
AT:SF, I have a great vintage sofa that I purchased and then reupholstered several years ago. Unfortunately the fabric I selected did not wear well at all. I want to have it reupholstered. Here are my fabric choices so far. The colors work with my room. Should I stay with a simple nice textured fabric or go with a tapestry fabric? Is the tapestry fabric too busy for a clean modern sofa? I am torn.
Deirdre


Deidre,
We really love the green. But between the two fabrics you're looking at, we prefer the simple textured one.
Readers, what do you think?
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Comments (22)
I love that color and would redo it in the same... but if not, I would stick to a solid.
I like the first red one. The second one resembles an old knitted afgan too much for my liking.
I vote the simple one, and get some of the other for a pillow, or placemats, or a table runner.
PS -- unless everything else is ultra simple and you have no other pattern anywhere. Then put the pattern on your sofa and go solids everywhere else. I think the pattern is very dramatic, but may in fact argue with showing off the lines of the sofa, which are in clean and chic -- but I don't think they're that simple. The off-set symmetry is unexpected and sophisticated.
NO to the tapestry. Go with something clean and simple. The sofa itself is a conversation piece so I think a busy fabric competes with its design rather than complements it. Something monochromatic or tweedy and textured is far more elegant.
I like the red one as well!
I like the green, and would even suggest a similar texture but with a deep blue or perhaps gray. But if you are really into the other two fabrics, I'd go with the first one. The 2nd one is really loud. I say, the simpler the better in order to show off the form of the sofa, which should be the focus.
Definately the first one.
The second is for an Old Lady's wingchair, not a mid-century daybed.
i like the second one, i have to say. it's a little missoni home and it's good to see fabrics and furniture that don't necessarily "match" mixed up. i think if you like it, have the confidence to go for it instead of sticking with the more obvious and safer choice. i'd like to see it when you're done.
I always think that what might have been appealing about an upolstered chair or sofa might not only be the shape, but the texture and color of the fabric in "as found" condition. I aways try take this into account before drastic changes when re-upolstery is needed for freshening up...
I'd definitely go with the solid.
I like the first one, cute!
Of the two choices, I really love the first one. The color and texture are really inviting and will definitely make people want to touch/sit on it. I also think it will add some real interest to the simplicity of the sofa.
You didn't say if you had cats though. Tapestry fabrics like this are a real treat to feline claws? Always a concern at our house so I thought I'd bring it up.
I don't care for either fabric; I like the simplicity of the green you have now. Upholstery is such a major investment (to me) that I would look for a versatile fabric. If you redecorate in a few years, would that patterned afghan print clash with your next design?
Go with the first one. You want people to notice the excellent shape of the piece, not a busy pattern. I also thinks the 2nd pattern clashed with the period of the piece. Great sofa!
I agree that of those two, the simpler one is better. I'd also be tempted to look at the Maharam reproductions of mid-century designs (Eames, etc.) that could look fabulous on that piece......although they tend to be pricy.
I vote for "simple nice textured fabric".
Solid color like the green, but do it in mohair or something sturdy. That sofa is so fab and does not need any pattern competition.
I agree with going solid. I love that green...maybe the same solid green but in a different texture so that it does not take away from the modern simplicity of the couch.
Boy was that a mouthful.
I would go with the solid. I have chosen patterned things then have got sick of them quickly.
The solid fabric, by the way, looks very similar in texture to what I have on my couch. It is EXTREMELY durable...dog jumping up and down from the couch and all.
I see no reason to stay solid.
I like the first one (and it is probably better for the piece), but if you love the second one, go for it. I see nothing wrong with the pattern, but think it would be better if the colors were different. In those tones it reads more traditional.
I would stay solid. Go with the first choice of the two if you must choose between those two fabrics. The whole point of a lovely, simple piece of modern furniture is that its...simple. The lack of adornment and basic shape are intentional and meant to be appreciated. Swaddling the piece in a loud fabric risks overwhelming the attributes of the sofa.