Thank you all so very much for your kind comments here, on Facebook, and on Instagram yesterday! I was overwhelmed at all of your encouragement about my page in Good Housekeeping. I've known it all along, but you all confirmed that you are truly the nicest readers a girl could ask for!
My Craigslist has been SO spotty lately, but I made a purchase last weekend! For a while I've been thinking that it's about time to replace our living room sofa.
It's a great Rowe sleeper, but it's over 10 years old and the upholstery is still good, but getting a bit tired. My plan was to move it into our Office/TV/Playroom (and sell the older leather sofa that was in there) and find a new one for the living room. I had something classic, comfortable, and possibly velvet in mind.
So, this one had been listed for over a month. The first time I saw it I liked it, but didn't immediately inquire. By the time I thought more about it after a while, I couldn't find the listing again, so I thought it was gone. Then, about two weeks ago, it appeared again! After an unsuccessful first attempt to contact the seller, we finally touched base and arranged a time to see it.
I had already done some searching for some inspiration for reupholstering it, so I knew with the good bones of the shape it could look pretty great. We worked the puzzle to fit it in our Suburban and brought it home.
I'm shopping for fabric over the next week or so, and then I hope to get it done before too long. I've tried my hand at a few smaller upholstery projects, but I don't really want to take this one on. I want it to be perfect and I don't want it to take forever like I know it would if I did it! I would also like to check into adding some down filling to the seat cushions, or perhaps completely replacing the cushions with down filled ones.
Here are some images I came across while considering my purchase. Can you see the potential?
(If you'd like to pin any of these images, please make one click on the link below the photo and pin from the original source. Thanks!)
Home Deco Magazine via Pinterest
This one is probably my favorite...
LOVE the moody, rich color in the photo and in theory but I don't know if I can commit to something that dark. (I have 2 dark leather chairs in the same space to consider.) I'll probably end up with something close to the same neutral shade as the sofa I already have, but I'm still open!
I've never owned furniture with velvet upholstery. Any suggestions? Any certain TYPE of velvet I need to make sure I'm looking for? I've heard good things about the indoor/outdoor velvet and think that might be smart. Thoughts?
**Have you entered the $150 Target or West Elm giveaway from Coupons.com yet? It's open for a few more days!
**Have you entered the $150 Target or West Elm giveaway from Coupons.com yet? It's open for a few more days!
I'm craving velvet and it would be awesome for your couch. All the colors are gorgeous. Are those the H&M leopard pillows on your sofa? I just bought some for my daughter's bedroom and they look the same.
ReplyDeleteHey Julia! No, I made those with fabric from Hobby Lobby. I haven't seen the H&M ones, I'll have to check those out!
DeleteI loved that when I saw it on Instagram! Excited to see where it winds up. I'd love a velvet sofa, but the idea of it also scares me because I have cats. Of course having anything nice is a little problematic with cats :)
ReplyDeleteGreat find! I've found craigslist to be pretty spotty around here too, lately. I love, love the idea of velvet. Can't wait to see what you pick!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ Number Fifty-Three
This couch has great bones! Good find! Cant wait to see what you do with it. I love the velvet green!
ReplyDeleteThat is a winner! Great, classic style and it will look tremendous in velvet. I have a similar sofa in my LR which was a Room & Board purchase over 15 years ago. It is upholstered in a green (synthetic) velvet and has worn like iron and I still love it (tho I admit to being a bit bored with the color.) I too have heard great things about the indoor/outdoor velvets, can't wait to see what you choose.
ReplyDeleteSo good to know, Cathy! I'm glad it has worn well. I'm so tempted to do a color, but what you said is exactly the reason I'll probably keep it neutral.
