholstery for your space.
Define your style
When selecting upholstery for your interiors, defining your style is essential. If you’re going for a neutral and minimalist look, opt for muted colors and fabrics emphasizing comfort. Choose a more subtle pallet of beige, gray, or cream colors to create a classic yet elegant look.
For maximalist interiors, go bold and make a statement with your choice of upholstery. For an opulent feel, incorporate jewel tones such as teal, magenta, mustard yellow, and emerald green. Add exotic prints, patterns, and luxurious materials like silk and velvet to take the design to the next level.
If you desire more traditional interiors that never go out of style, choose timeless upholstery designs in bold colors such as royal blue or hunter green. Look into classic prints like damask or paisley and textured fabrics like wool or jacquard for added interest and depth.
Play with scale
Pattern scale can be a fun element for your upholstery selection. If your room is relatively small, a large, bold pattern might overwhelm the space and make it seem cramped or cluttered. On the other hand, if your room is more extensive, a small muted print might be lost in the background. It is best to select appropriate patterns for both the size of the furniture they cover and the size of the room.
Go for secondhand
Shopping secondhand for upholstered furniture is a great way to achieve the look you’re going for while remaining sustainable. With 12 million tons of furniture ending up in landfills each year, purchasing pre-loved furniture is a great option to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only can you find quality used items this way, but there are also plenty of opportunities for repurposing old or vintage pieces.
When considering repurposing old or vintage items, many creative ways exist to add new life to an otherwise outdated piece. For example, an old chair can be painted bright and the fabric replaced with something more modern. Or, a sofa can be reupholstered with vibrant colors to enhance its shape further. Even small changes like adding fringe trim or decorative buttons around the edges help bring an old piece into the modern age.
Shop Kaiyo
Shopping secondhand at Kaiyo is the perfect way to find beautiful upholstered furniture for all of your interior design needs. With our site’s wide selection of gently used, quality items, you can find pieces that are just right for any room in your home. In addition, our experienced professionals have inspected all of our products to ensure they meet our high-quality standards.
Shopping with Kaiyo a great way to equip your home with stylish furniture and a chance to help protect the environment. With every purchase made, you get high-quality furniture at an unbeatable price – but you also get the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution has helped reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. So check out our inventory today and fall in love with your next upholstery purchase!
