upholstery/fabric directions???

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

I can't, for the life of me, decide on an upholstery fabric for a pair of chairs like the one pictured here. The idea is for a gentleman's club feel. Love mohair...too expensive for these chairs. Love a men's suiting look, maybe a very subtle plaid? Medium to charcoal gray. Should the welting be of a contrast color, or keep it simple? Any tufting for the back? Please help me... I love these chairs and want to nail it!

Featured Answer

orangecamera

13 years ago

Medium charcoal gray with a subtle pinstripe.

(I googled "gentleman's club" to get some ideas...but I think what I found wasn't the type of gentleman's club you meant!)

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Comments (13)

User
13 years ago
I love the idea of charcoal suiting fabric (wool or similar?). I can see tufting but no contrasting welting. What are your other furnishings/colors?
Sounds like a fun project. Be sure to post some pictures. Enjoy!
elcieg
13 years ago
If you are willing to spend $$$ on these chairs (I would, too), I would most definitely choose Ultrasuede, the real deal. It is a beautiful fabric and tough as nails.
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red_neck_gurl
13 years ago
Plaid would be a manly choice and give it that traditional den feel.
charleee
13 years ago
A gray/black tweed or herringbone would be great!
PRO
User
13 years ago
Please DON"T use Ultrasuede!! A beautiful Grey wool subtle menswear plaid on the back and change texture to a solid on the front would also be Gorge and exciting. I can also see a charcoal cotton velvet on front and a slubby linen on the back. Texture changes on a great piece can add a custom and very high-end look. Just make sure you get the mix right. Lovely chairs! Have fun!
Kevin Retired Decorator
13 years ago
I would start by adding a bun foot or a heavier leg to update the chair over all. A Tapestry in a manly print or a small geometric , houthshound or paisley and lumbar pillows in leather would update the chair. Your could also trim the base edge of the chair in nail head tacks. It would help if you had a picture of the room they will be in. Maybe even a matching round no fussy ottoman too. Have fun, Kevin
Donald
13 years ago
I would do the chair in a chalk stripe, charcoal, and the seat cushion in a coordinating plaid, with a black trim on both to really tie it together
charleee
13 years ago
Donald, I LOVE that idea! Or even the chalk stripe front, plaid back!....Bobbi
mbear2119
13 years ago
Please post pictures when you have decided and the chairs are finished. I love, love, love that chair!
apple_pie_order
13 years ago
A good upholsterer will have samples you can borrow (with a deposit) to see how the fabric looks with the other furnishings. If you get contrast welting, make sure it is dark and sturdy. The current chair shows what happens to welting on the seat cushion: it gets dirty and worn. Charcoal gray fabric with a black welting would look sharp.
PRO
Gabberts Design Studio
13 years ago
I would suggest a herringbone or small plaid in the colors from your rug. Navy would be a handsome color, and depending on how busy you want it to be, a contrasting welt would be very sharp. I'm picturing a Ralph Lauren look.
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
13 years ago
I think Gabberts is right that navy would look fab, and Ralph has lots of the right look for your chair. I'd definitely do a tufted back.
maury
Original Author
13 years ago
Great ideas, all! Thanks for the recs. This pair came from a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore and initially had a tufted cushion on the back with tassels and brass acorns on the top corners and skirting to boot. Will post pics!