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Furniture has a huge impact on the look and feel of your home. Changing up the couch in your living room, for example, can bring an entirely new look and feel to your living room. But with all the different fabrics and the sheer number of design options to choose from, it can be daunting to pick one that could be the perfect fit for your home.
Before you head to your local furniture store to buy a new couch, you must first determine what fabric is best suited to your home’s design. To help you out, here are five expert tips for choosing the perfect upholstery fabric to transform not only your couch, but the entire look of your living room as well:
SET A BUDGET
Your budget is the first factor that can affect your buying strategy when shopping around for upholstery options for a couch.
Remember to plan to spend the right amount to achieve functionality, aesthetics, and convenience. You can also do some research on the cost of maintenance for each sofa upholstery material before you decide on a budget to ensure that you’ll be happy with the outcome of your decision in the long run.
Durability and longevity are two more crucial factors you must consider when picking a material for your couch. When deciding based on durability, remember that patterns that are woven into the fabric stay longer compared to those that were only printed on it. Fabrics with tighter weaves and a higher thread count also tend to withstand the test of time.
Of course, you’ll also need to consider who will be using the sofa as well as where and how it will be used. Keep in mind that durability may vary depending on where your couch will be placed, who will use it, and many other aspects of your life, including the presence of children or pets in the house. In short, your decision should also be based on your lifestyle.
How you plan to use your couch should also dictate the material you choose for its upholstery. Will it be placed in an area where you’ll be entertaining guests frequently and where the couch can potentially get spilled on? Or is it going to be used in a room that sees a lot less traffic, like a home office or bedroom?
Once you determine the area where it will be placed, you’ll also need to learn about the different characteristics each fabric has to offer in relation to your couch’s location.
For example, textured blends like wool are the better choice for a couch in rooms that are seldom used. If you have pets, your best bet is a smooth cotton fabric that can be easily cleaned when necessary. Meanwhile, durable materials like blends of microfiber and corduroy can be used in living rooms and other places where you entertain guests.
Take note, however, that dark-coloured fabrics – especially natural ones like wool – should never be placed in direct sunlight to prevent fading. So, if you’re planning to style your couch near a window or door, you should choose a couch that is either made from a fade-resistant material or one with a lighter shade.
MATCH THE FABRIC WITH BOTH THE FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN
The fabric you choose must not only match the décor, flooring, and wallpaper of the space, but also the character and style of the furniture.
Some types of fabrics can be used for a more formal setup, while others are best suited for casual rooms. Choose a fabric that matches the mood and overall vibe of the space where the couch is to be placed.
Another primary consideration when picking a material for your fabric couch, is its colour. As mentioned earlier, the darkness or brightness of the hue should depend on where your fabric couch will be placed. It should also be in accordance with what your interior design looks like.
Determine whether you want your couch to blend in or stand out in the room. If you picked the latter, going with a bold and dramatic colour for a bigger piece is your best bet. If it’s the former, then you should choose fabrics with neutral hues and muted patterns.
Aside from taking note of what the room currently looks like, you should also plan for the future. This means that you must consider whether the colour of the fabric couch will still complement the space when you choose to redesign the room. In this case, bold and bright might be a bit difficult to work with, so it is best to go with neutrals.
Remember to ask yourself whether you can live with your colour choice over the long term. Otherwise, shades of grey and brown may be the better option since they blend better with most interior design principles.
If you’re looking to match your fabric couch with the walls, there’s a way to avoid the need to change upholstery fabric every time you change your wallpapers of the colour of your space. The key is to opt for neutrals and simply mix up the sofa’s look with interchangeable accessories such as scatter cushions and throws.
