Marian van Wyk, creative editor of replies
Home, Reupholstering your chair will transform this toad into Prince Charming and make for an attractive focal point in your bedroom. Unfortunately, this can often cost the same – or even more – than a new chair from a chain store. However, the cost is not the most important consideration. Here’s why I’m a fan of reupholstering older pieces, no matter how sad they look: • Older furniture is usually well made and sturdy. If your chair hasn’t fallen apart over the past 20 years, it has a strong frame and it will probably last another 20 years. • When you buy a new armchair, there’s often no information about the quality and composition of its upholstery fabric. If you choose your own fabric, you will know all the details – right down to how many rubs it will survive. Rubs is an industry quality measurement standard and each fabric’s number of rubs is determined by the manufacturer’s extreme abrasion test, where a testing pad passes back and forth over the fabric until it is worn out. Each back and forth pass is known as a double rub.
• You already know that your chair is comfortable; that’s enough reason to hold on to it! • Upcycling is good for the environment. As for fabric choices, I’d recommend a motif rather than a plain look. If you’re going to work from your newly upholstered chair, a motif will disguise any dirty marks better than a solid colour. • For a nature-inspired palette, consider an antique rose motif; if you’re keen on a more contemporary ‘local is lekker’ look, opt for fynbos. Stripes are fun and timeless too. Grey is the new neutral and soft pinks and various shades of blue are right on trend. Any of these looks can be brightened up with a scatter cushion and a throw, or by covering the buttons in a contrasting colour. • If you want to go bold and quirky, opt for different fabrics on each component of the chair such as the base, armrests, seat, backrest, etc. For this, a coherent colour scheme would be essential; consider a mix of stripes, delicate floral motifs and bolder ones.
Do send us a photo of the end result!