Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Experts, Furniture, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams
You asked: "We're investing in good-quality upholstery, and we want it to last. Maintenance-wise, are there things to consider before we buy? And how should we protect our investment once we get it home?"....Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:
We know it's not the sexiest subject when you're thinking about Style and Design, so we commend you on your foresight. If your goal is to create a beautiful room like the one shown here-and keep it looking good for years-a little planning and minimal maintenance really will makes a difference.
The Comfortable Home, Clarkson Potter
Start at the store
Chose fabrics and leathers based on how you live and how much maintenance you're willing to do. For instance, a family with young children might find life more relaxing with an easy-clean microfiber faux suede, which has a soft feel and comes in many colors. They could complement this with a rich-looking already-broken-in leather with some distressing so there's no worries about making the first mark. A good store sales associate can guide you in identifying options.
Avoid the sun
All upholstery-fabric or leather-must be kept out of direct sun as much as possible or it will fade. Get in the habit of closing curtains or blinds when you go out. Consider sun-filtering window coverings in rooms you want to keep light filled.
Vacuum and fluff
All cushions, poly-filled, down blend, or all down-need regular fluffing. How much is a matter of cushion type and use, with down blend needing more than poly, but not as much as all down. And although "regular" does depend on use, all upholstery benefits from weekly vacuuming and fluffing. In addition, flipping and rotating cushions every few months will even out wear and fading.
Stay on top of spills
Blot immediately with a clean white cloth, and don't rub--it might alter a fabric's texture. When you buy upholstery, ask what the fabric's "spot" cleaning code is so you have the right type of cleaner on hand (for example, water-based or water-free), and test it in an inconspicuous spot before you use it.
The Comfortable Home, Clarkson Potter
Create a smart setup
Have places for people to put down drinks and food conveniently. We plan for a side or cocktail table near every seat, and if we're using an ottoman as a cocktail table, we'll put a tray on it to have a steady spot to set something.
Let a professional do it
Have cloth upholstery professionally cleaned every 12 to 24 months. With slipcovered upholstery, verify when you buy it if slipcovers are machine washable or dry cleanable; improper cleaning can cause them to shrink or lose their shape. And always clean all pieces at once to avoid color variations.
Know when less is more
With leather upholstery, don't use detergents, polishes, preservers, or even saddle soap. They all remove leather's natural oils. Simply dust or vacuum, and blot stains with distilled water if needed.
Want more of Mitchell & Bob's great advice? Check out:
Small-Space Living Room Seating
Expert Q&A: Warm-Weather Spruce Ups for the Living Room