How to Pick a Fabric Pattern for Upholstery

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by Hether Freman

Shopping for fabric can be an overwhelming task. Even if you already know the color scheme you want, deciding on a pattern can be the trickiest part.
If you’ve decided to reupholster a piece or furniture, the last thing you want is to waste time and money choosing a pattern that doesn’t work.
Today I’m going to walk you through my thought process of how to pick the best fabric pattern for upholstery. Notice I didn’t say “fabric”, just the pattern.

A FURNITURE MAKEOVER STORY

The star of this post is my latest DIY upholstery project…a bench plucked from flea market obscurity that landed in my living room.

You might have seen my post on Instagram the day I discovered this diamond in the rough…There she was just sitting there forlorn and disheveled. Her previous owner had painted her maroon and then dressed her in a cheap oatmeal colored canvas.
She was NOT living up to her full potential.
I spotted her down the aisle of that musty smelling flea market, and our eyes met. She seemed to call out, “Rescue me. Please. I’m better than this.”
And I knew she was.
I had big plans for her. I dusted her off and swung her over my shoulder. (Well, actually Stu did that part.)
I took her home and let her hang out in the living room for a bit until I finalized my plans.

THE MAKEOVER PLAN
1. Paint Job:
I knew she would get a coat of gold spray paint. Those curves just deserved to get a metallic finish.

2. Fabric:
I had my heart set on a black and white fabric. I tend to change up accent colors often, but black and white is forever and ever my favorite color (or lack of color) combo.

3. Pattern??
The question I had to answer was what pattern. Walking into the fabric store I knew that I was only looking for black and white fabric, so this helped me narrow it down…to only 2,038 choices. No joke.
I decided to pull any fabric that jumped out at me, which totaled 11. I narrowed it down to the top 5 fabrics and bought samples to live with for a couple days. Here’s the final five…

WHY THE RUNNERS UP DID NOT WORK:
1. Bold & Modern:
I love this fabric. It’s bold and unique and has almost a 19060’s vibe about it. The problem is that it too closely imitated the lines of the metal arms of the bench. I felt instead of complementing the shape of the bench, it would instead compete with it. No beuno.
2. Global Herringbone:
I sent out a little poll this weekend on Instagram, and most everyone picked this one. (Sorry guys.) While I love this print, I actually think it makes a better throw pillow than bench fabric. Ultimately I felt like the pattern didn’t work with the fabrics already in the room. It seemed to be the a bit too casual for the formal living room.

3. Geometric Cheetah:
I’ve never really been an animal print fan, but something about this pattern was so intriguing. I could tell that a more organic pattern like this would look nice on the bench. I was getting closer, but it wasn’t quite right…

4. Classic Stripe:
Honestly I originally thought this stripe would win in the end. It’s my pattern of choice. To wear, to decorate with, anything. Love a good stripe, and black and white is the best kind. But the longer I sat with that fabric sample, I felt like it was just a little too predictable for me…I was in the mood to experiment. The stripe was a safe bet, but not a pattern that excited me.

WHY THE “TINY CHEETAH” WAS MY BEST BET…
Quite frankly by itself, this fabric was not my favorite. On the bench however I could see it’s beauty. Here’s why…

1. The delicate pattern matched the feminine feeling of the metal work and the gold color I would be using.
2. The tiny cheetah print adds a bit of texture that the runner up fabrics just didn’t have.
3. The small scale print is nice as it doesn’t compete with other patterns I already have in the room like my rug and black and white throw pillows.
4. This just felt fun. I’ve never used animal print in my house, so this was a risk that paid off in the end.

This little bench has a new lease on life. Not only is she pretty, but a certain two year old has taken quite the liking to her. This window happens to be the best spot for spotting squirrels, a daily activity in our house accompanied by lots of squeals and giggles.

IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO PICK A PATTERN

1. Consider the other patterns already in the room. You want a nice variety of sizes and shapes.
2. Take into account the shape of the furniture itself. The pattern should complement, but not compete with it.
3. Ask yourself what you hope this pattern will achieve in the space:
-Add texture? (Opt for a small scale pattern.)
–Add a bold shot of color? (Maybe a bright solid is a good choice.)
-Add drama? (Go for a large scale pattern.)
-Add whimsy? (Choose something with a circular, organic pattern.)
-Add formality? (Pick a classic pattern like a stripe, herringbone, houndstooth, or plaid.)

