07 Feb Denim: America’s Fabric
There is something decidedly American about denim, and I do love the homey feel it brings to a room. So much is right about it – it’s comfortable, it’s casual, it goes with everything, it gets softer with use, it’s easy to clean, it can withstand nearly anything…the list could go on. But somehow, in the 80’s and 90’s, denim on upholstery meant overstuffed, saggy, generic blah.
curbed.com
I think everyone I knew had one. But there’s hope for denim! Done right, it can look classy, and dare I say, chic?
Don’t believe me?
cottage living
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meg braff via house beautiful
house and home
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restoration hardware
house beautiful
source unknown
southern living
real simple
So you want a denim sofa but don’t want it to look drab? Here’s the scoop:
1. Go as dark as possible. A deep indigo or navy will read much more updated than the cornflower blue acid-washed hues.
2. Add some detail – nailhead trim, tufts, lacquered white legs or frame. A little oomph will go a long way!
3. Stick to mostly straight lines. Too much curviness will look “basement couch” fast.
But Grace, what if I own the denim sofa you are talking about? In fact, I am staring at it right now.
Spice it up! Add some bright modern-looking pillows or a trendy pattern. Take the cushions to an upholsterer and add a contrasting welt to the edges. Or maybe do this?
What are your thoughts on denim upholstery? I’d love to hear your comments!
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P.S. Thank you so much to everyone for participating in the survey I posted last week. It has been so helpful in planning for the future, and I feel so lucky to have such diverse, knowledgeable, engaged readers! I am so grateful!
textilady
Posted at 20:52h, 12 FebruaryI, too, had the denim couches and was in love with them.
One thing to remind your followers – don’t tried to save money and buy denim created for the apparel industry. It’s designed to crock (transfer color) just like our jeans.
Make sure the end use is for home/interior and test a swatch of the fabric to make sure that it doesn’t transfer the indigo color.
Hmmmmmm! You have inspired me with the dark denim…I may have to reconsider my reuphostering choices!
Grace
Posted at 22:59h, 12 FebruaryHi textilady, such a great tip! Definitely! I’d love to see your pieces if you use a dark denim, I think it can look super chic! Thank you so much for reading and for your comment! G