Refurbishing a chair can be an amazing way to give an old piece of furniture new life while adding your personal style into the mix. From antique armchairs handed down through generaAtions to contemporary pieces that need an upgrade, choosing designer fabrics offers stunning styles, patterns and textures that can elevate the look of any chair and make it standout pieces in any room.
In this blog, we'll walk you through the process of selecting designer fabric to reupholster your chair - specifically with Morris and Co fabrics! From understanding fabric types and durability considerations, to finding patterns and colors to complement your decor, this journey is sure to provide inspiration!
1. Recognizing Fabric Types and Durability
To select the ideal fabric for refurbishing your chair, the first step should be gaining knowledge of all of the available types and their durability. This step is crucial as any chosen fabric must withstand daily use while still remaining visually appealing over time.
Natural Versus Synthetic Fabrics
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool and silk are incredibly breathable fabrics that offer soft comfort for upholstery applications. Cotton is great for casual environments while wool and silk add luxurious touches; cotton can make for casual yet comfy seating while wool/silk provide more luxurious aesthetics. However, natural fabrics may fade and wear with time so more maintenance may be necessary to keep their colors looking their best.
Synthetic Fabrics: Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, acrylic and nylon are engineered for durability and stain resistance, offering similar looks and textures as natural fabrics while being easier to maintain and clean up after. They make ideal choices for high traffic areas or homes with children or pets.
Blended Fabrics: Many designer fabrics combine natural and synthetic fibers for maximum comfort and durability, such as cotton-polyester blends which combine the suppleness of cotton with added strength and stain resistance from polyester.
Fabric Durability and Rub Count
When selecting fabric for your chair, keep durability in mind; this can be measured using the rub count. This indicates how often rubbing occurs before it shows signs of wear. For chairs that will be used often, look for fabrics with high rub counts (15,000 or higher) so they last longer and retain their look even with regular usage.
2. Explore Designer Fabrics: Morris & Co.
Morris & Co. is one of the world's premier names in designer fabrics, having been founded by William Morris in the 19th century. Renowned for their intricate patterns and nature-inspired motifs, their fabrics add timeless elegance to any piece of furniture while their designs appeal to those who appreciate classic styles with a sense of history.
"Strawberry Thief" by Morris & Co.: One of their iconic fabric designs, Strawberry Thief features a delicate pattern of birds and strawberries inspired by Morris' own garden. With vibrant hues and intricate details that add history and elegance to any room in which this fabric adorns, Strawberry Thief fabric makes a wonderful statement chair fabric choice that adds history and class to your space.
"Willow Bough": This design showcases graceful, intertwining willow branches for a soothing and organic appearance. Available in multiple colorways, "Willow Bough" can help bring nature into any home with its tranquil charm. Perfect for traditional as well as contemporary interior settings alike!
"Cray": Morris is famous for creating bold floral patterns that showcase his complex compositions with striking color palettes and intricate detailing that add an eye-catching element to his works. These fabric pieces, known as "Cray", make striking focal points in any room; creating the ideal chair-based centerpiece in any setting with "Cray."
3. Selecting an Appropriate Pattern and Color
Once you've decided upon a fabric type that meets your needs, the next step should be selecting an aesthetically pleasing pattern and color combination that reflects both your personal aesthetic as well as how your chair will function within its surroundings. Your decision should take into account factors like existing decor in the space as well as any roles it will fulfill in it.
Consider Your Chair's Role
Statement Piece: If your chair should serve as an eye-catcher, choose bold patterns and vibrant hues such as Morris & Co's Strawberry Thief or Cray fabrics to turn it into a work of art that draws the eye while adding personality and distinction to any room.
Complementary Piece: If the chair is meant to complement existing decor, opt for more subdued patterns and colors - neutral tones with subdued "Willow Bough" designs will help it blend in seamlessly while adding sophistication.
Pattern Size and Scale
When selecting patterns, take note of both their size and scale relative to both your chair and room size. Large patterns work best on large pieces of furniture or in large rooms where they don't dominate space while smaller patterns add visual interest without dominating it.
Large Patterns: Large patterns like "Cray" can make a dramatic statement when placed on generously sized chairs. But they require careful placement to ensure the pattern appears balanced on your furniture.
Small Patterns: Patterns like Willow Bough are ideal for chairs featuring lots of curves or details, as the pattern will flow smoothly over its surface without becoming overwhelming.
Considerations of Color
Fabric color can also play a critical role when choosing your chair. When selecting one, keep in mind how it will influence the mood you wish to create in the room as well as its interaction with other pieces within its vicinity.
Warm Tones: Reds, oranges and yellows create an inviting ambience in any room they are used in; even if your room primarily features cool tones like grey or beige decor, adding one or two warm-colored chairs can bring life and add warmth into it.
Cool Tones: Cool colors like blues, greens and purples can create a peaceful and tranquil environment that's great for creating relaxing environments, like bedrooms or reading nooks.
Neutral Tones: Beige, gray and cream hues are timeless neutrals that work in any space, serving as the ideal canvas to showcase more colorful accessories or decor pieces.
4. Practical Considerations: Maintenance and Care
It is also essential to take practicality into account when selecting fabric. Different fabrics require various levels of maintenance; therefore, selecting one which meets your lifestyle requirements is key.
Cleaning and Maintenance for Chairs: If your chair will likely encounter spills or stains, synthetic fabrics or treated natural fabrics tend to be easier to clean and maintain than their counterparts.
Fade Resistance: For chairs that will be placed in sunny rooms, fabric that resists fade is important. Sunlight can cause colors to fade over time in natural fabrics like cotton, so choosing one designed to withstand sunlight will help preserve its appearance and keep its beauty.
Comfort and Feel
Finally, take into consideration the comfort and feel of the fabric you select for your chair. Although aesthetically pleasing fabrics such as cotton or linen may look appealing, they should also offer maximum sitting comfort and breathability - ideal options for frequent seating situations. Alternatively, velvet can add luxuriousness while maintaining its comfort properties.
5. Finish the Look
Refurbishing your favorite chair with designer fabric can be an extremely fulfilling project that lets you personalize a piece of furniture while adding flair to your home decor. By learning about different fabric types and choosing an eye-catching pattern and color combination as well as considering practical considerations such as care requirements, you can select fabric that not only looks stunning, but will last through the test of time as well.
Morris & Co. fabrics boast timeless designs and expert craftsmanship that make them an excellent choice for any refinishing project. Choose between delicate patterns like Strawberry Thief or bold "Cray," all sure to add beauty and history into your home while reflecting both your individuality and the rich heritage of Morris & Co.
