UPHOLSTERY GUIDE

FREEDOM TREE RECOMMENDATIONS & EXPLAINERS

“Unlike fine furniture, a man is
better unfinished.” ― Khang Kijarro Nguyen

INTRODUCTION

If the furniture is the canvas of our home life, then the upholstery is the color that breathes life into it. It redefines the style of a space, and reflects the aesthetic of the people who inhabit it. 

We look at upholstery to renew our space, when buying a new sofa set, outfitting old dining chairs, dressing up the windows or leasing new life to that treasured study chair. Upholstery drapes cushioned furniture like sofas, and accent chairs, it cinches the ottomans and elevates the benches to add a distinct vibe to the space.
Upholstery can entirely rejuvenate a well-worn room, at a fraction of the cost of replacing the furniture.

AT FREEDOM TREE

We embrace the fun of picking out a new upholstered look for your space every few years. Keep your house fresh and snazzy by updating the upholstery and furnishings in a room every season. Your home will feel loved and constantly renewed. 

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Just as there are couturiers for fashion, there are specialty tailors who upholster. You can find fabrics in many home décor stores and even online.

Most stores have tailors working in collaboration with them, and we can always suggest a skilled tailor willing to stitch fabrics over your sofas, chairs and any other piece of furniture - as well as curtains and customized bed linens to boot!

It’s usually recommended for the tailor to inspect the product in person, so they can give an accurate estimate of the fabric required based on the specific design of the furniture. These days a Whatsapp image is often good enough!

Choosing upholstery is never easy—the dizzying variety of prints available in a wide variety of fabrics, it can be overwhelming and confusing. It is a long-term investment, depending on how frequently you change the fabric. And though you may always pick a new one—and may need to, depending on wear and tear—we are here to help you pick a winner.  

GET GOING IN THREE EASY STEPS:

BROWSE OUR UPHOLSTERY FABRIC

With time at hand, refresh your interiors with prints designed by Freedom Tree. Browse an array of fabrics -florals in vivid hues to clean geometric prints, easy to pair checks and versatile solids.

Abstract Fabrics

Geometric Fabrics

Florals And Botanicals Fabrics

Narrative Fabrics

Solid & Textured Fabrics

HOW MUCH FABRIC DO I NEED?

We always recommend a tailor suggests the amount of fabric required,
but here's some rules of thumb to give you a sense.

NOTE- These figures are only a rough guide. Always consult a tailor on your specific item for the exact amount of fabrix to order.

GET IN TOUCH

We are here to assist you, as you plan a makeover for your abode, our design experts can help you choose fabrics that blend functionality, utility and an overall aesthetic for your home. Design a space that you never need a vacation from.

Or keep reading for more great ideas!

WHAT CAN YOU UPHOLSTER?

Upholstery can be added to most seating sold at Freedom Tree.
We can also help you refresh any of your existing sofas or armchairs.

LET UTILITY BE YOUR GUIDE

Consider how you will use the space; this would help you decide on the fabric for the piece.

For instance, your living room might be a formal space to entertain guests - and you might invest in premium fabrics like silk or velvet or woven swatches like raffias or tweeds. For the kids room choose playful cotton prints, easy to remove and wash to get rid of the invariable stains. If you have pets at home, consider darker tones and stain resistant fabric or even slipcovers.

An important factor to keep in mind is upkeep, sun exposure and the frequency of vacuuming. Direct sunlight may cause the fabric to fade over time, and some fabrics may not wear well with age.

Ultimately, organically processed cotton fabrics will fade over time because of exposure and use, unlike chemically treated and artificially manufactured specialty fabrics. This weathering of organic cotton is part of the fabric’s charm.  

COLOR AND AESTHETIC

Picking the right colour for the right room is as crucial as deciding your ‘Outfit of the Day’ - except more so - as it’s your outfit for a year or more!

After considering the space and utility, focus on the tone and texture of the room. An all-white may be a minimalist’s fantasy, and also leaves room for play of textures and a wide range of décor accents. An urban boho might crave handloom fabric interwoven with history and culture. Bright florals and bold prints usher a tropical vibe, while velvet and woven raffia hint of luxe.