4. The size and price of the piece should dictate your risk on picking a pattern.
Small piece? You can take risks outside your comfort zone and even choose a bold color or pattern you might not have considered before. Try out a trendy pattern you’ve had your eye on. If you don’t love it in a couple years, you won’t have wasted to much.
Large piece? This is the time to make sure you will be ok to live with this fabric for a while. The investment of fabric and the reupholstery deserves a more conservative approach.
I’m speaking from experience here when I dropped a wad of cash to have some antique wing back chairs recovered in green chevron several years ago. Super cool in 2007, not so cool a couple years later.

What do you think of rattan furniture? Would you add it to your house? If so, what room would you choose? We’d love to hear in the comments!

If you are in Singapore, do drop by to visit us as we are having a promotional sales in our series of Rattan collection.

Whatapps (+65 90305057 , Vince ) you can speak directly to us or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg to discuss your order. We don’t have call centres or customer service departments, you speak directly to the people making your sofa.

Looking for rattan furnitre or reupholstery to change the look of your home? We will be able to assist you.

Shop @: Centrepiece Lazada 

Find sales/clear stock @ : Carousell

Stay Connected

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Contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Note: If you are a new customer, and you need the upholster to do home visit, a SGD $40 will apply. This is to prevent people who are not serious in getting upholstery services from driving the business cost up. This helps to cut wasted time and expenses in order to benefit our existing customers. However, this SGD $40 can be reimbursed if the job is confirmed upon deposit. For existing customers, fees may be waived. Cheers 🙂

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Velvet Is Taking Over (& We’re Not Mad About It)

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by Danielle Blundell

For the longest time in home design, velvet has been synonymous with luxury and opulence, and I’m not suggesting that’s changed overnight. But when I spoke to interior designer Nicole Gibbons just before the holidays, she seemed to think that this once fancy pants material was starting to go mainstream, mainly because of advances in fabric technology.

The velvets of yesteryear were easy to stain, on the stiffer side and available in limited colors—unless you wanted to go super-custom. But these days, you can walk into practically any West Elm, Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel, let alone a fabric store, and find upholstery velvets and velvet accents that are soft and plush with a number of low-maintenance characteristics from machine-washable to fade-, stain- and abrasion-resistant. And design wise, they’re just not stuffy anymore. They’re not your parents’ velvets, people, so trust me when I say, it might be time to seriously consider this material.

If you’re at all hesitant to get your velvet on, we say start small with an accent, like throw pillows or a pouf. (Of course, if you’re bold enough to have a sofa like the one above—the Medina-Printed Tassa Sectional from Anthropologie—we can’t imagine you’d be shy with velvet.

A larger application that might take a bit more of a commitment is a sofa (though we love it no less). The textile works so well no matter what silhouette you’re dealing with. It feels appropriate with a traditional shape or tufting, but also jazzes up a more streamlined modern frame. If you’re afraid of your room looking too heavy or wintry, go with a pretty blush, light gray or even a jewel tone. You can also go velvet on a big side chair, too.

You’d think velvet curtains would look all baroque and dramatic, but again, depending on the colorway and application, that’s not always the case. Choose something simple and tassel-free to keep velvet drapes from looking dated, and mix the textile with simple and modern forms like in this shot from Weekday Carnival for a super fresh aesthetic.

Headboards are getting bigger, it seems, and starting to take over entire walls (though we’re not mad at the trend). You can’t argue with this velvet bed set up in the home of Brady Tolbert, Editorial Director of Emily Henderson Design. This looks like a super soft and supportive place for reading and relaxing. Plus, it was totally DIY!

If you’re known to host dinner parties, check out performance velvet chair options for your dining room or eating nook. Velvet is very versatile here, because it can be treated to resist staining and looks good whether you want a more formal, traditional wood-leg chair or something funkier with brass or metal legs. Also of note from the above photo (a design by Nate Berkus we found via SF Girl by Bay): pair this luxe fabric with humbler materials like timeworn wood and ceramics for a nice visual balance that doesn’t read ultra glam.

And, this personal favorite, velvet on velvet, which is basically a luxe version of the Canadian tuxedo, makes me think this trend really is on a meteoric rise. I think this combo works for a sofa and pillows, but I’d say steer clear of an all-velvet furniture scheme. Different textures and finishes are what give a room dimension. Here, in a London rental available to book on One Fine Stay, you have a velvet sofa, velvet pillows and a what appears to be a mustard velvet chair. But there are still other pieces—a fur stool, braided jute poufs—in the mix.

If you’re feeling late ’60s (or early ’90s!) style, you might like crushed velvet for even more texture, like this bedding from Urban Outfitters. Best to rock this version of the trend on textiles or smaller pieces of furniture versus investment pieces like sofas or chairs, unless you are fully on-board with the boho trend.

