Upholstery is always in fashion, no matter the season or the year. Upholstery
was first seen during the Renaissance era to make homes more comfortable,
much as it is today. Fabrics such as micro suede and chenille are gaining
popularity as choices for furniture upholstery. Leather is considered an
upholstery material, though it elicits an article all to itself, so we’ll
talk about it in another newsletter. As for fabric upholstery, it is interesting
to know European and American styles are quite different. While Americans
like to sink into a couch, Europeans favor sitting upon a sofa. Because of
the technology of cushions and springs, a combination of the two styles is
often seen in the stores.
Upholstered items are found everywhere in the home, from the windows to the
walls to headboards and pillows. Like in Renaissance days, fabric gives softness
and warmth to a home. The more fabric that is used around the home, the softer
it is perceived. We tend to think of fabric as feminine, however through the
use of colors and textures, a masculine feel can be attained which is handsome
and inviting.
The soft surfaces of fabric tend to eliminate
the “bounce” effect
of sound. Conversation becomes easier and you can enjoy a good sound system
to it’s fullest when carpeting or rugs, curtains and upholstery fabrics
breaks up the hard surfaces of walls, floors and furniture.
Not all upholstery fabrics are created equal. In an effort to keep pricing
low, some fabrics are imitations of a more expensive fabric. Let’s
take chenille for instance, which is popular right now as an upholstery fabric.
A good chenille is mostly cotton with a tight weave, while a less expensive
chenille will be a looser weave made of mostly synthetic materials. However,
synthetic material is well suited for the suede-like fabrics that are popular.
While suede-like upholstery is more convenient for a household with children,
nice chenille is the ultimate in softness.
Always try to blot up a spill on upholstery as soon as possible. For a spot
that won’t wipe up completely with a damp cloth, try mixing laundry
detergent with water, creating as many suds as possible, then use the suds
on a cloth to work on the spot. While this puts only a small amount of detergent
on the fabric, it may be enough to break up the stain. Try this on an inconspicuous
area before hand to make sure it won’t harm the fabric.
Contemporary
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