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sofa with 2 coordinating fabrics?

16 years ago

Are these dated? I bought a custom sofa (craigs list) a couple of years ago & have it sitting in storage. I'm thinking of bringing it home but honestly don't want to go through the hassle of moving it if this look is dated. It does have classic lines - it has beige fabric & floral fabric.

Comments (32)

  • 16 years ago

    Can we see a picture?

  • 16 years ago

    I don't think two coordinating fabrics make something look "dated."

    And if you like it, who cares whether it's "dated" or not?
    Which is worse - something you like that I think is dated, or paying to house furniture you aren't using? :)

  • 16 years ago

    @newdawn - You are right, I'm sure that a picture will help - I will post one tonight
    @avesmor - Thanks...you are right too - but I'm still not quite sure what I'll do! (I'm not paying to store it, it is being stored at a friend's house) I live in a smallish cape and the sofa that I have now is a muted red w/down cushions. The arms on it are kind of big but not huge. I'm starting to think that it looks dated because of the arms. My thought was I have this other sofa just sitting there so I could swap them out but I may be in the same boat. I'm going for a "cottagey" look. The 2 fabric sofa has the same colors so both will work. All of this rambling will make more sense when I post pics later :)

  • 16 years ago

    This (I hope) is a pic of the sofa!

  • 16 years ago

    This pic is actually pretty washed out - the floral fabric is yellow/gold & the solid is light brown/beigy. The sofa also came with an extra roll of fabric and about 6 more pillows with the floral on one side & solid on the other.

  • 16 years ago

    I think the sofa looks fantastic. I loves sofas with 2 fabrics. My sofa has coordinating fabrics. I dont think it looks dated. But Im no designer so take it for what its worth.

  • 16 years ago

    I don't see dated with the arms. Actually like them and the print. You must have wiggled when taking the picture. But all is good.

  • 16 years ago

    I like the print and style...kind of cozy cottage feel. You can certainly do a lot with that. Maybe use some of the fabric for a lamp shade cover, I think a large ginger jar in a complementary color would look nice.

  • 16 years ago


    Thanks! Here is a pic of the sofa that I would swap out. The largest floral pillow is actually from the other sofa (to give you a better idea of the true colors). I love the idea of a ginger jar lamp....I think that the lamp that is there now is just not substantial enough. Any other ideas on how to give this room a more cottagey feel? I'll go snap a pic of the other side of the room....

  • 16 years ago

  • 16 years ago

    I like the striped sofa best and see nothing wrong with the arms. IMO it fits your cottage look best.

    I really like the pillow from the floral sofa mixed with your others!

  • 16 years ago


    Okay...I think that I have decided to keep the red sofa! This is another shot of the room. I bought the armless chairs to save space in the room but I think for a cottage look they need to go! Any ideas on what to replace them with? Anyone want to give me ideas on how to lighten the room & make it more cozy?

  • 16 years ago


    This is to the left of one of the chairs that is across from the sofa.

  • 16 years ago

    ...thanks annz!

  • 16 years ago

    OK.....here goes. I'd paint the white wall the same color as the other wall, then I'd paint the fireplace a warmer white.

    I think the mirror above the fireplace is too small and that a large, framed pic would pull the rest of your room together. Check out consignment stores for some good prices on framed art. If you don't want to place art there, then I'd suggest raising the mirror higher.

    I think you can make the two chairs work in the room. Take a couple of the pillows from the sofa and see how they look on the chairs. If the pillows are too large try to find, or make, some smaller ones that will bring the sofa color to that side of the room.

    Check out the images below for even more ideas and definitely look for the ginger jar lamp! :)

    Here is a link that might be useful: cottage FR

  • 16 years ago

    Thanks so much annz! Everything that you suggest makes sense and is definately do-able. The white wall is actually paneling (from the 50's) - when I moved here a couple of years ago I had all of the trim, cabinets & that wall painted white (I had too many decisions to make & that just seemed like a clean slate to me). I will look for the lamp & art this weekend. Any other opinions are VERY welcome!!! Color of lamp, type & color of art??? Other accessories? Thanks everyone - what a terrific forum this is!

  • 16 years ago

    I like that sofa you have there too. I also like the blend of pillows you have on it. I would change out the lamp for a large ginger jar style in red, soft yellow or moss green.

    I love that whole arrangement in the corner with the desk...very nice. I agree with painting that white wall and softening up the fireplace and the other ideas of annz, including needing a bigger mirror. Cover the pillows on those chairs.

    Can the child's piano be moved to another location in your home and maybe put a round table there with a floor length tablecloth made out of the extra floral material from the other couch, then put some collectibles on the table top.

    I think your room is very nice...you are doing a great job!!!

  • 16 years ago

    I think your room is very charming, and I much prefer the red sofa you have to the floral one. (And another hydrangea lover!) The suggestions of a ginger jar lamp is perfect. I think if you could find one in a blue and white, then add some blue and white elsewhere in the room, it would add some more interest. To see how blue and white energizes Loribee's living room, check out the link below. I would also edit the items you have on the mantel. They are all too similar in size. Maybe a larger pitcher with your hydrangeas on the left, and your crystal candlesticks clustered together on the right. You might even add those 2 small animals (can't tell what they are) alongside the pitcher.
    Dee

    Here is a link that might be useful: Loribee's room

  • 16 years ago

    I like the striped sofa too, but I'll take the floral one off your hands..even though it won't match my house. lol.