Whatapps (+65 90305057 , Vince ) you can speak directly to us or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg to discuss your order. We don’t have call centres or customer service departments, you speak directly to the people making your sofa.

Looking for rattan furnitre or reupholstery to change the look of your home? We will be able to assist you.

Shop @: Centrepiece Lazada 

Find sales/clear stock @ : Carousell

Stay Connected

• 
•  
• 

Contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Note: If you are a new customer, and you need the upholster to do home visit, a SGD $40 will apply. This is to prevent people who are not serious in getting upholstery services from driving the business cost up. This helps to cut wasted time and expenses in order to benefit our existing customers. However, this SGD $40 can be reimbursed if the job is confirmed upon deposit. For existing customers, fees may be waived. Cheers 🙂

What is the difference between wicker and rattan furniture?

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afforadable style files, affordable art, art stage, bohemia style, expats schools singapore, expats singapore, moving to singapore, ohmm, original rattan, rattan, rattan ideas, singapore, Singapore expats, tropical design sofa, trump singapore, wicker

Many people, including salespersons who sell furniture tend to believe that wicker furniture and rattan furniture are almost alike. As a result, the terms are often used interchangeably to address outdoor/indoor furniture commonly found in homes during summer months. The fact is that wicker and rattan furniture fall under the same category but there is a remarkable difference between the two.

Rattan is a close relative of the palm tree. It is a type of a vine that rapidly grows in the jungles of South Eastern region. It grows in the shape of a pole, and its diameter varies between one to three inches. Rattan is one of the strongest woods and possesses the ability to grow up high as hundred feet.

Unlike the bamboo pole, rattan boasts a strong core and is thus durable and even hard to break.  The solid core of rattan along with vertical grains is harvested, and is cut into smaller sections and is generally steamed to give varied shapes. The outside skin of the rattan pole, which is the peel, is generally used to bind the furniture joints together.

On the other hand, wicker is not a material but an ancient technique used to manufacture items out of natural materials, such as willow, rush, rush, rattan core and more. The natural materials are made wet so that they can be easily woven to create wicker design furniture pieces.

So here is where the difference lies – Rattan is a specific material, hence rattan furniture is crafted out of rattan only, but wicker furniture may be crafted out of different materials such as bamboo, straw and even rattan. Recently, synthetic materials are also being used for manufacturing wicker furniture.

In terms of versatility and durability rattan furniture scores much more than wicker furniture. Rattan features a solid core and is available in an array of natural colors. Wicker furniture, on the other hand, may or may not be strong. It basically varies with the material used for manufacturing wicker furniture.

Natural rattan furniture is sure to fade if exposed to sunlight. As a result, it is preferred for indoors only. On the other hand, painted wicker furniture or furniture made of synthetic material is not known to fade when exposed to sunlight. Hence, they can be used indoors as well as outdoors.

 

Call us or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg to discuss your order. By calling Vince, whatapps ( 90305057 ) you can speak direct to us, we don’t have call centres or customer service departments, you speak directly to the people making your sofa.

Looking for rattan furnitre or reuohlostery to change the look of your home? We will be able to assist you.

Shop @: Centrepiece Lazada 

Find sales/clear stock @ : Carousell

Stay Connected

• 
•  
• 

Contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Note: If you are a new customer, and you need the upholster to do home visit, a SGD $40 willl apply. This is to prevent people who are not serious in getting upholstery services from abusing  the system which not only drive the business cost up, it will also be a waste of time and resources. However, this SGD $40 can be reimburse if the job is confirmed upon deposit. For existing customers, fees can be waived. Cheers 🙂

 

Totally bespoke sofas, made to order and unique for you.

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All our sofas are handmade, bespoke, unique to order just for you. From a vast range of styles to your sizes and dimensions and covered in 1000’s of fabrics. 

A corner or standard sofa, a bed or dining chairs… All made from frame to finish by our little team in our workshop in Northstar@amk Singapore. With unrivaled craftsmanship and second to none guarantees create your perfect sofa with Centrepiece Furnishing.

At Centrepiece, each one of our bespoke sofas is custom made to order and unique to you. We give you full control and choice when it comes to your sofa. Size, style, colour, fabric… everything is all chosen by you. We specialise in stunning custom made corner sofas, classic and contemporary chesterfields and everything in between.

Call us or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg to discuss your order. By calling Vince, you can speak direct to us, we don’t have call centres or customer service departments, you speak directly to the people making your sofa.

Looking for reupholstery to change the look of your home? We will be able to assist you.

Contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Shop: Centrepiece Lazada

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Replacement Cushion Sets – New for 2019!

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art stage, art week, australia expats, balcony cushion, expats schools singapore, interior decor, outdoor cushions, patio, replacement cushions, sentosa, singapore, SME

We make replacement cushions for all types of rattan and wicker furniture including; cushions for outdoor patio furniture or indoor sunroom furniture. Your sure to find just the right fabric from our wide variety of cotton, polyester and Sunbrella brand fabrics.

We have just launched a new and exciting range of accessories for 2018. You can now buy replacement cushion sets that’ll fit perfectly with your Rattan Furniture.

If you feel your cushions have lost their bounce, or want to change the colour, now you can. From  2 seater up to a 13 piece set – we’ve got you covered. Prices ranges from USD $200 and up, 2 seater ranges from USD $1100 onwards.

Looking for some custom made water resistant cushions? We will be able to assist you.

Contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Shop: Centrepiece Lazada

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Why use outdoor foam?

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Water running through a piece of Outdor Patio Cushion foam.

• The foam has an open cell structure that is perfect for areas where your cushions get wet
• Outdoor foam dries almost immediately after exposure to: rain, salt spray, melting snow, morning dew, washing, or other types of moisture and humidity
• Recommended for outdoor seating applications such as outdoor furniture, patio cushions, golf carts, boats, or wherever cushions are exposed to the elements

Patio Cushions

Replace your flat patio furniture cushions with new outdoor foam.  eFoamstore uses outdoor foam to make new cushions to your size specifications and we’ll help you measure them as well.  The open cell structure of outdoor foam allows water to pass through easily.  This drainable property is perfect for areas in which cushions may get wet.

 

Replacing Patio Cushions with Outdoor Foam

 When measuring outdoor foam seat cushions to replace the foam there are a few things to taken into consideration:

• The new foam interior needs to be slightly bigger than your cushion cover
  This allows the foam to be slightly compacted and will help it to fill out the cushion cover properly

• If the foam interior is too small then your seat cushion cover will wrinkle when you sit on it

• If the new foam fillings are too big you may strain the seams and zip on your cushion cover and your new cushion will not look right

When replacing seat cushion foam, generally, you will need to add 1” to the cushion width, and 1” to the cushion length.  You may also want to add 1” to the depth of the cushion as well.  This will ensure that your seat cushions have a domed appearance instead of looking too flat.

Best Foam to Use for Seat Cushion Replacement?

Rectangular foam, which can be rounded at the edge, is recommended for most applications.  High density outdoor foam is recommended.

If you have any questions about selecting the right cushion foam or how to measure cushions for replacement. please visit: www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Slippers chair, armchair or wingchair. Which fits your space?

Customise your home according to your wish.

Custom headboard.

Outdoor cushions can be updated according to the current trend.

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You have invested in thousand of dollars on good quality outdoor furniture a few years ago. Today, the quality remained but you may be getting a little bored with the look of your cushions.

The retail store that you got your outdoor furniture may not be able to provide you with reupholstery or to make new cushions according to the current trend.

Sticking to your worn out cushions and seats may be an embarressment when your friends come over for house parties.

So get going and do some research in getting that new cushions to update your look for your outdoor space. This is urgent as this is probably the first impression your neighbours or your friends will noticed when they passby your home.

If you are in Singapore, you can contact us to speak more if you can get your cushions either re-done or to make new ones. We are a direct workshop therefore the middle man will be eliminated, giving you better value for better quality work.

Whatapps us 90305057 now,  www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Find out how you can feel proud and better with updated outdoor space.

 

Are you satisfied with the comfort the sofa offers?

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There are some homeowners who use their sofas to laze while watching television, others prefer to sit and read. That said, an ideal sofa should fit with the kind of activity you will be using it primarily for.

If you see yourself sitting on it quite frequently, then it pays to give more attention to the height and back of sofa to maintain a good posture. Some contemporary sofas may appear sleeker with a lower back (an estimated 0.8 metres from the ground), but that would also mean you might not be giving your back adequate support.

The same goes for the height. If you’re short, buying a sofa with a high seat height or a large seat depth means that your legs will dangle. This ultimately puts stress for your core and lower back as gravity pulls your feet towards the ground. On the other hand, if you are tall and the sofa is too short/has shallow seating, you might put undue pressure on your knees.

If you want to keep it simple, you can email or call us now and custom made a sofa, armchair or dining chair that can match your needs.

Email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg or whatapps : 90305057

www.centrepiece.com.sg