REUPHOLSTERY

We have all experienced it .. sinking into that sagging couch that seemingly pulls you into the pits of it’s bowels; threatening to never let you go. As we struggle to get back out there is that ever pressing question we can no longer ignore, "is it time to buy a new one?" Yet there may be may reasons we will search for a means of fixing the problem as opposed to replacing our beloved piece of furniture. It may be for the sake of nostalgia, finance, or the piece is an antiquity that is irreplaceable. As an old familiar saying goes, "there is no need to throw out the baby with the bath water" and in this case there is no reason to throw out the couch over a simple spring issue.

However hitting the streets and asking advice for a quick fix can yield some very interesting solutions. Surprisingly at the top of the list is the suggestion to use a plywood sheet over the springs. Although the sagging issue is quickly resolved it will be at the cost of comfort, not to mention the cost of purchasing and cutting the plywood sheet to fit suitably for it’s application. It sounds a bit like an over-kill, and surely there has to be a better answer.

Another suggestion is to apply hay-wire to bind the broken spring together and while this is a quick fix that will provide some degree of success, it is certainly no long term solution. The hay-wire is substantially less strong than the spring itself and in time it will give way and break as well. In addition, it is very difficult to bind the springs together tight enough to replicate the firmness the working spring once had. There will still be some degree of sagging, however not as pronounced.

Ideally the entire replacement of the spring will be the best bet. It will not only be cost effective, it will restore the original firmness and comfort of your piece of furniture as well. It is not a difficult fix either, what is difficult is finding the supplies. Now we are not talking you regular "coil spring,." this is a specialized "conical spring," something you just cant get in the hardware stores. If you are looking to do it yourself you might want to locate a re-upholsterer and order your springs through them, or contact diyupholsterysupply.com. Conical springs are sold by the foot and are relatively inexpensive. There are accessories you will need to get along with the spring like clips that go on the end of it so don’t forget to add those to your order.

If you choose to have your piece restored professionally make sure you seek out a re-upholster whose practice is to tend to the springs as part of the service. Ensure they will replace the bent or stretched springs. In doing so this will not only restore the look of the piece, but it’s functionality as well. This will extend the life and enjoyment of your furniture and provide great utility for your investment, which chances are, will still cost less buying brand new.

You are considering recovering your favorite chaise lounge and -well- you may as well toss in the living room ottoman also as long as the staple gun is out.... but you wonder; “could it be possible to save little and recover both in the same fabric? What are the rules to purchasing the appropriate textile in a re upholstery situation?

There are no real hard set rules to textile applications. Consider it to be more of an art form, where the flavor of textures and colors are up to the fancies of the decorating artist. There are however some considerations relating to practicality which you might want to look at. Budget is always going to be part of the mix, however the style of the piece, it’s level of use, the placement, and the intended users are all important factors to take into account as well.

Some fabrics wear better than others, others fade quickly if placed in direct sunlight. Natural fibers tend to be more expensive than synthetic fibers; and though the fashion police will not come and bust down your door for wrapping a Victorian dining set in vinyl, it will certainly raise an eyebrow and a scowl from your visitors. Even if the set is a replica! Indeed there are certain fabrics which suit intended purposes, so let’s take a quick look at them.



Making a Statement Of Elegance...
There is nothing that says sheer elegance than silk. It is a very cool fresh and delicate fabric. Costly, yet usually adorning exquisite pieces of furniture not designed for regular use. You can find silk fabrics adorning choice pieces suitable for formal applications. A show piece settee, or a formal dining set as example. The use of silk in these applications make a clear statement of clean classic finesse. Yet the statement comes at a cost and not necessarily financial. Silk is a very unforgiving fabric. It wears quickly , wrinkles easily and requires professional cleaning to avoid shrinkage.

Linen is another textile you might consider for your show piece of furniture. A natural fiber as silk, yet not quite as expensive. It has the same temperamental tendencies as silk, however it is better at resisting fading and piling.

Synthetic alternatives offer a little in the way of more durability than the counterparts they are simulating. Acetate and rayon for example were developed to imitate silk with a less expensive price tag. It offers resistance to mildew, piling and shrinkage. Though somewhat stronger than silk, still ti’s applications are more suited adult formal rooms.


Rugged Yes!... But Elegant Too!
Wanting that taste of luxury and flare but don’t want to compromise on durability? Well it is going to cost you, but the fabric will last providing rich returns for your investment. Leather has always stood the test of time regarding both elements. Leather is well known for it’s durability, as well as being easy to clean and maintain. Almost as if having your cake and eating it too! Leather offers a few very unique qualities as well: it comes in a variety of textures and colors; and this is the only fabric that seems to take on it’s own personality when it wears. You can say it develops character over time.

