The History and Design Fundamentals of Upholstery

In an all-too-often "throw-away" society, the act of embracing and honoring the history of a piece of furniture is becoming simultaneously rare and important. The truth is that we've become accustomed to de-valuing our possessions, believing that innovation will soon manifest a new, better version of whatever it is we're thinking about tossing. But, most of us have furniture that's worth breathing new life into. These pieces are the ones that mean the most to us for any number of reasons; either, they've been handed down through generations (because often they really don't "make them like they used to") or maybe it's simply the result of a stellar deal on an IKEA couch with a great frame but the wrong fabric. Whatever the reason, deciding to re-upholster your furniture, feels good for two reasons: 1.) On some level, you're conveying a sense of respect for the memories you've made with it. 2.) Upholstering piques that unique excitement that occurs when our personal creativity meets with an authentic, old-world craft. A look into the upholstering process and the world of available fabric options and designs will help stoke both interests!

Furniture as we know it today has taken some time to evolve. The first chair to be fully upholstered wasn't built until the Rennaisance, but the trend steadily grew from there as textile factories set up shop all throughout London and Paris. The availability of increasingly luxurious fabrics, such as silk and velvet, coincided with the invention of the steam-powered engine, which served as an affordable power source for machine looms. This innovation was the impetus for elaborate furniture designs that quickly became en vogue across Victorian France and England and evolved from there. Modern technology and the vastness of our seemingly limitless textile choices provide the perfect conditions for upholstery creativity, allowing for a wide-open playground of options to explore.

But, all these options can sometimes seem overwhelming! Upholstering requires making decisions about colors, solids or patterns, size scale of pattern design, and fabric to start. And, there are broader factors to take into consideration, such as whether the furniture will be in a high traffic area, which would require a more durable fabric. Your prime opportunities for boldness in design often come in small packages, since daintier furniture takes less abuse. On these pieces, you're options open way up and allow for more design creativity.  But, the process is still intricate and its results will have a huge impact on the way your home makes you feel. That's why it's important to join forces with a local upholstery professional, since a good upholsterer will combine your personal vision with their expert insight to create the unique re-mastering of your furniture you really want.

Upholstery is an old-world skilled trade, and its practice today is a tribute to tradition. Re-designing a piece of furniture reminds us that it's possible to maintain a comforting attachment to something while still facilitating its evolution just as you foster your own growth. Carmen’s Custom Window Treatments would be honored to help you experience the transformative power of upholstery in your own home. Contact us to schedule a time to come tour our large in-store selection of fabrics and texture books. Our talented seamstresses have many years of experience and will attentively work with you to shape the next chapter memories you'll make, surrounded and supported by the furniture you love.