2. History of Furniture Design
(EGYPTIAN)
• The first ancient civilization was formed by ancient Egyptians.
• There designs and art drawings are mainly inspired from nature.
• The furniture items found in ancient time were stools , beds , lamp stands,
shrines and chests.
• Most of the furniture prepared during that period was made of
decomposable material , like wood or reeds.
• These materials are durable because of extremely dry climate.
• The furniture was often veneered and painted with vibrant colours depicting
aspects of the life of the owner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNhtSGINoKE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ4AI05gEos
3. Materials
• Wood
• Sycamore
• Mud
• Stone
• Coloured Fabrics
• Faience
• Gold , silver , bronze and semi precious stones are
used to decorate the fine furniture of pharaoh .
4. Chairs
• It depicts the wealth
and royalty.
• The chairs consisted
of low , wooden
frames usually
without arms .
• The seats were made
of platted cord.
• The legs and the feet
of chair were carved
to resemble the
things such as the
paw of a lion .
5. BEDS
• The framework for the bed
were made of woods.
• Most beds were designed to
slope towards the feet and
foot boards were added to the
Egyptian style .
• Wooden or stone headrest
were mostly prepared.
• Pillows were not used in Egypt
and the mattresses were
usually made of wooden
slates, plaited string .
• sheets were made of linen.
6. CHESTS
• Chests , boxes and cabinets plays
an important part of Egyptians
bedroom furnishings.
• Poor people used chests for
storing household items and
linen.
• Rich people sometimes store
treasures in chests which were
locked in bolts and lashed with
ropes .
• Small compartmentalized for
storing cosmetics and miniature
chests with sliding lids were
made to hold jewellery .
7. STOOLS
• The stools are produced in
variety of different styles used
by all classes.
• The design ranges from simple
to beautiful and the seats were
commonly made of wooden
rush.
• The folding stools were invented
by the Egyptians.
• There are different types of
stools ranges from plain designs,
flare legs and the feet of some
stools were decorated with
carvings of the feet of animals .
8. History of Furniture Design
(GREEK)
• The archaic age ushered in a naturalistic, simple, elegant, and
tasteful furniture style.
• Decorated furniture was made to look like temples.
• Many motifs in Greek architecture were translated into their
furniture, like carving furniture legs to look like columns.
• Others were more subtle, including using rational,
mathematically perfect ratios and less extraneous decoration.
• Furniture was not over decorated, although carvings and
inlays were used.
9. History of Furniture Design
(GREEK)
• The ancient Greek furniture heavily borrowed designs and ideas
from Egypt, such as carving furniture legs to look like animal legs.
• By the classical era, designs had craftily changed to a uniquely
Greek style.
• Greek furniture tended to have softer lines, much attention to
comfort, and elegant curves and was more ornamental than the
Egyptian furniture styles.
• Although the original design of the Greek furniture was borrowed
from the Egyptians, the Greeks transformed the furniture styles,
and the Greek furniture styles impacted and continue to impact
modern furniture styles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mveA0KftjHk
10. Materials Used in Ancient Greek Decor
• The ancient Greeks mainly constructed furniture using wood.
• The main wood species used were ebony, oak, maple, citrus,
cedar, and olive.
• Materials such as stone, silver, bronze, and iron were also
used to construct Greek furniture.
• Marble and bronze were used together with wood but would
sometimes replace wood.
• The finest wooden pieces were lavished with precious stones,
ebony, and ivory.
• Wood veneering was used by ancient Greeks with costly wood
types to appear more expensive.
11. Materials Used in Ancient Greek Decor
• Carving, wood treatment, and the lathe were used for wood
shaping.
• Tools used were axes, planes, chisels, rulers, hammers, spirit
levels, and rulers.
• The stationery furniture, such as couches, was decorated
using ivory, tortoise shells, glass, and gold.
• Normally, thin slices of ivory, gold, or tortoise shells made
various items such as frames, small boxes, and inlays in
furniture.
• The materials were attractive to the sellers and buyers
because of their beautiful appearance and durability.
12. Couches/Klines
• The andron was furnished
with reclining couches;
Greek Klinethe Greeks
followed the Eastern tradition
of lying down to eat.
• These couches, known as
klines, had a headboard that
could be used as a backrest
while sitting, and were
elegantly upholstered.
• They could be made entirely
of wood, but often had bronze
legs cast in animal styles.
• The klines would be placed
around the walls, and small
tables would be placed next to
them to hold the food and
drink.
13. Stools & Chairs
• Both fixed and folding
stools were popular
from early times.
• Later these evolved
into chairs for
everyday use;
previously chairs were
only used for
ceremonial occasions.
• Greek classical chairs
had curved backs and
legs, and were often
elegantly upholstered.
14. Chests
• Cupboards and shelves
were unknown.
• Various types and sizes of
chests were used for
storage.
