Pocyline Karani
In last week’s piece, we discussed blinds and curtains as areas where soft furnishings can be used to instantly spruce up your living area. We said soft furnishings are household textiles that can be altered to give your home an instant new look.
Today we explore other areas where soft furnishings can be manipulated to introduce a new lease of life to your living area.
Cushions
Cushion fabric plays a critical role in defining the beauty of a home. When selecting fabric for your cushion, you have to consider its usability. A house with children will require robust and sturdy fabrics that will withstand the rigorous of grubby fingers and rough handling.
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On the other hand, if the cushion is for decorative purposes then delicate fabrics such as silks and muslins will do. What I love about cushions is the fact that you can enhance their beauty with decorative braids or patterned piping. Fringing, tassels and appliquÈ designs will sure add a fillip to an otherwise simple cushion.
Bed linen
Your bedding defines your bedroom. Nothing is more inviting than a comfy and luxurious looking bed. Other than the look of your bedding, the quality of the fabric used will entice you into sinking in and enjoying.
Bed fabrics range from comforters and quilts to bedspreads and duvet covers. With the weather in mind, thick colourful quilts can brighten up a pale bedroom. A child’s room offers adventurous options. Vivaciously printed sheets with coordinated pillow covers are available in a variety of designs that will appeal to the little ones.
Upholstery
Your sofa’s fabric should be in a shade that is in harmony with the room. Provide a new look to your living room by adding slipcovers on your sofa. This is affordable compared to changing the entire fabric. Slipcovers allow you to play around with fabrics of different colours and textures for an aesthetic and functional look. A dull sofa can be spruced up by adding bright cushions.
Upholstery for your couch range from leather and woven damask to jacquard and synthetic weaves all of which have different lifespan and caring needs.
Rugs and carpets
Constant use of a room can get boring even if the look was once exciting. Add a touch of colour to a stark room with brightly coloured rugs and watch the room liven up.
When selecting a rug or carpet, consider the area it will cover. Scatter rugs to adorn smaller spaces and add a touch of warmth to them. The colour and design of rugs is critical in giving a room a complete new look. You can go flashy with bright colours or chose prints such as floral, geometric or abstract. For a spacious feel, install light-coloured carpets and introduce a deep colour for cosiness. Depending on your budget, you can opt for woollen, synthetic yarns such as nylon, olefin, polyester or acrylic type of carpets, which help add textures.
