This sofa has a real Mediterranean look to it, but then it has what looks like cane sides. I don't see it fitting in with the design styles you mention. Also keep in mind that unless you are a skilled seamstress, reupholstery costs will be similar to the price of a new sofa.

That is a one-of-a-kind find. Never seen one like it. I'd use it just like it is and decorate around it. Those are the popular colors that are being used in my area. Sounds like it would go great with your design scheme.

To re-upholster a piece usually costs almost as much as buying. I like the style and with the right piece of fabric (and maybe paint the wood) it would look great in an eclectic setting. I wouldn't call it craftsman though.

I just don't see it fitting in with rustic, traditional, or Craftsman. I'm afraid that with the reupholstering costs I'd give it a pass.

I really appreciate all of the great feedback! So extremely helpful! As Houssaon mentions, I may be learning toward more of an eclectic feel. I'm not a prefessional, so I may be confusing my design terms. I do really enjoy the pictures posted in this discussion. The living room Judyg posted is great. The back of the couch is framed in wood, but has the fabric in the centers of each section. Only the sides of the couch are cane.

I just took a little tour on the houzz product page looking for a sofa with caning. What I saw was furniture that did have caning was $$$$$$. Is the caning on your piece perfect? Is the sofa a quality piece? Sturdy? Maybe it is worth the investment. I like the arms and the style. Some of my most wonderful pieces were bought at auction and more recently on ebay.

Judyg - it's in pristine condition. I know the picture doesn't do it great justice, but if I decided to go with the current colors, I would not have to do anything to the piece. The seller was actually a bit taken a back when I mentioned upholstering. I'm going to take a second took at it this evening, and taking a friend for input, but we are just two silly girls with no formal training in design. I would definitely go with a professional to do the upholstering job. Thank you again for the feedback.

If you like it and it is pristine and it is $400.00, go for it! All the things that are necessary for a "score"!


And throw a couple of these on other chairs to tie it in until you decide what to do with it!! Fun!

Sounds like you really want this piece and are looking for reinforcement. Life is too short - just go for it. $400 does seem pretty steep though. BTW - We had a sofa very similar growing up in the '60s - We kids called it the King Arthur sofa. We also had a matching chair, "The Throne" of course.

That's an awesome price for this sofa , it looks fab now but when reupholstered it will really be fantastic!!

I think this sofa is smashing. I don't hate the fabric but I'd prefer a solid colour in velvet or a pattern that's sympathetic to the style. I could get all my kids to sit down in one place!

HI -- Last time i saw one of these was in 1968. It was in a rich red brocade . This is a very spanish style sofa . I doubt this is the original fabric , I think it's been recovered . I think it's a good buy at $300 to $400 and may cost you 3 to 4 thousand depending on fabric to recover. It might not go to the styles you are talking about, but maybe with a talented upholstery person and the right fabric you can make it work.I think it can be stunning again.

Love it! I'd do what I could to lighten up the rattan on the sides, though. It looks as though it's been glazed over once too many. I can imagine it looking lovely in dark wood with grey linen cushions and contrast piping for a bit of pop. As others have said, though, you might want to get a ballpark quote from a good upholsterer before you take the plunge on buying.

OH go snatch that up!!! It's Fab! The existing fabric is ok, but I definitely think reupholstering it is in order. As much as I love pattern, I prefer solid colors on sofas and patterns on chairs... Can't wait to see what you do with it... Have fun!

I love the sofa. But, almost anything you have already may not work with your rustic or craftsman desires. But, I think if you love this sofa you are probably more eclectic and then you can have tons of fun decorating around this!

Thank you all so much for the comments! I went and sat on it again last night, jus tto make sure I do love it the same. And I do, maybe I was just looking for some positive reinforcement from others to secure my idea. I've gotten several contacts of professionals in my area for the upholstering job. The fabric that is currently on the sofa is original. And the Thomasville logo is still perfectly visable on the under side of each cushion. I wll post an after if I go for it and have it redone. Thank you agian for the GREAT comments!

Peggib I hope you will post an updated photo. I for one would like to see what you do with it.

