Fabric and pattern are a wonderful part of décor. Whether it is upholstery, linens or draperies, fabric provides an opportunity to add colour, texture, comfort and personality to a room. I think back to my grandmother’s lace doilies, handmade and placed lovingly on every bedroom dresser. Though dated now, they added charm, coziness and they were HER.
Deciding on fabrics for your home is a difficult decision – mainly because there are so many options! Let’s see if we can narrow it down…
Here are some pointers to help you choose upholstery for your home:
Durability. There’s a reason this is point 1. No matter how beautiful a fabric is, if it can’t “survive” in your home, it will be a huge disappointment and waste of money. Consider if you have pets or children, if the fabric will be exposed to direct sunlight or if it’s the go-to sofa for TV. If it’s going to get a lot of wear, consider a heavy cotton or wool blend, denim or perhaps leather in a dark colour.
Thread Count. Intrinsic to durability is thread count or threads per square inch. Look for a high thread count, which means a more tightly woven fabric. Tighter weaves are tougher overall and less porous when spills happen – and they will!
Stain Treatment. If you’ve invested in a great piece of furniture, get a stain resistant treatment. You will thank me later!
Swatches. Whenever you can, get a fabric sample and take it home. Try it on for size. See how everything blends – draperies, walls, flooring and furniture.
Colour. For bigger pieces like sofas, neutral is best. You may get tired of a bright or trendy colour very quickly. And neutral for your focal pieces allows you to be adventurous with smaller items (like a side chair or ottoman) and accessories. 
Pillows. Ah, thank heavens for pillows and cushions. Here’s where you can be indulgent. Satin, chintz, linen, lace, bright colours and bold patterns – get what you like. Of course you still want a harmonious look, but have fun. You can recreate a room with the right fabric accents.
Dining Chairs. Don’t forget that dining room chairs are often upholstered too! The same rules apply. If you use the chairs often, think durable and practical. If you just use the room occasionally, go for a more dramatic, luxurious look. Hint: Pattern is great on dining room chairs as it covers tiny spills.
Beyond upholstery, which most of us associate with sofas and chairs, there’s a whole spectrum of fabrics in your home – bed linens, draperies, pillows and much more. Choosing the right mix of patterns can be a challenge. Here are just a few guidelines:
Small space? Don’t go too vivid. Add pattern but keep the colour palette simple and more muted.
Vertical stripes, whether in wallpaper or drapes will emphasize the height of a room.
Choose a busier pattern in your kitchen for table linens and curtains. With neutral cupboards taking up much of the space, pattern adds welcome interest.
Keep furniture size in mind. A dining room chair needs a smaller pattern; a sofa can handle something larger.
Maintain the mood. When mixing patterns, stay on theme. If you have rugged leather furniture, silk throw pillows will look out of place. A large tweed cushion will fit better.
The 3-Colour Rule. If you want to be creative with pattern, go simple with colour. For example, choose grayish blues, soft greens and an occasional pop of coral in a room. By keeping it to 3 colours, everything blends, even if the patterns are diverse.
Choose what you love. Most of us are instinctively drawn to certain prints – paisleys, plaids, florals, stripes, geometrics, etc. Look at what you own now for guidance. Check your wardrobe, even your china pattern for clues! Remember my grandmother’s doilies – she loved lace and chose to have it throughout her home.
Until next time, let this quote guide you in choosing patterns for your home décor: “The essence of the beautiful is unity in variety.” –William Somerset Maugham
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