I lot of people go straight for the designer upholstery fabric when they recover their furniture. It’s not always the best idea to pick your fabric before you have a plan. Here are 3 things to keep in mind when reupholstering.
What kind of furniture are you working with?
What are the materials other than upholstery that you will be working with? Is it wood? Is It Metal? What kind of wood? What kind of metal? How’s the age? Do you have something vintage? is it just a piece of junk? Is it for out or indoors? The purpose and construction of the furniture you are working with can have significant effect on the upholstery you choose. Cotton Filler and indoor fabric aren’t good with patio furniture. It would be a mess in no time. A stout outdoor fabric would be the ruin of a Louis the 14th chair.
Have you thought about the other parts of upholstery?
Upholstery isn’t all designer upholstery fabric. There is also what goes underneath it. Is foam your filler? Are you using natural filling? What about springs or webbing? A waterproof foam pillow for your patio is completely different from a recovered antique kitchen chair. Most commonly forgotten are the guts of the furniture. “I’ll put foam in it,” is what most people say without even thinking about it. A smart decission here could mean a seat that looks nice or a seat that feels comfortable. The goal of a chair is to be sat on. If it doesn’t pass that test it doesn’t matter how it looks.
Designer upholstery fabric isn’t the least or most important aspect. It’s equal parts. It’s the most visible part. That’s why it gets so much press. In fabric, what are you looking for? What does it need to match? will it go inside or outside? Will it need to be rain and mildew resistant? Will it be pet hair resistant?
Redecorating isn’t about doing one thing or another. Combination is what’s important. A mix of the different parts when put together properly can unlock the beauty of your space.