• These were usually
decorated, perhaps
painted with a Greek
Chest Picture frieze of
leaves and flowers.
• Chests were prized pieces
of furniture, and would
often be passed down
from one generation to
another.
15. History of Furniture Design
(ROMAN)
• The archaic age ushered in a naturalistic, simple, elegant, and
tasteful furniture style.
• Decorated furniture was made to look like temples.
• Many motifs in Greek architecture were translated into their
furniture, like carving furniture legs to look like columns.
• Others were more subtle, including using rational,
mathematically perfect ratios and less extraneous decoration.
• Furniture was not over decorated, although carvings and
inlays were used.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Neuoreqam5E&t=247s
16. Chair
• In Rome, furniture designed for sitting was known under the
generic name sella; only a chair with armrests was called a
cathedra.
• Furniture emphasized power.
• This is a structure in the form of a stool, without a backrest,
with legs bent and crossed, with a pillow placed on the seat.
• Initially, chairs and stools were made of wood, as well as
metal incrusted with ivory, in later times they were also
decorated with gold.
17. Chair
• Cathedra-type chairs, similar to the chair of the Greek
klismos, had the legs bent outwards, but they were
characterized by much greater sizes of cross sections of
individual elements.
• The Solium was a representative chair, the seat of honor
of the man of the house, as well as the throne of the head of
the State and other dignitaries of the administration.
• At one of such piece of furniture, the seat is supported by two
Sphinxes, which wings that are raised up high form armrests.
20. Beds
• Roman sleeping beds were usually built as lightweight and
portable, in whole or in part from metal, with an S-shaped
headboard, usually on both sides of the bed.
• Some beds of wealthy Romans were lined with mattresses
21. Dining Table
• Roman dining tables were similar to Greek ones.
• Lightweight, movable, three-legged or one-legged, low tables,
reaching only the height of the bed, exhibited elegance.
• Three-legged and four-legged tables had a structure made of
cross-linked bars making it possible to fold the frame after
removing the work top.
• In contrast to this design, in homes surrounding the ancient
Agora, stone tables were erected with a wide work top and
massive stem in the form of a stone column.
• The tops of these tables in the form of an elongated rectangle
were either marble or wooden.
22. History of Furniture Design
(ROMANESQUE)
• The Romanesque period covers the 11th and 12th centuries, a
time when civilization in Europe was beginning to re-emerge
after the Dark Ages followed the fall of the Roman Empire.
• Taking ancient Roman remains as their model, Romanesque
artists, architects and furniture designers copied Roman styles
in a rather crude fashion, although later works of
Romanesque art show a brilliance of their own.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voHRoQ-DbPo&t=36s
23. DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS
• Emphasis is on massing, architectural elements, moldings, and
sculpture to articulate design features.
• Symmetrical compositions and ordered arrangements of
building forms are common.
• Religious structures convey the best examples of design
vocabulary.
24. FURNISHINGS OR DECORATIVE ARTS
• Church furnishings consist mainly of alters, canopies, and
shrines.
• Accessories, such as silver Chalices, are particularly luxurious
and elaborate.
Materials
• Local woods such as oak, walnut, and elm are used because of
transportation issues.
• Turning and painting in bright colors are the main decoration.
25. Seating
• Limited use of chairs
during the period.
• Elaborate, massive throne
chairs proclaim the status
of the ruler.
• The occasional chairs are
large, heavy, and simple
in design.
26. Storage
• Chests and ivory caskets with decorative patters store
important materials.
28. Decorative Arts
• Illuminated manuscripts, produced in monasteries, have flat
spaced, lively lines and patterns, ornamental initials and
bright colors.
29. History of Furniture Design
(GOTHIC)
• The Gothic furniture, when compared to the other European
furniture styles, is covering the longest period.
• The Gothic period proper lasted from the 12th to the 15th
century, while its characteristic ornaments survived side by
side with the new influences up to the beginning of the 17th
century.
• The Gothic furniture style even had its own Renaissance with
the Gothic revival of the 19th century.
• The furniture of the Gothic period, with its characteristic
contour and ornaments, derived from the Gothic Art which
originated in France at the beginning of the 12th century.
30. History of Furniture Design
(GOTHIC)
• In its early stages, the furniture was quite simple, than it
evolved towards an architectural character.
• The decorations were done by painting and, later, mainly
carving, with tracery as principal element.
• The Gothic period furniture, similar to the Gothic
architecture, had local particularities, one of them being the
wood used for its construction.
• In England, Germany, and the Low Countries it was mainly
oak, in France, chestnut, in Italy and Spain walnut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug9txIlze0k
31. Chests and Armoires
• Early chests were of simple, robust construction, decorated
only with ornamental hinges.
• Initially, they were used exclusively for travel.
