apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

It is hard to visualize what a pattern will look like once it's covering a large area like a couch. The best way to get to know upholstery fabrics is to look at hundreds of sofas and take note of what you love.

hmmm it's a pretty nice room, but simple... looks like the rug has some VERY cool patterns in it, do you want to contrast that or take the eye away from that to your couch? i would go a solid color maybe a light ice mint or something super light like that. and do you really want to reupholster? your couch shape has all the markings of being able to slipcover it VERY nicely.

That sofa is a great shape - IMO, solid colors and textured fabrics such as velvets & chenilles are the easiest and most flexible to work with when decorating. Patterns such as plaids, florals, etc. quickly date and limit the way a piece can be used.

I'd suggest a simple cotton/linen woven - in an ecru, taupe or light blue and work with other colors in ways that are more easily changed such as pillows, throws and wall paints.

Thanks for the comments. In case anyone is interested, you can see the rest of the room here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37886643@N00/tags/living/

The couch is in worse shape than it looks. It's 25 years old, so the fabric is quite worn and the foam needs to be replaced (which isn't actually that expensive to do); I made some covers for the cushions in the past, which is why that fabric is in better shape.

minimal4me, I have discovered exactly the point you brought up: it's very difficult to imagine large blocks of a fabric, which I learned when I reupholstered the chair in the room.

Some of you have suggested a light fabric, but I'm concerned about dirt showing. At one point I was thinking about a medium "mocha" velvet but I don't know if it would feel too dark and heavy for the room.

I would consider picking up on a colour from the carpet, perhaps the grayish green if you are worried about dirt showing or the cream colour if you are more concerned about keeping the couch a lighter shade.

fabric stores will almost always let you borrow fabric samples. That's probably the best way to test out a number of different styles before you buy.

If you're concerned about dirt showing, get a good vacuum with an upholstery brush and vacuum regularly. (And don't sit on it if you're dirty)

bepsf: Dirt doesn't come from people being dirty in many cases. If you live in certain places (esp. big cities), there is a lot of dust from smog. It's the sort of thing that you can't overcome with vacuuming unless you do so nearly every day.

I'm curious why you don't go for the same color as the nearby chair and just add contrast with pillows.