Different colours evoke different emotions, easy on the eye greens and blue are ideal for workstation or study room, they have a positive impact on thoughts and aid productivity. Orange and yellows are energetic, and a good fit for the kitchen. Reds and purples are social colors, perfect for dining or living space. The perfect colour scheme renders a scenic vibe to the room, and ensures you never tire of the view.  

GET IN TOUCH

Our expert team of designers and advisers is standing by to help you pick the perfect upholstery and look for your space.

SO MANY LOOKS SO LITTLE TIME

Here are some interesting combinations that you can make your own

Bluez Accent Armchair with Peacock Song Upholstery

Mansara Turmeric Upholstery on Wave Accent Chair

BRIGHT FLORALS AND NARRATIVE PRINTS FOR A TROPICAL LOOK

Tropical prints can make a room pop, add a touch of green to your living space by placing potted plants alongside the drapes and sofas. Florals in soothing colours are a good way to enthuse any room with a lively energy. 

Marina Sofa with Golden Strands Striper Upholstery

Marina Sofa with Herringbone Upholstery

NEUTRALS, STRIPERS, AND CHECKS FOR A CANVAS TO BUILD ON

Timeless and chic, solids and micro prints help build a colour story. Playful stripes and checks break the monotony and expand the palette.

You can team solid sofas with different cushions in a variety of prints and textures. Picking bold patterns to complement a neutral base is a safe bet. Introducing a little colour will make the space pop and keep it upbeat.

Coonoor Sofa with Mire Ikkat Upholstery

Gyamati Printed Upholstery Fabric

BOLD GRAPHICS AND GEOMETRICS FOR A SMART URBAN LOOK

Mixing prints can be tricky, however if you pick the right ones it can instill a vibrant energy to the space without being overpowering. The right prints and a cohesive colour scheme can elevate your indoors. With our ready combinations, it will be a breeze to create different moods for different corners of your home. 

Canoor Sofa with Pink Velvet Upholstery

Marina Sofa with Fireside Tweed

WOVENS, TWEEDS, AND VELVETS FOR A FORMAL LOOK

Textured and woven fabrics are a tactile addition to any upholstery. Coming in a tremendous variety of designs and options - from sleek stripes and checks to slubbed and textured tweeds. 

GET IN TOUCH

Our expert team of designers and advisers is standing by to help you pick the perfect upholstery and look for your space.

PRO TIPS

Get the most out of your upholstery decision

FORM AND SCALE

If you’re playing with print, a bolder narrative print may be best suited to give an arm-chair a pop, while for a large sofa, you might choose a quieter geometric print or solid.

The form and size of the sofa or chair you’re upholstering is also important. Essentially, smaller prints and solids make for a more formal look. For a vintage sofa or armchair with a curvaceous design or structural detailing, it may be best to pick a simple quieter upholstery to let the furniture be the hero.

MIX AND MATCH

Another top tip is to consider mixing two fabrics on a sofa or accent chair.

Particularly for large sofas, this is a great way to break the monotony. If one fabric is a print, it can introduce a bit of playfulness, if both fabrics are solid or textured, it will heighten the formality.

REMOVABLE COVERS

Removable or not, you can always get your sofa professionally cleaned or shampooed.

Another key decision to make it removable covers not. We generally recommend this for smaller parts of the sofa or armchair like the sofa cushions, daybed mattresses, or for more angular straight-edged sofas. We don’t recommend removable covers on curved sofas as removable upholstery sits loosely and the beauty of design gets lost.

THE FINAL DETAILS

Piping, Buttons, and Accent Strips can be the perfect finishing touch

The last thing to consider is the details. Piping in a neutral or contrasting color along the edges or a more angular sofa can frame the product perfectly. It’s also a great way to introduce some structure and pop into a simpler solid. Buttons are another great way to give a sofa or armchair pop - it’s the perfect retro addition to any larger or curved sofa.

ONE PRODUCT : MULTIPLE LOOKS

Examples below showcase the versatility of upholstery.
The same sofa or armchair is completely transformed.

BROWSE OUR SEATING AND FURNITURE

VISIT OUR DESIGN STORES

For the widest selection of upholstery and fabrics and in-person advice.