I want to buy a black leather 3 seater sofa and then re upholster my fabric sofa. Will this work? What colors/fabrics should I look for to compliment my black leather?

I don't want to be too modern/bachlor pad type... going for more modern but traditoinal look. We have young kids but want to keep the living room as a formal/entertaining area.


Sorry meant re upholster a 2 seater sofa I have.

Also if I get dark wood arm chairs- can I use the same fabric of the sofa and help further compliment the sofa

Hi, lolakashmir!

There are other things that need to be considered here, such as the colors of the walls, things hanging on the walls as well as other furniture that might be in the room, etc. So, it would help to know about them too.

If you might be able to post some images of the room here. That would be helpful.

By-the-way, I could merge your second post with your question. But, you do have a certain amount of time where you can edit questions and posts. I would suggest that you edit your original question to the way that you want it and then delete your second post. If you're not able to do that, please let me know how you would like for your question to be worded and I'll be able to fix it.

Thanks!

Clough, I can't find the edit post option. Am I missing it??


Thanks for the response-

We actually moved overseas are waiting for our fabric sofas to come... and bought the black leather while we wait. It's an empty room, dark wood finishing on the walls, light beige walls

I'd like to stick to dark wood tables/accents/side chairs. We are also going to buy art to compliment so essentially this is a blank sheet :)

I did buy a beige with some dark black silk oriental rug...

Hi again, lolakashmir!

After 24 hours, the time limit for editing is over. But, I did just merge your two posts together in case this thread moves onto more than one page. Then, the original post will always be visible at the top of each page of the thread.

Just in my opinion, beige and black do work together. Various blues can also be added. But, I don't know that I like the idea of the walls being beige. For me, that would be a little too much beige.

I've just done some reupholstering in a home where, in the family room, the walls are an antique white. There is a medium brown leather recliner, a dark green leather couch and natural wood furniture of various shades. The black and beige are not predominant and serve more so as accents.

But, this is all a matter of personal taste and preference.

Thanks!

Whether your couches will go together depends on a number of different factors. As clough said, the best thing you could do would be to post pictures of them. Perhaps there is an online photo of the couch you're waiting for, and you could take a picture of the black leather sofa?

To my mind, the issue isn't in mixing leather in the same room as fabric. What matters more are the kinds of leather and the kinds of fabric. Even more than these factors, it's all about the shape and quality of the two pieces. Mixed pairings can be more beautiful and smarter looking than matching sets. However, it's impossible to tell you if they'll go without seeing them.

What kinds of fabrics are you considering for the new upholstery? Pictures of your favorites would be great. If you're dealing with a very plain palate, I would recommend that you stay away from keeping all solids in your furniture. One option that comes to my mind would be to consider a fabric with wide vertical stripes. Medium to light chocolate and stark white could go well with the space you described. With all of the heavy dark wood, you should have something that freshens things up a bit.

Also, never underestimate the power of accessories. Working both same and similar fabrics into throw pillows can help tie other pieces into each other. A good ottoman can do wonders for bringing furniture together. If you feel like something's missing, you could also find a sturdy throw (blanket) that works with your fabrics (not identical--perhaps a crème base color with a large, centered circle in a bright color) and drape it. If your base elements are too conservative in color, now is the time to add accents of a bright color or two. Bright blue and stark white; two shades of warm greens (perhaps a light forest and a green pastel); pistachio and bright or pastel yellow; bright red and a not too deep burgundy; a warm but not too deep purple and gold; use whatever color(s) that make you happy and lighten things up a touch.

The idea of upholstering the chair in the same fabric is good. If the back side of the back of the chair is also set for fabric, you might consider doing that in the same kind of black leather used on the leather couch. Another option would be to do a very fine trim on the chair in that same black leather as a very subtle but refined detail. Just don't overdo it; things that are too matchy-matchy can be over the top and even boring. Aim to have a sense of harmony in the room. Keep it fun, smart and livable.

You didn't mention lighting, but I'm wondering if you're investing in any ambient lighting. If so, up-lighting is lovely in rooms used to entertain. Down-lighting is nice if it's set beneath eye level, as on a corner table. A large plant is also almost always a great accessory. Candles are always a great accessory too, especially when used well. A few very large ones might be nice. Also, as much as I love art, using one wall for a large, beautifully detailed mirror (wood carved are excellent) is always a great option for opening up a space and switching things up.

Whatever you decide to do, at the very least promise to post a picture of the finished product! This is fun.

Thanks so much! OK I'll take pictures of both sofas and post. My shipment has been delayed 2 more weeks!

I'm starting to feel more comfortable with re-upholstering the sofa... thinking shades of a rich beige/cream with a pretty either flower/paisly type print. Something with more character/interesting design in it. I do like the idea of adding some coordinating pillows that can link the two.

I also agree that the pictures and accessories I use will help pull it together... do you all have sites that just have pictures of various rooms/styes for ideas?

Be careful with that paisley/floral idea, especially in those colors because the wrong ones can instantly grandma down a room. Consider how much beige and neutral tones will already be there, and make sure there is something to keep the space interesting, bright and fresh. Having something with character in the right way can make everything warmer and more memorable. You would do well for yourself by getting some magazines. I like AD, Vogue Casa and Elle Décor. Also, if you decide to use pictures of the family, I would definitely recommend using very few of them and only doing black and white photos. If you have more that you want to use, rotate them out, but don't do a life collage. Just some more thoughts. I would love to see whatever pictures you're up to sharing.