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Maybe you have a worn-out chair that you don’t want to part with, or a sofa that’s stuck in the 80s. Or, maybe you have a unique idea for a custom headboard or flowing draperies to transform the look of a room.

There are many different reasons why people choose to reupholster furniture and customize draperies.

Just as you would when choosing a new piece of furniture, wallpaper or paint colour for your home, it’s important to take the time to find something you’ll love long-term⁠—it is an investment.

Here are some ways to take both style and practicality into account:

1. 1. Think about how the room is used.

      Different rooms will be better suited to different textiles. For example:

      • A sofa or loveseat in your high-traffic family room might need a more durable fabric that will be more forgiving of stains and wear and tear.
      • A bedroom that lets in a lot of natural light will require a fade-resistant fabric.
      • A guest room that heats up in the summer may not be the best place to reupholster a chair in leather

   2. Consider how big the item is.

      If you’re eyeing a bold and bright geometric pattern for the big L-shaped sectional couch in your living room, you have to be okay with the fact that it will be the focal point in that space. If that’s your goal, I say go for it!

      However, using bold patterns and colours on accent chairs or ottomans can be a great way to add life to a space without committing to a style that overpowers the area.

      Again, think long-term: are you going to be happy looking at and sitting on the same pattern a year from now? Two years?

      Choosing solid colours for core pieces and busier designs for smaller pieces is a great way to maximize your budget and ensure the look you like now goes the distance.

   3. Refurbish your existing pieces.

      If you have a good quality sofa or chair but the size is all wrong, consider having it restyled to fit the size and space. Maybe your current sofa has arms reminiscent of the overstuffed look of the eighties.

      Or, the sofa you inherited from your grandmother has a skirt and a tufted back and is too long for the room. These can all be modified when reupholstery the piece.

      

      Many furniture pieces made today are not of the same quality and workmanship of older pieces. By reusing and repurposing your existing furniture, you not only keep the pieces handed down to you, but you keep unnecessary garbage from the landfill.

   4. Slipcovers are a practical solution.

      Consider this: your piece of furniture functions perfectly well and the fabric is in good condition, however, the colour just does not work with your decor…solution- custom slipcovers!!

      Making slipcovers for your existing furniture allows you to be more creative (less investment overall) and change the look of the furniture (and room) seasonally. They are easy to remove and have cleaned. I have several clients that rotate their slipcovers seasonally, allowing them fresh, new looks as the weather changes.

   5. Think outside the sofa.

      Many people are unaware that you can customize various textiles throughout your home. A Stroke of Genius Interiors can help you with custom upholstery and:

      • Drapery and bedding
      • Toss cushions and throws
      • Wall coverings
      • Specialty paint finishes

      How about a custom headboard in any size, shape, colour or fabric to transform your bedroom? Or an ottoman with storage and wheels to keep your family room organized and clutter-free? Ideas are exciting and the options are endless!

      

   6. Add in the accents.

      No matter which fabrics and colours you choose to reupholster furniture with, you can let artwork and accessories tell as much of the story as you want.

      Neutral couch fabrics can be dressed up with colourful accent pillows and throws each season, or you can contrast a reupholstered chair and ottoman with a complementary paint colour on the walls.

      

      Let your window coverings shine⁠—drapery doesn’t have to be boring! From casual linen and cottons to more elaborate velvets and satins, there are so many options to choose from to create the look you desire.

   Consider sheers to create a romantic, breezy bedroom environment. Heavier fabrics when used as drapery can double as sound proofing and light blocking solutions.

   I’d love to help you create a unique, welcoming space that reflects your personality. Call me for an in-home consultation to go over ideas and get you started.

   Want more ideas? Read 8 Simple Ways to Freshen Up Your Home.