Upholstered Furniture: Upholstered furniture. Integrating cushions with the framework of furniture dates only from the time of the Renaissance, and the modern all-upholstered chair was first made in France in the middle of the 19th century and was called a "comfortable." This type eliminated the bergere. Its origin may have been inspired by the Turkish divan, and it was the first seat that permitted one to take a semireclining position. Since that time many changes and improvements have occurred.
Upholstered furniture. Integrating cushions with the framework of furniture dates only from the time of the Renaissance, and the modern all-upholstered chair was first made in France in the middle of the 19th century and was called a "comfortable." This type eliminated the bergere. Its origin may have been inspired by the Turkish divan, and it was the first seat that permitted one to take a semireclining position. Since that time many changes and improvements have occurred.
The decorator is often obliged to purchase ready-made upholstered furniture in which the construction and stuffing are entirely hidden from view. There are always visible a few clues as to quality; but the reputaŽtion of the dealer must be the principal guarantee. The price range is always an indication, and most upholstered furniture is sold with a label indicating the wood of the framework and the ingredients of the padŽding. In the best grade of upholstery, cushions are soft and fluffy and are made mostly of down; in cheaper grades cushions are made with springs, covered with a padding, but these may be easily felt by pressing with the hand. If any wood is exposed, the kind is easily identified and the quality of carving and finish would indicate the general type of maŽterials and construction used throughout the piece. Ready-made upholŽstered furniture is usually sold "in the muslin" so that the decorator may select his own surfacing material.
In the best type of decorating work, upholstered furniture should be custom-made. Thus the decorator may establish his own standards and reputation, by specifying the materials and supervising the construction of any piece for which he is responsible. He should therefore have an intiŽmate knowledge of this subject.See Also Outdoor Furniture Parts:IN A FIX?
Need to replace vinyl strapping, fabric slings or other outdoor furniture parts? Check out chaircarepatio.com, suggests furniture consultant Jennifer Litwin. The Dallas-based company can ship parts anywhere and offers an affordable way to fix up your old favorites for the summer season. "You can replace straps or other parts for just a few dollars," says Litwin. "And they come in lots of colors."
GOING GREEN: Eco-friendly style is gaining in popularity, but it's not always easy to find. Here in the Valley it can be had at Modern Outdoor, based in Van Nuys. Their furniture has a sleek aesthetic with clean, simple lines. And one key material they use is Ipe, a sustainably harvested wood that's three times as dense as teak. "It's one of the best woods you can use to make outdoor furniture," says company vice president Brett Himmel. "Our furniture is designed for heavy commercial use. A 20-mile-per-hour gust of wind won't blow your chair into the neighbor's yard."
On The Other Hand See Existing Furniture:When you are decorating your home, changing the entire decor can be extremely costly, and it's likely that you'll have to incorporate some existing furniture into your scheme. You may have a couch or armchair that is structurally sound but dull and threadbare in appearance. However, do not despair! Making your own furniture covers in a fabric that harmonizes with the colors and patterns of your decorating scheme is not as complicated as you may think -and it is an extremely effective and inexpensive way to bring new life and interest into a room.
Slipcovers
Slipcovers offer many excellent opportunities for introducing color and pleasing design into a room that would otherwise appear dull and cheerless. They add an informal atmosphere in either summer or winter months and also serve for re-covering shabby or uninteresting furniture that does not harmonize with the other decorations. Slipcovers are valuŽable, also, for the protection of furniture.
There are two types of slipcovers to be taken into consideration: the temporary ones used during the summer months, and the ones that form part of the permanent decorative scheme of a room. The latter may properly be used throughout the year provided they are well-tailored and fit snugly over the furniture, and provided the material harmonizes with the decorations already existing in a room.
When choosing material for slipcovers, the character of the room should be considered, as well as the type of the chair or Sofa to be covŽered. In general, so far as the pattern is concerned, the same principles should be applied as when selecting any other type of upholstery material. The laws of harmony and contract should be considered.
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