Creating your own inspired space starts with your upholstery. If the walls, floors and ceilings are the “bones” of a house the upholstered pieces are the meat!

It is important to have spacial equilibrium (i.e. balance) among your upholstered pieces. Without it the space will feel uncomfortable and you may not know why. Try flanking a large sofa with 2 chairs on either side. Think about how many people you want to be able to entertain in the space (on a regular basis). Loveseats can be a large space zapper considering that typically 2 people will not sit on them, two chairs might take up the same amount of space and guarantee seating for two!

If your space is small use more tailored, streamlined upholstery. Even in a larger space pay attention to the arms on your larger pieces; they should relate to one another (all curved, or all squared).

Sit on it! Every manufacturer has a different pitch for their furniture and you will want to make sure it is comfortable for your height. Cushions can go from extra firm to lost in a pool of down so find out if the particular piece you are considering has an option on the cushions.

Final word of warning; don’t over upholster a space. In other words, mix up upholstery with pieces that have some wood on the arms or exposed wood on the back. Better yet, add a wicker or rod iron piece.

We have some great upholstery at Turner Home. Our designer series allows you to pick the cushion, arm, skirt, nail head the list goes on an on. You can sit on the furniture you are designing to make sure the comfort is there!