• Later in the period, as the chests grew larger and heavier,
they became static, elaborately carved pieces of furniture,
and main components of the Gothic interior decor.
• The armoire became the main piece of the domestic Gothic
interior.
• It was more luxurious than any other piece in residences of
all classes.
• Variations like cupboards, cabinets, French armoires and
buffets, all were in use during the Gothic period.
34. Chairs
• Chairs were scarce, and were associated with a sense of state
majesty, being used only by the masters.
• In each room of the residences of the period, there was only a
chair, that of the feudal lord, while persons of lower ranks were
using benches, or chests.
• In the 12th century, chairs could be rectangular or circular, with
low backs.
• In the 13th century, the seats of the lords’ chairs of honor had a
polygonal shape.
• Chairs became heavier and larger, and in the 14th century they
were built with canopies, becoming similar to the royal thrones.
• It should be noted that, outside the castles, the chairs, although
still richly carved, were lighter, and more closely resembling the
modern furniture.
36. Beds
• Starting with the 12th century, the beds became more
luxurious.
• They evolved to massive, richly carved four posted pieces,
decorated with expensive embroidered fabrics.
• They had refined ornaments, carved or painted, and were
draped by hangings, with or without a canopy.
• In the 14th century, more attention was given to the precious
fabrics adorning the beds.
38. Tables
• The early Gothic furniture tables were simple, rectangular
trestle-tables, usually long and narrow.
• Latter, they were replaced by more elaborated, ornamented
pieces.
• In the great hall of the castles, there were also monumental
stone or marble tables.
40. History of Furniture Design
(RENAISSANCE)
• The Renaissance furniture in Italy was influenced by the Greek
and Roman Antiquities, and its development was favored by the
interest so many wealthy people had in Arts.
• The Italian Renaissance furniture had a palatial rather than
domestic character.
• Its carving fully expressed the spirit of the Arts revival, to such an
extent that cabinet-makers from all over Europe came to learn
from their Italian counterparts.
• Thus, furniture styles on the continent were heavily influenced by
the Italian Renaissance.
• The cabinet-makers of the Renaissance partially abandoned the
coarser oak, and began to use walnut, chestnut, and other woods.
https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t8FJZrNuu4&list=PLslORdWrrAlBeZiyh
Zj21VaMZdKrTfn6V
41. History of Furniture Design
(RENAISSANCE)
• As opposed to Gothic, which was using subjects taken from
saints’ lives, Renaissance carving had mythological, allegorical,
and historical subjects.
• Following the architectural lines, earlier cabinets and paneling
took the forms of palaces, the fronts of cupboards often
representing miniatures of basilicas' façades.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpfZ53Z2L9M&t=9s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NRmj3pAENA&t=28s
42. Chairs
• During the 16th century, the number of chairs increased.
• Beside the carved, rectangular, high-back chairs, there were
the X-shaped curule or Savonarola chairs.
• This type was a smaller and more comfortable chair.
• It was carved, sometimes gilded, and could have a wooden
seat with a cushion placed on it.
• Toward the end of the century, chairs were occasionally
upholstered in silk, leather, or tapestry.
44. Table
• The typical Renaissance table was rectangular and supported
by solid carved consoles connected by heavy stretchers, with
the legs terminating sometimes in a scroll.
• The tops could sometimes be slabs of marble or mosaic, while
the ornaments of the tables were carved or gilded.
46. Chests
• Chests were common, particularly the cassone, used mainly
as a marriage chest.
• Their ornamentation varied, they were carved, painted or
gilded.
• The forms also varied, from the sarcophagus to chests with
rectangular sides.
48. History of Furniture Design
(INDUSTRIAL DESIGN)
• Industrial style furniture was named after its original purpose,
to support the manufacturing industry.
• The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in 1760 and
eventually spread to other parts of the world.
• During this time, the invention of new machines lead to the
creation of factories and mass production.
• Workers shifted from using hand tools to operating machines,
and started to need pieces like drafting tables, stools, and
material handling carts.
• Industrial furniture was simple, practical, easy to mass
produce, and made to withstand harsh conditions.
• It was merely part of daily work, and not considered stylish.
49. Characteristics of Industrial Style Furniture
• Combines function with form as well as old and new
elements.
• Is fashioned after old factory style furniture.
• Incorporates raw materials for an unfinished feel.
• Celebrates craftsmanship.
• Gives environmental consideration re-using materials within
the design.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfbCT0Ams0g
50. Early Industrial Style Furniture
The NICOLLE Chair
• One example of early industrial-style furniture is the NICOLLE
chair.
• Founded in 1913 near Paris by Paul Henry Nicolle, the Nicolle
factory made and stamped metal disks.
• Nicolle designed a chair to meet the needs of his workers.
• In true industrial style, it was a metal stool with a functional
form.
• The 3-foot stool featured a welded circular seat with a
backrest shaped like a whale’s tail.