    I just wanted to say what a beautiful home you have! I especially love the "Baby Grand." Is that for looks or do you have a little one who plays with it?

    I almost want to get one for my room because the way you have it is so charming, and then the grandkids could play with it when they come over. That piano actually took my breath away!

  • 16 years ago

    I have the same sofa with taylored slipcovers and love it. Has worn so well and given me many options for different decor...when a moment of change hits. Looking at both, would keep the red stripe/

  • 16 years ago

    vampiressrn - I am now absolutely sold on a large ginger jar lamp & I really like the idea of using the other fabric in the room...thanks!

    deeinohio - Oh boy do I love hydrangeas...I planted 5 new one this year! The blue & white in loribee's room is gorgeous!! Such a pretty room - I may just try it! Mantels have ALWAYS been a thorn in my side! Thanks so much for your advice - the small animals are antique? old bunnies that I've had forever & still love them.

    oaklyoak - ...so you understand my sofa dilema! I too like the floral one but I think the striped one is here to stay! The "Baby Grand" is for my grandchildren - they love it & so do I! You definately should get one - it looks so sweet with a vase of fresh flowers on it!

  • 16 years ago

    emagineer - you have the red sofa? Where did you find a tailored slipcover? I would love to have one for "When a moment of change hits" The sofa is actually very comfortable because the cushions are down filled.

  • 16 years ago

    Okay, well that was a bust...just went to Homegoods & TJ Maxx looking for a framed pic and a lamp. I looked at a couple of pics & couldn't decide. Actually I'm not so sure that I know what I'm looking for - should I go with a muted landscapey kind of thing or a more bold floral oil or neither one? Should I go with a horizontal, vertical or square? Isn't it strange that I can help friends & family decorate but when it comes to my own home I freeze and can't make a decision? The lamps at both stores were tall & thin or crystal or turquoise with feathers/polka dots...not a ginger jar in sight! I stopped at a consignment shop & they actually had 2 but one was white & the other tan - thoughts on these? I did end up buying a red needlepoint pillow to use on one of the chairs(Homegoods). Thanks so much for all the help...you all are terrific!

  • 16 years ago

    LOvely room. I would start by painting that FP wall the same as the other walls and leavig the FP white and then see about art. One step at a time.

  • 16 years ago

    Thanks lyban...my plan is to paint the wall tomorrow & also paint the fireplace a creamy white.

  • 16 years ago

    I understand why you love the bunnies; I love them too. And, with grandchildren, I also understand why they're on the mantel and not the side table. (Ask me how I know.) I like your mirror over your fireplace, but agree it could be higher. I don't know your budget, but here's a possibility in red at Smartbargains. Sign up for their email; you can usually get 25% or 30% off. I got a coupon 2 days ago for 30% off one item until 10am.
    Dee

    Here is a link that might be useful: Ginger jar

  • 16 years ago

    I'm not sure of your budget either, but there are some varied sizes and prices on the link. Your bunnies are very cute!!!

    Here is a link that might be useful: lamps plus

  • 16 years ago

    Bre...the slipcovers I have are from JCPenny and very well made. I too have down pillows/cushions, love them. Link below:

    Here is a link that might be useful: striped slipcover

  • 16 years ago

    Thanks so much for the links dee & vampiressrn (I signed up for the Smartbargains email - great site!) I had planned on painting today but alas I'm out of paint so with my unplanned trip to Lowes (next town over) I will hit the stores out that way & continue my lamp hunting. If I can't find a lamp locally in the next couple of days then I will buy online. While prepping to paint I realized why I hung the mirror so low in the first place - there is an outlet right smack in the center of the mantle about 4 inches up!
    emagineer - I was so excited to see the slipcovers, then realized that my sofa is a different style. Mine has 2 cushions instead of 3, BUT THEN I saw the cover for the rocker (I have one upstairs in a spare room) but rats....again just a little different - thanks for trying though (too funny that the fabric is identical).

  • 16 years ago

    Such a pretty room! I love the armless chairs, too.
    Lucky you...I think either sofa works really well!

  • 16 years ago

    I'm hopeless when it comes to slipcovers. There are two sets of cushions for my couch (options for 2 or 3). If I find well made taylored slipcovers that are less than having to buy fabric....it grabs me.

    Tis interesting that is the same fabric, yet yours is upholstered. Great wear, I'd keep it. The color and pattern accepts a lot of alternatives for accessorizing.

  • 16 years ago

    Thanks so much loribee....I was really on the fence about the chairs! I absolutely adore your room!
    emagineer....lucky you to have that option!!! You are right - the color/pattern is versatile.


    What a difference a day makes! I know that the lamp is puny but I had it downstairs so until I find "just the right one"....
    If anyone has any other suggestions for this room, they are wholeheartedly welcomed!

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