I shared with  you last week that I’m still working to refinish my antique chairs.  Since I love the mix of rustic and refined, I’m planning to use two fabrics on the chair – a more textured one of the back and possibly a velvet on the front.  I’m thinking of something subtle, maybe like this…

{via Soft Surroundings}
{via Soft Surroundings}

Or this…

{via Eloquence}
{via Eloquence}

Often, a room’s layout dictates that a chair back face the room’s entryway so using a different fabric on the back is a great way to dress up the look!

{via Miss Mustard Seed}
{via Miss Mustard Seed}
{via House & Garden UK}
{via House & Garden UK}

Alternatively, one of the fabrics can be used to create a focal point or bring in a touch of your accent color!

{via Traditional Home}
{via Traditional Home}
{via Phillipa Gardner Interiors}
{via Phillipa Gardner Interiors}

I’ve always loved the look of chairs with two different fabrics because I think they add such unique interest to a room, even if the two fabrics are subtley different using the same color palette.

{via Sophias}
{via Sophias}
{via Eloquence}
{via Eloquence}

While most chairs utilize different fabrics for the front and backs of the chairs, there are alternate ways to incorporate two fabrics.  Some chairs have a seat with a separate cushion on top and these two seats look great when upholstered differently.

{via Zoey's Uber-Chic Loft}
{via Zoey’s Uber-Chic Loft}

A chair with a skirt can have one fabric for the chair and a different one for the skirt.

{via Pinterest}
{via Pinterest}

Even using a different color piping on the chair can change the look!

{via Thibaut}
{via Thibaut}

Tips & Tricks

  • You can use two fabrics on a chair to tie it to another upholstered piece in the room even if the two pieces are otherwise dissimilar
  • Durable fabric is needed for the seat and back so that it doesn’t show the wear and tear that comes with use; however, you can use a less durable, more delicate fabric for the back
  • If you have your heart set on an expensive fabric but can’t afford to upholster the entire chair in it, consider using two fabrics and pick a less expensive alternative as your second fabric
  • If you prefer a subtle look, select two fabrics within the same color palette.  For a bold look, mix and match!
  • Use two fabrics if you want to add a touch of your accent color but don’t want to overpower the space
  • Consider ordering extra fabric so that you can make an accent pillow to place elsewhere in the room to help tie everything together
  • If upholstering a chair in two fabrics is too much for you but you like the look, try adding an accent pillow in a different fabric to mimic the look without the permanence

TIDBITS-&-TWINE---One-Chair-with-Two-Fabrics

What do you think?  Would you do it?

Tidbits&Twine - Signature

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One Comment

  1. Yes, I love the idea with the two different fabrics on the chairs & would use this idea.

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