DeleteYou have a great eye!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your pillows in the first pic and the coffee table styling.
oh i can't wait to see what you do! your home is so stunning and so you- i know it will be awesome! i have never upholstered so i have no advice, but i can't wait to see! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I see it all right! It's going to be fantastic - it has such beautiful lines. I think you'll be able to see and appreciate them a lot more once it's reupholstered. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
ReplyDeleteIt will be beautiful! When we lived in Edmond we had several pieces reupholstered by Pike Upholstery in OKC. Honestly, they were so good that I'd be inclined to drive back up there to bring something.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I recently read an article about velvet. 1, it needs to be upholstery velvet. 2. Something about the way the nap lays. You don't want someone to sit on and and have to brush it so shiney side is showing. And an upholster needs to know how to lay the grain properly. The arrival did say a good velvet would be expensive. Let me see if I can find the article. I had a chair I wanted to put navy blue velvet on.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, that couch in velvet will be so so good! I'm not sure about any velvet tips since the only velvet I've done is on my bar stool cushions, but good luck in your search! :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I'm so excited for you on this purchase. It's going to make a great makeover project! I have velvet on my living room couch that is from Domain, and although I am super tired of the color (sage green) I have to admit it is in perfect condition - the fabric has helped up great despite constant use and red wine drinking. One Halloween we had neighbors over after trick or treating and TWO people spilled red wine on it within 10 minutes. It came right out - so I would say velvet is a forgiving fabric….although I'm sure the fabric content has something to do with it. Maybe test a few samples with common stains before committing, considering the investment in upholstering?
ReplyDelete*held up - not helped up :)
ReplyDeleteI have the RH couch you showed.. classic arm and looks good in almost any fabric. great choice!
ReplyDeleteThat's going to be so pretty! Love the lines of it and the feet. I can't wait to see how it turns out!
ReplyDeleteHoly Guacamole.....green velvet is my choice. Whatever you choose will be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThis couch has great lines!!! I can't wait to see the reveal! My couch is velvet and I have zero complaints!! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteI have a velvet couch & it wears great. It's been in my living room for 8 years now with daily use & the velvet still looks like new. I wouldn't recommend 100% down cushions though. You will constantly be fluffing as they have no spring-back. I would suggest down-wrapped foam----the best of both worlds and nor nearly as frustrating.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion to do a mix of filling. Thanks!
DeleteI have two velvet covered sofas- one in dark blue, and one in a cognac, and they are impervious to anything.The only thing more durable is mohair.I have two Louis chairs that have gone through 4 kids and as many dogs..still perfect.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the down cushions- I have one Lee sofa with feather and down cushions, and the Bean loveseat from Shabby Chic..also filed with feather and down, the Bean sofa is more comfortable because the seat stuffing is denser and fuller, so don’t skimp on qunaty and quality of the filling.
But the best is a seat cushion with springs and down.
Oh boy..I meant 'filled' and 'quantity'...:-)
DeleteThat's very helpful Dolores, thank you!
DeleteOur couch is covered in a synthetic velvet and it has worn very well. I'd say go for it!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely trust you to choose the perfect color velvet for your sofa. I agree with the other comments. Use upholstery velvet, not dressmaker. I, too, have read good things online about indoor/outdoor velvet, but have never seen nor used it. Would be worth checking out.
ReplyDeleteOh but that will be so amazing when it is in a fabric that matches your home and style! Can't wait to see what you pick!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you do with it! I love the shape too!
ReplyDeleteI personally am a huge fan of a buttery yellow velvet sofa. I can't get over Jenna Lyon's living room or this one: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/261912534553264659/. Anthropologie sells a velvet sofa with a similar profile in several color options you should browse. :)
ReplyDeletethat is one of my favorite all-time sofa styles! What a fab find! Can't wait to see her all spruced up! xo K
ReplyDeleteThis sofa has great bones and I know in your talented hands Jennifer, this will be a stellar beauty!
ReplyDeleteShe's a beauty!! Excellent choice!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE an English roll arm. Maybe my favorite sofa silhouette. This will be amazing!
ReplyDeleteLoving that deep rich grey in the last photo! Can't wait to see what you do with it!
ReplyDeleteVelvet is so incredibly yummy! You will have to check out my latest post with the velvet chairs we just finished. I love a velvet with a bit of a pattern in it. Seems to be more durable. Love the couch and can't wait to see the transformation.
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