Decor

All about Upholstery: a key element while styling your home

Upholstery is a key factor to consider when styling homes.  It is an element that brings in more texture and adds depth to any space. It also helps you maintain a certain level of sophistication that you may want to achieve in your home.

Pic courtesy_Freedom Tree Design

What is Upholstery?
Upholstery has been with us for centuries now and its importance in our living spaces is only growing. Technically, it can be defined as the process of covering furniture with fabric or leather, but there is a lot more to it than that. From hay to horsehair to wool, a variety of materials have been used for this purpose since time immemorial.  Furthermore, metal springs and foam are used in modern upholstered furniture for added durability. While the internal materials may not be visible, they significantly impact how comfortable the piece is.   And, while fabric may be changed at any time, depending on wear and tear—choosing high-quality inner layers will ensure that the garment lasts for years.

Pic courtesy_Hipcouch

Tips to Upholster
When starting to upholster furniture, there are several things you need to bear in mind. First things first, you need to determine the type of furniture or project. For instance, you may want to work with faux leather for durability and sustainability if you are upholstering a chair. If you are finished with with the external look, you can consider storage and cleaning methods.  Here are some tips you can follow:

Pic courtesy_RSDA
  • Start by picking the best material for the job
  • Decide which direction to focus
  • Ensure it is easy to clean and maintain after working on it
  • Add finishing touches that will make your upholstery stand out
Pic courtesy Hipcouch
Pic courtesy Hipcouch

Choosing the Fabric
This is a crucial step in upholstery because it bears the brunt of wear and tear. Today fabrics have come a long way and there is a plethora of choices. You can choose something that is durable or go for comfort with softer material.   Further, fabrics are available in all colours and prints, from classic to modern to quirky, with many options in between.  At Yorkshire Fabric Shop, we guarantee that you will get the best quality fabric in the market.

Pic courtesy_Eris Home
Pic courtesy_Eris Home

Check on the Furniture
If you wish to upholster your furniture, it is recommended to check on it first.  Some furniture may have built-in upholstery or decorative piping that you may want to preserve, while other pieces might need just a little spray and a minor makeover. Some furniture may not be worth the upholstery depending on its condition.

Pic courtesy_Freedom Tree
Pic courtesy_Freedom Tree

 

Seek Professional Help
Upholstering is not easy for beginners, which is why we recommend that you seek advice from a professional upholsterer. They will be able to advise you on the best ways to inspect your furniture and choose materials thereby striking a balance between beauty and durability.

Pic courtsey Artisan India
Pic courtsey Artisan India

Consider the Cost
Reupholstering an existing piece of furniture is a fun way to refresh your style and add a new look to your home.  But you need to think about the costs involved. As previously mentioned, the price of reupholstery is determined by the size, damage, and materials used.  You will also need to take into account the cost of labour. Since reupholstery is time-consuming and labour-intensive, it accounts for a large amount of the overall cost.  Other specialized work, including tufting, pattern alignment and attaching or altering welt cords, will increase the price of the project.

Pic courtesy_Hipcouch
Pic courtesy_Hipcouch

Always Choose Quality
Upholstery is expensive, so some people who wish to do it cut corners by compromising on the material. However, it is recommended that you do not make the mistake of putting price before quality. Good quality fabrics are more expensive than the ordinary materials in the market, but they last longer. They can handle wear and tear and their colours do not fade quickly. They do not shred easily and are simple to clean and maintain.

Pic courtesy: Freedom Tree Design
Pic courtesy: Freedom Tree Design

Takeaway
Upholstery is indeed one of the vital elements of styling your home. It is way affordable than buying new furniture. You might be wondering what type of upholstery will suit your taste best. The answer is easy — customize it yourself! We suggest you follow the tips above so you can make the best use of your upholstery project.

Pic courtesy Artisan India
Pic courtesy Artisan India

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