Totally NVR--redecorating question
Posted by Anonymous on Jun 06, 2007 · Member since Dec 1969 · 11789 posts
So, I need some advice... We have a super blah couch that my boyfriend's parents gave us for free (because they didn't want it anymore because it's blah). It was nice to get a free couch, but I hate the color (it's that 80s blue-gray that would have been accompanied by some light oak and brass coffee table about 20 years ago). Nothing I like goes with it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to make this more attractive? We can't really afford to get new furniture, but I'm so sick of this couch. Anyone ever tried reupholstering? From what I've read, it looks very involved. I thought about a slipcover, but those look sloppy sometimes. I thought maybe LadyDragonfly would have some suggestions since you're a fellow seamstress (no pressure ;) )
Maybe try cool looking pillows, or throws? I have some nice decorative pillows in some nice, bold, random colors and they help lighten up what is a kinda dark-colored sofa.
Of course, there's reupholstery, but I'll let someone else handle that one, being that I doubt my abilities to sew on a button correctly... ;D
I inherited a couch that I feel the same way about. I'm not sure how to describe my living room. I go for the earth tone upscale hippy look and the couch I was given is partly peach.
I've thought about things I could do. I'm not sure I could afford enough of the same fabric to sew a cover, so I've thought about different complementary fabrics and sewing a cover for each cushion and piecing together other fabric for the rest of it. I'm glad to hear someone mention painting it. One of the things I was thinking of doing was clearance shopping solid fabrics and then painting onto the fabric the geometric designs you see on mosques.
Baypuppy, I think I saw that episode! I no longer have cable, though, and miss out on home decorating shows :( I would be totally cool with bright colors as accents, but my BF probably wouldn't go for such a thing--he freaks when I want to paint a color other than white on the walls ;)
HH, I like the idea of finding different complementary fabrics--it would probably be much cheaper because you wouldn't need so much of the same kind and could shop around. Maybe I'll look around this weekend. I'd like to get it done over the summer because once the semester starts, I have NO time for fun projects...can't wait to graduate and have more time for crafts!
Thanks, you guys!
you could do your own upholstery project... you could use old bedsheets (either buy dicount or recycle old ones) then basically slipcover the couch. just spread the fabric out tight and staple underneath, into the wood framing. depending on how big it is, you' ll prob need about3 -4 sheets....use one over the back cushions then down behind. use one or two across the seat and over the arms...it kinda depends on the shape/size of the couch.
just tuck the fabric well into the crevasses to get a tight fit.... you can put wooden dowels (old broom handles, etc.) into the creases of the cushions, etc. to keep it all in place.
Loose slipcovers can be washed, which is a plus...your library should have some good "DIY" books from the 70's tucked away in the stacks somewhere. A well-trained librarian will be glad to help! Or if your local university has an extension service...