I had to special order fabric, and it just came in this week. I will post an updated picture when I receive the piece back from the upholster. I'm very excited about it!

Please do: life is too short for furniture that you don't adore!

Boy...hated to see you spend another penny. I thot the sofa was awesome just like it is. I would have decorated around that fabric and would have had a beautiful room. Still anxious tho to see what you've done with it.

call a upholstry shop and get an idea of the cost. I think lefty scares a lot of folks with his 3 to 4 thousand idea. our area is much, much, much cheaper!

There are huge differences in price between upholsterers. We have a wonderful, independent guy who is very reasonable; the last place we lived we couldn't find anyone reasonably priced enough to make it worth while. So shop around a bit and ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Also ask around at antique shops. They often have to reupholster pieces before selling and usually have access to someone reasonably priced.

also call workrooms and ask. they do so much upholstery for designers and are usually very good.

You may want to consider upholstery paint. The cost would be much lower

cool sofa :)

had a sofa like this with cane sides in the early 70's. EVERYthing was golds & greens then, and the table and server in my adjacent Dining Rm were yellow w/black paint flecks. Looks great! and i love the eclectic style, too!

Nice find and I think it looks great!

It turned out great. I believe you were smart to make the purchase and have it recovered. Good for you.

A+ for your vision and the courage to follow it through!

Wow! The sofa is certainly a great addition to your beautiful home. It looks fabulous!

HI -- I love it now and another great sofa is saved from the landfill !!!!

Just was wondering how much $ you are all in now for the sofa? I want to redoubt a sofa that's about the same size wondering if I should just get a new one? Thanks it looks awesome!

"...a design scheme that's focused on rustic, traditional, and craftsman? "

How can a design scheme be focused on rustic, traditional, and craftsman, simultaneously?

Call it whatever you want , but if you like it and can see it working in your home, go for it!

Ktiquet- I paid $300 even for the original sofa, ordered 25 yards of material for $425 (have 5 yards left over), and paid $228.20 for the labor. Grand total invested is $953. Yes, I probably could have pruchased a new sofa for a thousand dollars, but this one has character-- and was probably just as special to someone when it was new as it is to me now that it's been made over.

Thanks so much for all of the comments.

$228.20 for labor to cover an entire sofa??? where do you live?

Alabama...

You got a sofa covered for $230!!!! That is a bigger bargain than the sofa ; )

Wow what a steal of a deal! I love your sofa not sure if the one I have has anything special about it just a mini sectional . Your looks great!!!!!

Sell

Whoops! Thought you were asking whether to sell it. Sorry.

I LEARNED HOW TO REUPHOLSTER WHILE WORKING AT A SUMMER JOB DURING COLLEGE.
[whoops!]

I frequently advise people to have their furniture recovered rather than replace if the piece is structurally sound and if they can find fabric at a good price.

The labor charge involved in reupholstering is usually quite reasonable and choosing to reupholster supplies jobs to local people and business.

A sofa or chair is saved from our land fills.

Plus, the client has the opportunity to have a piece of furniture custom made to his/her specs. often with better quality components.

It is a win-win situation!!

Fabulous!

Your sofa is beautiful, and the upholsterer did a great job! I also live in Alabama, what was the name of the shop you used? If you want to share. :)

Love it!

Love it! My guess is you did right by your decision and to buy similar would have been twice the price!

It looks brand new! I'm glad you posted the update it's inspiring. Well done and glad you went for it.

Congrats on your new to you sofa. Great workmanship too. And I agree with White Lotus and Judy M, you got that upholstered for a steal!--Wow! That is an amazing amount of work for so little dollars. Costs WAY more where I live--and well earned.

This is the thread that refuses to die, lol.

I saw a very similar funky sofa on kijiji, and I'm sure there's a Houzz upholstery genius who would love to tackle it (price includes other bits and pieces), so here it is, in all its unadulterated glory:

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-furniture-couches-futons-ANTIQUE-THREE-PIECE-SOFA-SET-WITH-COFFEE-AND-END-TABLES-W0QQAdIdZ394370132

I think this is one of the red sofas in the drawing room on Downton Abbey. Lovely.