The classically designed Dorchester Hotel in London has recently been renovated in 2023. The “Promenade Room” features my most favorite color palette- it’s a medley of heavenly pastels. Look at how the floral fabric on the back side of the chairs complements the carpet and overall color theme of the room, and the front neutral color complements the floral design featured on the back of the chair.
Upholstered seating has been around for centuries, thank goodness! Sitting on a hard wooden chair for a length of time (my old school days!) is not quite as inviting as a soft, plump, down-filled cushioned chair or sofa!
Upholstered pieces most often feature only one fabric. Yet, traditionally, French and English chairs quite often are upholstered in two different, but complementary, fabrics: one pattern on the backside, and a different one on the front.
We were invited to Waddesdon Manor, a magnificent country house, built in 1874 by Baron de Rothschild and used as a “weekend residence.” While visiting there this week for a meeting, I took this photo of a tapestry upholstered chair- note the backside, as an example of two upholstery fabrics.
A must-visit English country house: Waddesdon Mano
The next time you are tempted to have a piece of seating upholstered, I hope to inspire you to consider using two complementary fabrics. Of course, the choice of piping, gimp and trims, along with decorative pillows, will also add to the bespoke appeal of the piece.
A pair of period French chairs in our Palm Beach home, “Petite Fox'' living room, have a backside which offers just a hint of whimsy!
For our George III sofa, I had the backside done up in white, while the front side and seat cushion was in pinky-peach. I’ll write about the “ultimate child proof” fabric I used for this piece in another SLL!
Xx,
Holly
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