Taking Your Upholstery to the Next Level

There is so much creativity in design, and upholstered furniture is one of the most enjoyable places to explore it. These are the pieces you settle into at the end of the day, the chairs that anchor a favorite corner, and the ottomans that end up doing triple duty as a coffee table, footrest, or extra seat. You want them to be pieces you love, but they are also incredibly fun to design.

At Nell Hill’s, we think of upholstery not as a basic necessity, but as a canvas full of possibilities. The frame gives you structure, but the fabrics, trims, welts, and dressmaker details are where personality shines. The wow moments almost always come from taking a piece one step further, and those often become the most treasured items in a home. Upholstery feels fresh, personal, and wonderfully unexpected when you let yourself explore, and today we are sharing a few of our favorite ways to kick it up a notch.

 

Play with Fabric Placement

One of the most effective ways to make upholstery more interesting is to think beyond a single fabric. Wrapping the “outback”, or outside back and sides of a sofa or chair in a contrast fabric or leather creates a beautiful visual shift, especially when the piece floats in the room. It is perfect for a fabric you love but do not want across the entire piece, or for bringing in a pattern or texture that adds interest without overwhelming the space. This kind of placement feels thoughtful and intentional, and it gives the piece a sense of dimension that reads as custom.

 

 

 

Let the Details do the Talking

Once the textiles are chosen, the details are what take a piece from expected to exceptional. Welts, trims, and small dressmaker touches can completely shift the personality of an upholstered piece. A contrast welt highlights the silhouette. A leather welt adds structure and polish. Eyelash fringe or a petite bullion softens the edges and brings in texture. These finishes are subtle, but they make a piece feel considered and crafted, the kind of detail that makes someone lean in for a closer look. Fringe along the base of a patterned sofa is another favorite; it adds charm, movement, and a sense of old-world tailoring that feels right at home in a Nell Hill’s home!

 

 

 

Choose Patterns with Confidence

We say it often in the shop because we see it every day: pattern is incredibly versatile. A piece doesn’t need to be solid beige to be flexible! A patterned sofa or chair can be easier to live with than a solid because it naturally layers with other textiles. Gingham, ticking stripes, tailored plaids, graphic geometrics, and quiet florals all bring life to a room without overpowering it. They add movement and interest and make it simple to shift the look seasonally with pillows and throws. Patterned upholstery gives a room personality and keeps it from feeling flat.

 

 

 

Finish with Textiles That Tell a Story

The details and textiles added to your upholstery can complete the look. Pillows tucked into the back and corners of a sofa can change the entire mood of a room. Monogrammed dining chairs add a personal touch and so much character. Slipcovers are another tool we love, not only for practicality but for the way they let you shift a room with the seasons. A slipcover can lighten a space for summer or bring in a richer fabric for fall without committing to a full reupholstery. These layers make your furniture feel lived in and loved.

 

 

September Sales!

If you have been thinking about new upholstered furniture or are ready to add some of these details to a piece you already own, September is a wonderful time to begin.

September 1-15: 20% off upholstered furniture

In stock, special order, and custom pieces, from what you see in the shop to something completely custom.

September 15-30: 20% off wood furniture

Dining tables, case goods, accent pieces, and more – in-stock and special orders in various finishes, paint colors, and washes.

Whether you are ready for a statement sofa, a beautifully detailed chair, or a mix of fabrics and finishes that feel just right for your home, our team would love to help you take your upholstery to the next level. Swing by the shop, make an appointment with a designer (we can help virtually and we ship!), or contact us with any outstanding questions.

 

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

Labor Day: We will be open!

October 17: Pearly Co Jewelry Pop-up

October 23 & 24: Holiday Open House

November 7: Pop-up with Irma Starr

 

We can’t wait to see you soon and until next time…. Happy decorating!