Plumb's Blog
Learn about what's new in the Home Furnishings & Interior Design industry.
What fabric? When buying Loose Covers…
23
2008
Since finding out about the discount I get from working at Plumbs, my mother is suddenly interested in buying some loose chair and sofa covers. She does love to count her pennies!
When trying to find our more about loose covers she asked me, what’s the best type of fabric to choose when buying furniture covers? Unfortunately I didn’t know off hand so I had to do some investigating and found that it is quite a common question, so I thought I’d share what I found.
The cheapest fabrics generally used to make furniture covers are nylon stretch fabrics. The flexibility you get with this type of material give a really close and snug fit around any piece of furniture, now just because they’re the cheapest doesn’t mean they are not good. These fabrics are great value for money, so why would you choose these fabrics:
- They are very easy to care for and can be washed at 40 degrees
- Because of their flexibility they can cover over 98% of furniture styles
- They don’t crease and very easy to remove and replace
- They are extremely hard wearing so last for years
The more costly fabrics are generally made of natural materials such as cotton and linen but there are also chenille and velvet fabrics that are either made in natural materials or man-made with a mix acrylic and polyester. Some of the best fabrics use a combination of both natural materials for a soft feel and man-made for improved practicality, such as preventing shrinkage in the wash and creasing. These fabrics are more rigid so give a more contemporary loose cover look but can be unsuitable for complicated styles of furniture. So why would you choose these over the more flexible fabrics:
- Give a more relaxed and contemporary look to your furniture
- Greater choice of fabric materials
- Heavy-weighted for a great finish
- The texture and feel is superb
If things are starting to look worn and weary, the cushions are saggy and the fabric is wearing a bit thin… You are faced with a choice.
Throw it away and buy new?
- 50,000 items of lounge furniture a year goes into landfill. This is like burying 23 London buses.
- When you buy new furniture, your money goes towards a massive amount of raw materials from across the globe including tropical hardwoods, production energy and transport costs.
- The good news is…
They don’t make it like they used to. Chances are the suite you’ve already got is better made than a new one. Low prices of new lounge suites means, well as the saying goes, You get what you pay for. - So if you decided to reupholster or cover the furniture you already have in a fabulous new fabric you can get the latest look in your lounge, save money, cause less impact on the environment and still have your favourite comfortable place to relax, switch off and enjoy yourself.
Recover:
- If the sofa is looking tired, and it’s time for an update, then loose covers are the least expensive option. Probably about a quarter of the cost of a new suite.
- From an environmental point of view, loose covers are also a great choice as you are effectively recycling your sofa or suite.
- Washability is also a big plus point. Being able to remove wash and refit loose covers is perfect for any household where stains pose a threat.
- Massive choice of fabrics. You can probably choose from hundreds of options.
Reupholster:
- Price wise a reupholstered suite will be around half the cost of buying new but this is a more expensive choice than loose covers.
- Another good choice for the environment - you are keeping your furniture out of landfill.
- Comfort and sentimental attachment are not affected. You are making the furniture you already have quite literally look like new.
- Fit and attention to details are better than for covers.
- Again a vast choice of fabric.
- Finally reupholstery is a traditional craft. By choosing this option you are helping to support traditional British workmanship by genuine local craftsmen and women.
- Usually come with replacement seat cushions.
- Service is a big plus as with this type of craftsman product the service is typically excellent.
New Creative Options for Leather Furniture
18
2008
Leather upholstered furniture has been hugely popular over the last few years, particularly in the more trendy colours of chocolate and black and most commonly in 2 - 3 seater sofa styles. This plain leather look from all major furniture retailers has now been surpassed by a very stylish leather and luxury chenille combination giving real designer looks and sumptuous feel to cold and slippery leather.
Now Plumbs can offer you a complete transformation of your leather furniture into cutting edge looks of today with options of chenille back and seat cushions, arm covers and stunning scatter cushion combinations. A brand new look of opulence at a fraction of the cost of replacing your furniture in a similar styling.
Plumbs have combined with Wilman Interiors to offer the most up to the date featured designs of superb quality at real value for money prices. These creative option form part of the new “Dolce Vita” collection of furnishing fabrics. You can choose from the very latest metallic looks of Rossini, Carmela & Delanna in Black/Silver with Black Deco Chenille or Chocolate/Bronze coupled with Chocolate Deco Chenille. Or choose the cool contemporary looks of our Chocolate/Black Chenille Stripe and Polka Dot combinations. Finally we have the sheer elegance of our Black/Cream mini leaf and stripe options, whichever you choose, we guarantee the end result will be simply stunning.
Our double-sided and interlined “Super” throw using Deco Chenille on one side and anyone of our feature fabrics on the reverse complete with tassel trim is the ultimate in wrap around luxury.
Beautiful coordinating curtains are also available in almost all options to complete a superb new look for you and your home.
These are not just any furnishings, they are absolutely sumptuous and gorgeous furnishings.
To get a look like this, request a visit from your local Plumbs consultant who can show you our full range of fabrics and give advice on your best options. No hard-sell and no obligation to buy, only a local friendly service!
