FURNITURE

SCALE

When it comes to designing an exceptional space, a crucial factor is the scale of the furniture. The size and proportion of the pieces you choose can greatly impact the overall look and feel of a room. By understanding how to choose furniture to scale, you can create a harmonious and balanced space that is both functional and visually appealing.

 

 

 

1. Measure the Space

Before you start shopping, bust out the tape measure and draw a small floorplan of the space you are designing. This will give you a clear understanding of the available space and help you determine the appropriate size of furniture to fit the room.

 

 

2. Consider the Function

Think about how you will be using the room and what activities will take place in it. If you have a small living room and plan to entertain guests frequently, choosing a large sectional sofa may not be the best option. Instead, opt for smaller, more versatile pieces that can be easily rearranged to accommodate different seating arrangements.

 

 

3. Create Balance

When choosing furniture, it is important to create a sense of balance in the room. Avoid overcrowding the space with oversized furniture or filling it with too many small pieces. Instead, aim for a mix of different sizes and shapes that complement each other and create a visually pleasing arrangement.

 

 

4. Consider the Ceiling Height

The height of the ceiling can also impact the scale of the furniture. In rooms with high ceilings, taller furniture pieces can help fill the vertical space and create a sense of grandeur. On the other hand, in rooms with low ceilings, choosing lower-profile furniture can help create the illusion of more space.

 

 

5. Pay Attention to Proportions

When choosing furniture, pay attention to the proportions of each piece. A large sofa paired with small side tables can create an unbalanced look. Instead, opt for furniture pieces that are similar in scale and proportion to create a cohesive and harmonious arrangement.

By considering the scale and proportion of the furniture, you can create a well-designed space that is both functional and visually appealing. Remember to measure the room, consider the function, create balance, take into account the ceiling height, and pay attention to proportions. These tips will help you choose furniture to scale and create a harmonious living space.

 

 

 

 

MATERIAL

When it comes to selecting upholstery material for your furniture, it's important to consider both style and functionality. The right fabric can enhance the overall aesthetic of your living space while also providing durability and comfort. In this guide, we will explore different types of upholstery materials and their unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

 

 

1.) BOUCLE

 

Bouclé is a heavy fabric made from fleecy, looped yarn. Its name comes from the French word boucler, which means "to curl," due to the fabric’s many differently sized curls. Unlike similar textiles, such as sheep skin, bouclé won’t mat or bunch up. It also won’t shed as much as other fabrics, making it a fairly durable option. That said, there are some areas where bouclé isn’t all that durable. For instance, the material’s nubby curls can snag and tear easily if treated roughly. 

 

 

2.) CHENILLE

 

Chenille originated in 1780s France, where artisans developed a technique for weaving a “leno” or cross-weave fabric and then cutting it into strips to make a yarn as soft and fuzzy as the fur on a caterpillar—or chenille in French.

Chenille is beloved for its cozy texture and perfect-for-any-room flexibility. While the most popular material to use for chenille is cotton, it can also be constructed from silk, rayon or wool, or a blend of any of the above. Each specific blend, or ratio of materials used, can alter the chenille’s appearance and hand.

 

 

3.) LINEN

 

Linen is best described a fabric that is made from very fine fibers, derived from the flax plant. These fibers are carefully extracted, spun into yarn, and then woven into long sheets of fabric. 

Known as a strong, durable, absorbent fabric, linen is also is entirely antibacterial. This means that harmful bacteria and other germs have a difficult time surviving within the fine and closely woven fibers, making linen a highly desirable fabric, particularly for bedding! 

 

 

4.) WOOL

 

Wool fabric, a versatile and timeless textile, has been an integral part of our clothing and textile industry for centuries. The use of wool can be traced back to 10,000 BCE when early humans began domesticating sheep for their meat and fleece. 

Wool fibers possess natural crimps which compress and spring back into shape easily. This means it not only keeps its shade and is wrinkle - resistant but is extremely hard wearing and will not tear or fray, keeping your couches and chairs looking great for the long term and saving you money.

 

 

5.) MOHAIR

 

Considered one of the oldest fiber textiles in existence, mohair originated in the mountains of Tibet, where the Angora goat originally lived. The Angora goat was introduced to Turkey in the sixteenth century, in the Turkish province of Ankara where the name “angora” comes from. Angora goats were farmed almost exclusively in Ankara until 1849, when the goat was given as a gift to a United States cotton farmer for his service helping Turkey cultivate cotton.

Today mohair is one of the most prized natural fibers. It is used to create everything from high-end sweaters and accessories to carpets and upholstery. Made from the coats of Angora goats, mohair is a soft, silk-like textile. Unlike most wools, mohair is a lustrous fiber, primarily due to the scales on the outside of the fiber.

 

 

6.) VELVET

 

The first recorded mention of velvet fabric is from the 14th century, and scholars of the past mostly believed that this textile was originally produced in East Asia before making its way down the Silk Road into Europe. Traditional forms of velvet were made with pure silk, which made them incredibly popular. Asian silk was already very soft, but the unique production processes used to make velvet result in a material that’s even more sumptuous and luxurious than other silk products.

Velvet is tightly woven without raised threads or loose weaves, making it resistant to snagging and scratches. Its flat pile is also easy to clean and can remove dirt and pet hair. Velvet can be a good choice for a couch in a family room or for pet owners.

 

 

7.) LEATHER

 

Leather is a material that has spanned the centuries and continues to exert a considerable influence on our modern lifestyle. From prehistoric times to the present day, leather has played an essential role in our lives.

Upholstery hides can be finished using a variety of techniques such as full aniline, semi-aniline, nubuck, embossed and more. Natural markings on leather, often called “nature’s signature” may be present on hides and are the sign of fine leather.