So, you’ve decided it’s time to redecorate! You’re excited but also a little nervous. Let’s face it, selecting new upholstery can be somewhat intimidating in terms of exactly how to go about changing your decor, and then, of course, there’s the cost.

Before you update an entire room or just replace a few key pieces, such as a sofa or chairs, here are a few guidelines to follow that will ease your anxiety and help you achieve the look you want.

When choosing new upholstery, there are three main factors to consider, colour, durability, and style.

Colour

First, decide what kind of mood you want to create. Are you drawn to bold, dramatic colours or do you prefer subtle, neutral hues? As your sofa is generally the centrepiece of any living room, the colour you choose is vital to the overall look of your decor.

There are several options: The sofa can match the rest of the decor in general, it can coordinate with certain key elements in the room such as flooring, cabinets or accent tables, or it can be the one distinct piece that stands out and doesn’t match anything else.

For furniture in heavily trafficked areas and family rooms, which play host to little ones and pets, avoid light-coloured fabrics—darker colours will hide the inevitable dirt and stains more easily.

To avoid unnecessary expense, it’s probably also best to resist “seasonal” trends and choose a colour you can live with for several years. As a general rule of thumb, when it comes to fabric with patterns, avoid large patterns on small pieces and small patterns on large pieces, as this won’t do justice to your pattern of choice.

Choosing New Upholstery

Durability

As with choosing colour, when it comes to choosing fabric based on durability, there are several things to take into account. These include the piece itself, the room it’s placed in and your lifestyle—yes, we’re once again referring to kids and pets. Microfibres and leather stand up well to the daily wear and tear of an active family.

Also keep in mind that woven fabrics hold up longer than printed ones, and, of course, higher thread counts and tightly woven fabrics last longer as well.

Style

This is where your personality can really shine; choose a fabric that reflects your personal style but also enhances the mood of the room’s decor.

Fabrics such as linen look lovely in a more formal room, whereas cotton is a casual, durable (and economical) choice perfect for daily use.

Many schools of thought recommend choosing a fabric that complements the piece of furniture itself, for example, match traditional fabric with classic furniture and modern fabrics with contemporary furniture. This is a safe and perfectly acceptable way to go. If, however, you have a more adventurous, eclectic sense of style, as well as a knack for blending two different styles together, go for it!

Design isn’t just about good looks, good design is also about function. Take your time until you find a colourful, durable fabric with a look and feel you love. Whatever your ultimate decision, BrandSource’s wide range of custom options is sure to have just what you’re looking for.

Alex, Your Furniture Expert