Most allergy sufferers dread spring as it is the time of year when allergies begin their torment, however many don’t realise that allergies in srping can be triggered by the poor quality of the air in their homes instead of the usual demon, pollen. It is very difficult to get away from pollen but it is very easy to clean out the bad air from your home.
There are a number of kits you can use to test your home for all types of allergy triggers, such as; molds, dust mites and pet dander etc. You may find that a specific type of trigger in your home is the reason for one of many allergies.
Below are some tips on how you help remove some of these triggers that can cause these allergies:
1. Use air purifiers in rooms where most of your time is spent. It is best to use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate arrest) system as they can remove up to 99.97% of microscopic air pollutants, there are many to chose from ranging from £25 to over £100, you can find some by searching “HEPA air purifiers” on Google.
2. Vacuum all carpets, flooring, furniture, curtains and anywhere dust can collect at least once a week. This will remove many pollen spores, dust and other allergens, again a HEPA vacuuum cleaner is best but any vacumm is better than none.
3. Using washable loose covers for you sofa, chairs and cushions is a great way to get rid of dust mite eggs that would otherwise build up in the fixed upholstery.
4. Shower and wash your hair every night before you go to bed. People often bring pollen and other seasonal allergens into their homes on their clothes and their hair. Use shower filters that remove chlorine and other chemicals too.
5. Keep pets off of your bed and out of your bedroom. Sorry, this is a small price to pay for allergy relief. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary from allergens. So tempt your pets to sleep elsewhere.
6. Wash all bedding in 140-degree hot water at least twice weekly to eliminate dust mites, pet allergens and pollen. Use dust mite covers for your mattresses, pillows and comforters to further protect yourself and your family from dust mites.
For more information of Asthma & Allegies please visit the below sites:
Interesting Loose Cover Orders
29
2008
Nothing unusual in this order you might say. The pictures however tell the whole story of what well made loose covers are all about. Taking a well constructed but tired piece of furniture and breathing in new life.
Below shows a view of a piece of furniture that most of us never see. In this case proper steel springs, hardwood frame and quality fillings mean that this is a piec of furniture made to last.
The end result ready to be wrapped and delivered. There is probably 30 hours of skilled labour and around 40 metres of fabric gone into this 3 piece suite.
Most people have fond childhood memories of a piece of furniture a relative once owned, just by seeing and feeling that furniture can bring back emotions. From your Great-Aunties artfully carved dining room chairs perhaps to your Grandmothers antique sofa, even the smell of a piece can evoke a memory.
When the unfortunate time comes you inherit that piece of furniture you are suddenly left with the feeling it will never fit in with the rest of your decor and in this sense inherited pieces of furniture can be a blessing or a burden. Before deciding what to do you first need to consider the following:
- Is it comfortable?
- Is it of good quality?
- Is there a place for it in your home?
If your answer is ‘no’ to these considerations then you shouldn’t burden yourself with sentimental value as you will get no real enjoyment from the piece, which is not what your relative intended. If it isn’t of good quality then it may not be a good idea spending money on something that could fall apart.
With a little bit of work however, most furniture can be revitalised with fresh fabrics and custom details to be more comfortable and fit in with your decor.
With exception, all good quality furniture is worth restoring, even if a sofa or chair is decades old. If it has a quality frame it is worth keeping. The quality of a sofa or chair is found within the carcass, this should be made of a hardwood such as Oak or Alder, have good lines and have been kiln dried so that the wood doesn’t warp or crack during changes of temperature and humidity. Most people won’t be able to know this just by looking at a sofa but there are many experts (Upholsterers) that can give you free advice such as Plumbs.
Re-upholstering can literally transform an old sofa to new, from the springs, filling and foam being replaced to the frame being reinforced if necessary. The shape of the furniture cannot be changed but the piece can be slightly re-styled or made more comfortable using certain techniques. Choosing the right fabric will really make difference to how the piece will look and fit in you home, fabric can deliver a more traditional or contemporary style. These custom details will make your furniture a one off.
You don’t necessarily need to go as far as reupholstery, Loose Covers can be equally as impressive at transforming your sofa. If the quality, comfort and style or your inherited furniture is pleasing enough then just by changing the fabric, colour and texture can give you the look you desire.
Dining chair covers can now update most sets to fit in with contemporary or traditional trends, not only can you just re-cover (or reupholster) the seat, loose covers can now fit completely over the chair with skirts that cover right to the floor.
So, if you inherit a piece of furniture remember there are many ways in which you can make it a unique heirloom to cherish for many years.
What else could it be? Yes, you guessed it, ’the environment’. It seems right now everything is looked at from an environmental impact perspective, so why is buying a new sofa any different?
50,000 items of lounge furniture a year goes into landfill. This is like burying 1000 London buses. When you buy new furniture, your money goes towards a massive amount of raw materials from across the globe including tropical hardwoods, production energy and transport costs.
So don’t just think by popping down to your nearest “Sofa Warehouse” the only carbon footprint you’ll be making is the emmisions from your car. There is massive amounts of energy used to mass produce this type of cheap furniture, not too mention all the noxtious materials found in some furniture that can take 100’s of years to breakdown.
