ATDC reader Jordan needs advice remaking a family heirloom: Hello. I am about to move into a new apartment in Charlottesville, Virginia, and I need help! I was recently given a chair that is a family heirloom and I am looking for some ideas on how to make it work for my space. The only piece I am locked into is a Pottery Barn Square sectional in a neutral tan color with very simple lines (pictured below), so the chair needs to at least "go" with that. These will probably be the only two pieces of upholstery that will fit in the living room, and I plan to bring in color (probably bright green) with pillows and either a rug or an ottoman because I can't paint the walls...
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My first thought was to do a fabric with a subtle pattern with mostly dark red. But with the wood color practically matching the sofa already, you're going to have a hard time going wrong! The only hint to keep in mind while you're looking at fabrics is whether you prefer geometry in your pattern (like the current fabric) or whether you'd like something that is more organic that doesn't adhere to specific borders. I think the chair's lines can easily do both. I'm not being much help - nice chair!
view home body's profile
A more graphic pattern like a stripe or geometric will work better in the long run.
view queenbee1230's profile
I think that the chair works perfectly well as-is with your choice of sofa - I'd wait and have a look first and get it professionally cleaned if the fabric is in good shape.
If you do need to reupholster, I'd choose a solid color - as those big bold patterns currently in vogue will be out of style in a few more months...
view bepsf's profile
This was my question, thanks for responding! The fabric is not torn or really in disrepair (it is not the original fabric), but I just don't love it and I want something new because I'm used to seeing it like this in my parents' home. I'm into brighter colors and prints, so I'd like to do something neutral so I can put in a lot of bright accents or do a cool print. Thanks for any input, I'm very new at this decorating thing.
view limegreenie's profile
actually, if you find a good upholsterer in charlottesville, please post in the comments! i need one!
view edgertor's profile
If the wood really matches the sofa already, like the photo suggests, you are in good shape no matter what you choose. (If it doesn't match, you might consider making that happen.)
If it were mine, I'd pick a solid color or subtle blend (tweed, maybe) in a color you have liked for a long time and probably will continue to like. I'd keep it in the middle range of value so it's easier to keep clean than really light or dark. (Unless you are a slave to bright yellow or hot pink or something!) I'd choose a good upholstery fabric maybe with a bit of texture in the weave. It's a fun piece, infinite possibilities!
view SherryBinNH's profile