There are two synthetic alternatives that were designed to mimic leather. One is very popular and has been around for quite a few years. Also presented in a variety of colors and textures is vinyl. Kid friendly, pet friendly, dirt friendly even; this is a very forgiving fabric. It does however compromise on the elegant scale, but makes up considerably by being a blessing to the budget as well as versatility of use.

The new kid on the block is micro fibre. It offers a velvety suede like texture. Far less expensive than leather, and a bit more upscale than vinyl, this textile settled comfortably as a compromise between the two. It is made from an ultra fine polyester making it durable, relatively easy to clean and very pleasant to the touch.

Comfortable Beautiful and Versatile- Just Like Your Family...
Cotton and cotton blends are as warm and welcome in the family room as hot chocolate is on a cold winter day. Depending on the thread count (the higher the better) and the type of weave used, this fibre lends itself to good wear and tear. On it’s own cotton has a tendency to wrinkle, soil and stretch easily; but if blended with other fibers or given a surface treatment these weaknesses can easily be compensated for. Cotton blends are not only very sturdy, pet and child friendly, but most often found in high traffic well used cozy spaces. Because it is the most often applied textile destined for everyday use, it is a good idea to apply a stain resistant finish to it to better protect it.

Wool is another excellent family oriented, high traffic fabric . It is sturdy, standing strong against piling, wrinkling, soiling and fading. Wool also comes blended with synthetic fibers most likely acrylic, making spot cleaning a breeze! Acrylic is another synthetic fiber in the marketplace, developed to imitate wool. It resists wear, wrinkling, soiling and fading..


There are many more fabrics and fabric blends in the marketplace, these is just a few to get you started in thinking about your considerations and the variety of options available to suit your style, budget and requirements. Among these categories come a vast array of colors, textures, and patterns to make any artist thrilled. So splash some style into your home and have no fear to re upholster your favorite comfy piece of furniture. There is bound to be a suitable fabric that can breathe life and style back into your furniture in a very cost effective manner.

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Upholstery Fabrics ... Which Suits You Best?

Your refurbished piece of furniture will become your adorning crown jewel in it’s room. That is why it is important to choose the perfect fabric for the job, not only because is it the most visible portion of furniture, but it needs to be user friendly as well in terms of comfort. Needless to say there are some considerations you will have to take into account before you can make a decision on the type of fabric you will use. Today fabric choices include cloth, leather, and many new high-tech synthetics. The style of furniture you are working with, where it will be placed and your budget are a few of the things that will all come into play in making a final decision. Here are some considerations you need to look at:


Color...
If your re upholstered piece is going to be in a high traffic area and used often, you might want to consider not only a fabric that lends well to durability and stain resistance, but also a color that won’t show dirt easily. If your piece is going to be placed in a sunlight area, you will have to consider the possibility of fading. Finally ask how well the colors in the swatch you are interested in will hold up to spot washing as well, and if there are any manufacturers recommendations regarding the cleaning of the fabric.

Durability...
Pieces that are subject to daily heavy wear need to be covered in durable, tightly woven fabrics. Preferably with their pattern woven in as opposed to printed on as these will wear much better. Though vinyl is excellent for a kitchen a chair because it is very durable and washable, it is questionable whether you want to wrap an antique dining set in vinyl. Clearly there is a compromise between functionality and style. You will need to find that perfect balance that best suits all members of the family young, old, and four legged alike.

Thread count...
Thread count is a measurement given to fabric. It refers to the number f threads per square inch. The higher the thread count the more tightly woven the fabric is, and the better t will wear. And in most cases the more expensive as well. there is a trade off between durability and frugality. Within that continuum you will find your perfect fit.

It’s complexity....
How easy is the fabric to work with? Is it stiff or supple? Does it lend to easily being wrinkled or marked? Is it going to round corners without unwanted tucks and dimple?. Are there checkers or lines that will have to be aligned or matched? If these considerations are not taken into account your newly re upholstered piece can become a tragic disaster if you plan to do it your self.

It always helps to bend an ear of someone who has worked with fabrics, especially upholstery fabrics. Search these people out and chat with them. They have years of valuable experience that can save you a considerable headache when facing the multitude of choices the fabric industry presents. In addition to a few how-to secrets only an experienced re upholsterer can know. You will be glad you did! Most important, be sure to pick a fabric that you can truly LIVE with. And, if you grow tired of it in a few years, remember that virtually all upholstery can be re-covered!