First and foremost, don’t feel overwhelmed! Our team of talented Charleston interior designers is here to help. Watch this quick video of what to expect when shopping in our stores for upholstery. Be inspired and take your time. Have fun, and let your interiors be an extension of your personality.
Type of Fabric
The best type of fabric for your needs will depend greatly on how often your sofa will be used. If it is going to be mainly used for decorative purposes, you can opt for more delicate upholstery like silk and embroideries. On the other hand, if you are upholstering your living room sofa or a piece of furniture in a highly-trafficked room, then you will want a stronger fabric like a linen blend, chenille, or performance fabric, or maybe the best option for you is upholstery with a washable slipcover.
Our Charleston interior designers are here to help when it comes to selecting fabrics. Stop by one of our stores and get comfortable in our design center. We have 1000’s of fabric samples between the 7 upholstery vendors GDC partners with.
Space planning
You know what they say, “measure twice and cut once,” this is especially true when laying out your floor plan. When recording measurements before you shop, it’s important to know what the maximum dimensions can be, the minimum, and what the ideal footprint is. Watch for things like closet doors and window sills. Make sure you have clearance and traffic can flow easily. Snap a picture of the whole room for reference.
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Functionality
How do you plan to use your upholstery? Is it going in a formal sitting room for perching, or will a family of 7 be watching the latest Pixar movie? Knowing these things will help you decide on frames, cushion fill, and configuration. You might want a tight back, turned leg settee, or a 5-piece sectional. Either way, GDC has you covered. Our interior designers will guide you in the right direction to make sure your upholstery works for you and fits into your lifestyle with ease.
Visual Aesthetic
Think about the other furniture pieces you have in your home that you love. Lots of straight, clean lines and neutral colors would suggest a more modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian aesthetic, while distressed wood, ruffles, and delicate floral prints would lean toward farmhouse. It’s fun to mix and match styles, colors, and prints, and when done right, it creates a seamless, eclectic look, but be mindful of the overall feel of your spaces when choosing the frames and fabrics of your upholstery. Have inspiration photos ready to share with our interior designers. They could be your own rooms or furniture pieces you love from your Pinterest board, or a combination of the two in your home. We want to help you with your vision and make sure you love your home.
Final Tips:
- We have large swatches available for check out. Take them home and see how they respond to the light in your home.
- Measure doorways to make sure your new upholstery will fit in your home.
- If you are selecting a neutral upholstery fabric, you can always make the sofa more luxe with bedding blankets and throws or bedding accent pillows.
Stop By Our Furniture Stores Charleston, SC
After you’ve made your upholstery checklist, head into one of our three Charleston furniture stores to view our extensive collection of fabrics and frames. Our Charleston interior designers are always here to consult with you to help you create the home of your dreams. We can’t wait to see you!
Shop the Look
Henry Left Facing Sectional
The Henry sectional features bench seat cushions, topstitching, and an exposed Oak wood base. The clean lines give a contemporary feel, while the addition of a chaise provides extra comfort and versatility.
Riley Swivel Chair
The a sleek, tight back design offers a clean and structured look, while the exposed wooden base adds a touch of natural elegance.