The GOOD news is…
They don’t make it like they used to. Chances are the suite you’ve already got is better made than a new one. Low prices of new lounge suites means……well as the saying goes, You get what you pay for. So if you decided to reupholster or cover the furniture you already have in a fabulous new fabric you can get the latest look in your lounge, save money, cause less impact on the environment and still have your favourite comfortable place to relax, switch off and enjoy yourself.
Threats to your Sofa
24
2008
What is the greatest enemy to your furniture covers? Whether you have fixed covers or loose covers, it could be muddy children, grandchildren or husbands. However if you have a sofa with washable loose covers the risk of damage is greatly reduced, the real evil enemy is in fact pets, more specifically our feline friends.
Why is it that cats just love to rake their claws down the side of the sofa, or snuggle up in the chair while purring away and happily dragging their claws across the cushions. My own sofa looks like it is growing hair as it has been the victim of many clawing sessions. Frustrating as it is, the cat won’t listen and refuses to stop.
Happily there is an answer, without resorting to banishing the cat. Various cat deterents are available such as sprays, sticky paws or simply choose to cover your furniture with hardwearing chenille fabrics rather than the old-fashioned stretch fabrics. These are washable too so any muddy paws are easily dealt with.
Dog and cat hair is another problem and a guaranteed way to cause irritation. Much has been written about asthma and likely causes but this entry is more concerned with how your furniture actually looks and solutions for keeping it clean. Again a good solution to the molting pet problems is washable loose covers.
Or of course, you could always buy a goldfish!
How do you decide?
On the one hand there are some tempting credit deals out there to replace your furniture.
On the other hand you might not want to throw a perfectly good suite away, and anyway how would you do it. Who is going to physically remove your sofa from your house?
If you just hate your sofa or it doesn’t fit in your home then the best option is probably to try and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible way and buy new.
If you already have a well made piece of furniture that is comfy and fits in your home then the best option is probably to cover or reupholster, as your sofa will look like new for half the cost of a new one. With landfill sites filling up fast this is also a good choice for the environment.
Recover:
Pros
- If the sofa is looking tired, and it’s time for an update, then loose covers are the least expensive option. Probably about a quarter of the cost of a new suite.
- From an environmental point of view, loose covers are also a great choice as you are effectively recycling your sofa or suite.
- Washability is also a big plus point. Being able to remove wash and refit loose covers is perfect for any household where stains pose a threat.
- Massive choice of fabrics. You can probably choose from hundreds of options.
Cons
- Fit is bit of a pro and a con. Loose covers do move and are not fixed to the furniture.
- For many people they simply wouldn’t know it as traditionally made cotton loose covers fit so colsely to the furniture that is almost like reupholstery. There are however some of us who simply prefer the sofa covering to be fixed
- An extension of the fit argument is detail. Covers do not always respect every single detail of a piece of furniture no matter how well made. A good example is furniture with exposed show wood.
Reupholster:
Pros
- Price wise a reupholstered suite will be around half the cost of buying new but this is a more expensive choice than loose covers.
- Another good choice for the environment - you are keeping your furniture out of landfill
- Comfort and sentimental attachment are not affected. You are making the furniture you already have quite literally look like new.
- Fit and attention to details are better than for covers.
- Again a vast choice of fabric.
- Finally reupholstery is a traditional craft. By choosing this option you are helping to support traditional British workmanship by genuine local craftsmen and women.
- Usually come with replacement seat cushions
- Service is a big plus as with this type of craftsman product the service is typically excellent.
Cons
- The big downside is having to do with out your furniture for 2-3 weeks while the work is done.
- Not exactly a con but reputation is important. Whoever you choose to do the work has to be trustworthy. You need to be sure that you are getting a hight standard of workmanship.
- Not cheap although certainly less than buying a new suite
- You can’t see the finished article before you buy - i.e. your own suite reupholstered.
Replace:
Pros
- New furniture is untouched, unstained has never been sat on and it’s exciting to have brand new
- You can see and sit on lots of different styles before you buy
- There are some fabulous credit deals to be had
Cons
- The hassle of moving and disposing of your existing furniture.
- There is an environmental price to pay in throwing away your old furniture. Typically it will end up in landfill unless a charity shop or similar will take it. Occasionally for very good furniture you may be able to sell it.
- Interest free credit is not free, but is built into the price. Furniture is already the most expensive of the three and credit just makes it more expensive.
- Quality is a big issue as there is such a wide range. By buying quality recognised brands such as parker knoll multiyork, wesley barrell or bridgecraft you can be sure that you are investing in quality furniture. However there has to be concern over cheaper furniture which is imported. If you remove the VAT delivery cost, shipping cost from overseas and the sellers margin or cut then there often is little left. This raises a question mark over durability and quality
If you are tired of looking at the furniture in your front room or you just fancy a change then you can recover, reupholster, replace or do nothing. Think about price, comfort and the environment and the way forward should become clear.
Good luck