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Reupholster leather sofa seat cushions in different fabric?

14 years ago

We have a more than 30 year old Classic leather sofa with removable seat cushions. The leather overall is worn but generally in good condition but the cushions have begun to crack and rip. DH and the rest of the family threaten to disown me if I even think of getting rid of the sofa---they all love taking naps on it and think it is the most comfortable thing they've ever sat in. I know I won't be able to match the color of the leather exactly (dark blue)because even if I found the exact same type and color of leather as the original one would be new and the other would be 30 years old. Have any of you ever used a different but coordinating fabric on seat cushions that on the rest of a sofa? I once saw a sofa in a store done this way and I thought it looked okay but DH says he thinks it sounds awful. In case it has any bearing on your answer, the style of the sofa seems rather traditional. It has rolled arms with buttons, 3 seat cushions, and the back has "flip up" cushions (a lower and upper cushion) above each seat cushion section. Sorry I can't post a picture since I don't know how but any ideas you have are appreciated.

Featured Answer

postum

14 years ago

Hi flseadog,
I think it's a great idea! I've always liked the look of this sofa (see link below.) Maybe it'll convince dh :-)
Amy

Here is a link that might be useful: Victorian Cottage sofa

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Comments (9)

threedgrad
14 years ago
Back in WI, I had an all fabric sofa which the cats ripped up. I had the torn parts replaced with leather. I no longer have the sofa but I do like the mixture of fabric and leather.

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I saw a Ralph Lauren photo somewhere where they put a single long, fairly thin pad on top of the cushions. Like a velvet maybe and there may have been some light tufting. It looked really great. I'm keeping it in mind for when the wear on my leather sofa cushions finally gets to me. I liked it because then the leather around the edge still showed, while the addition of the fabric pad on top made it more intentional and less like a big bag-o-cushions. The look of fabric on the seat top only is something I love from the lodge style and antique look I try to go for. I sewed a fabric to just the top only of an antique leather chair (has a thick cushion like a sofa) and it looks like it was originally there, instead of being a "fix".
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It looks like a brand-new sofa! And my compliments to the upholsterer on lining up the pattern, which, as Olychick pointed out, ain't easy. I followed the links to see what those products were, and they don't look nearly as tacky as I was picturing, though they would after I was done using them on all the places that need it in my house. :) (Being a life-long dog owner whose now the smitten owner of two awesome cats, I've a lot to learn about cat "stuff.") And btw, I'm sorry about the cat in your picture who's no longer with you. :( After all is said and done, we can replace the things our pet destroys, but there's no replacing the pet. It boggles my mind that not everyone thinks that way, but it is what it is.
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flseadog
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you both for the support. The sofa I saw in the store was a similar leather to the one you linked to, postum. The cushions were a very dark paisley and I thought it look quite nice. I know I'm making this old sofa sound awful but I'm sitting here looking at it now and it's not that bad. I have a throw over it that covers the cracks in the seat cushions and throw pillows at each end. I'm just thinking that if I get a good coordinating fabric on the cushions it would eliminate the need for the throw that I'm constantly readjusting after DH has his nap.
barb5
14 years ago
I almost bought a recliner from Stickley that was leather and had fabric cushions. I thought it looked fantastic, but the chair was too big for the space I have.

I wish I knew how to copy a pic from a website and put it here, but if you go to the Stickley website to "our products", then upholstery, then chairs, and scroll down, you will see it. You could show it to your DH so that he could visualize what your couch might look like. IMHO it is very handsome.

I think you are on the right track. Go for it!
barb5
14 years ago
Here is the link to the recliner

Here is a link that might be useful: leather and fabric recliner
newdawn1895
14 years ago
They have been doing leather and fabric for years, it's a good look in my opinion. And it would be a great solution for your problem.
pattyk_64
14 years ago
I think if you make sure the fabric matches the leather as far as depth of color goes (not lighter or darker) it will look fantastic. In the link that postum posted, you can see that there's no real color change between the couch and the cushions, just a difference in texture and pattern.
flseadog
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, everyone. Tomorrow I'm going to start the fabric search. I hope to be able to post before and after pictures soon.
onerenovator
13 years ago
What did you decide to do? I'm having the exact problem with the same reservations about the fabric seat cushions. They can look pretty good -- or really bad. I don't know that I trust my own judgment on this score. Would love to see a pix if you can manage it.

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