I have a beautiful new Nichols & Stone dining table in my kitchen with 4 matching chairs. I need six chairs and I'm thinking about recovering two parsons chairs that I already have for 'host and hostess' seating. I have a couple of questions: 1. should I reupholster the chairs or have a custom-fitted slipcover made? 2. the chairs are currently upholstered in a floral - will I see the floral legs peeking out from under either option? 3. the current floral upholstery is threadbare on the seat - is this an issue with either option and if so, how do I correct it? Thanks for the advice!

Why would use of the sofa make an area go bald? Polyester and Rayon vary all over the place. If it's a well-made fabric, regardless of the poly-rayon combination, I don't see why it shouldn't wear well. We are VERY HEAVY sofa users (well, we use the sofa and our Labrador Retriever uses the sofa)! My sofa's have become stained, but never have they worn away because of use. One thing that does cause a problem with upholstery fabric is denim. It will stain and abrade the fabric, any fabric (except possibly leather or vinyl). Some manufacturers will not guarantee their fabric or fabric protection treatment against denim damage.

In case anybody's interested, here's what my final decision was. I actually found this very fabric at a store here in NYC, for $35/yd. I didn't get a "double rubs" rating, but it was comparable to all the others in weight (the one I had a remnant of is *very* thick). I also got the suggestion from the woman there that I use my remnant for the center sections of the chairs and find a coordinating one to use for the outer shell. I thought that was brilliant, and went looking. (but I wasn't actually sure I'd have enough remnants to do the interiors both chairs. I think I have enough for the wing chair.) But I decided that if i bought the 2nd fabric at $35/yard (estimate just under half the fabric, I'd still be spending more ($189) than if I bought the online fabric I really liked at $6/yard. I could even buy extra and have a second seat cushion made, and extra arm covers. And have some extra in case one section got really worn and I wanted to see about slip-covering the upper section only. (true, there could be some fading, but I figure I'll deal w/ that when I get to it. So that's what I did--I ordered 5 extra yards, and I'll have him make extra seat cushions and extra arm covers.

I love the first two you posted, but just had a thought after reading mtnrdredux's comment -- have you considered something that's wool or wool blend but has the look of sisal? That straw color with a bit of texture could be great with your chairs in a sunroom. I know there are wall-to-wall carpets that resemble sisal and am assuming that there are area rugs as well. Or you could always have a piece of carpet bound, which might be a nice look for this less formal space as well. Now I have to admit, once and for all, that every time I see another part of your house (particularly after you've completed furnishing/painting/transforming it) I am jealous! OK, got that out of my system.