One Vintage Sofa — Reupholstered Three Ways
One of the many things we love about reupholstering furniture is that the design possibilities are infinite. Each piece is like a blank canvas, waiting for your creative vision to transform it into something spectacular. Take for instance this vintage 1960s chrome frame sofa found at a local flea market. The lines are so clean and modern that this piece could look fabulous in virtually any fabric! By simply changing the fabric and the format of the cushions, we've given this piece three wholly new looks.
LOOK #1 — METROSEXUAL
For a stylish bachelor pad or a sophisticated man-cave (is that an oxymoron?), we'd reupholster this vintage sofa in Ralph Lauren's smart suit striping ("Windsor Chalk Stripe" in steel grey color way). The soft "hand" of the fabric is great for lounging in boxers or otherwise entertaining with, ahem, minimal attire. While this fabric is not stain resistant, the dark color does help to conceal smudges, spills and stains. To keep the style more relaxed, stick with the original cushion format of three loose back cushions over the three loose seat cushions. The smaller back cushions can easily double as pillows for watching a movie or a game. Keep it non-fussy…it's sophisticated but not formal.
LOOK #2 — FAMILY FRIENDLY
For a young family that wants to maintain some degree of style while making their home accessible and usable for the whole family, we'd reupholster this sofa in Pindler "Marrakesh" outdoor fabric (in carbon color way). Today there are a plethora of stylish “performance” fabrics. Gone are the days of stiff, scratchy “outdoor” fabric that looks like it belongs outside. The near-neutral color palette and modern pattern of this fabric make it easy to build a room around or accessorize with bright pops of color or fun patterns. For a cleaner, low-maintenance style, we would swap the existing cushions for two seat cushions and two back cushions. Grown-ups will like fewer cushions to put back in place and kids will like the longer pillows for fort building - it's a win-win.
LOOK #3 — FEMME FATALE
For those who don't shy away from the provocative and embrace their individual style, Schumacher "Shockwave" fabric (in platinum+jet color way) is the perfect upholstery option to dial up the drama. The ombre cut velvet is simultaneously sensual and dramatic, modern and feminine—we're obsessed. For a touch of old Hollywood glamour, we'd replace the existing cushions with single, long cushions on the seat and back; there's something decidedly un-refined about sinking between cushions while lounging. Add pleated round bolsters at each end or a single long pillow along the back to introduce a splash of color or pattern.
Want to reupholster your sofa?