• It became popular in factories throughout France.
52. The Remington Rand Chair
• Another example of industrial furniture is the Remington
Rand Chair.
• After World War II ended, America experienced positive
economic growth that created jobs and called for the building
of offices with sturdy equipment.
• Remington Rand was an early American business machines
manufacturer and produced swivel based adjustable chairs to
meet the growing demand for office furniture.
54. Changing Times
• The need for industrial furniture began to disappear in the
1970s as offices and workplaces advanced and evolved.
• Steel office chairs were replaced with plastic, fabric, and
leather chairs.
• The trusted draftsman tables were replaced with computer
tables and desktops.
• As the fire systems in offices improved, there was less need
for fireproof work furniture.
56. The Comeback Kid
• In the 2000s industrial style furniture saw a revival as the
popularity of minimalist, functional furniture grew.
• With environmental awareness heightened everywhere, the
matching of earthy materials and repurposed wood with steel
elements gained appeal.
58. The 4 Pioneer Architects of Architecture in Furniture
Design
https://
www.academia.edu/44536149/The_creative_process_of_the_Fo
ur_pioneers_of_Modern_Arch
61. The meaning of colours for interior design
• Starting with the general meaning of colors, the effect they
have on people and ending with associating that with interior
design.
• Most of the interior designers know about how and when to
use a certain color.
• Be careful not to use your favorite color.
• In order to make people feel good, you have to learn a few
characteristics of colors and the psychological elements.
62. Red
• Red is the color of passion, what they don’t know is the fact
that red stimulates and raises the pulse rate, the time passes
by faster and it makes the objects stand out very easily.
• If used in proper proportions it can be a pure and strong color
but if not, it can be aggressive and demanding.
• When you want something to stand out, you can use bright or
dark colors and a little something red.
• It can be either some decorations, an armchair or the name
of the location.
• Another important thing is the fact that red, like orange,
increases the appetite.
65. Green
• The most balanced color is green, it suggests the feeling of
nature, a bridge between the warm and the cold colors.
• Green represents life, the environment and outdoors,
therefore used in the right way it brings harmony and peace
67. Blue
• It is known that blue is the color of sky and water, that means
expressing a calm and refreshing feeling.
• The strong blue stimulates clear thought and the soft blue
calms the mind.
• Blue also makes people feel trust in association with a product
but not used right can bring coldness or lack of emotion.
• You can see below, an example of a location that makes you
feel calm, the dominant color being light blue.
69. Grey
• A neutral color would be grey. If you want a professional look,
we recommend using grey.
• Heavy use of grey, being the dominant color will make people
feel fear, lack of confidence or even depression.
• It is the only color that has no psychological connections if it is
used in proper combination.
• It is the color between black and white, that means not
standing out too much or being unnoticeable.
71. Purple
• The luxurious look is given by purple, the color of royalty and
extravagance.
• Using the wrong tone, or too much of this color can give a
cheap look very easily.
• It can also symbolize creativity.
74. Black
• The right color for getting a sophisticated and elegant look
is black.
• Sometimes it absorbs the energy and creates barriers, but
most of the times it represents mystery, as the meaning of it is
darkness, not knowing what to expect.
76. White
• On the other side, there is white, which express purity and
cleanliness.
• It goes very well with black and visually stands out, draws out
the elements of more stimulating colors.
79. Brown
• The feeling of nature is expressed by brown.
• It gives a serious feeling, but it is also warm, solid and makes
you feel comfortable.
• Brown is the color of leather or wood and to get a vintage or
industrial look you get to use it.
• Associated with green it makes you feel like you are one with
nature.
• Used mostly for outdoors but also indoors, it is the perfect
combination.
81. Yellow
• If you want to make people feel confident and optimistic, you
should use yellow in the right amount.
• It is the color that can stimulate and vitalize, yet too much
use of it or the wrong tone can cause fear or other potential
negative feelings.
84. Colors have a lot of power. They have a very important role in
our lives. Once you have an idea about the effect they have on
people, you can choose wisely and decide on the mood you want
to transmit.
Play with the colors, the combinations are numerous, don’t
settle with just one or two, mix them together in order to make
people feel good.
89. Multi-utility furniture techniques for a minimalist home
• One smart way to counter the space crunch is getting multi-
utility furniture for use.
• Your mantra should be – spend less money & save more
space.
• For all those living in quaint/small apartments, Human Scale
Designs gives you some Space Saving Furniture Ideas.
• Because less space does not mean that you have to
compromise on your taste.
90. Ladder Chairs
• Ladder chairs are
typically chairs with
hinges which open
up into a mini
stepladder; these
are useful for
reaching high
kitchen cabinets
and cupboard tops.
• It can also be used
as display unit
when not in use.
91. Foldable chairs
• Modern design is
now available for
chairs to fold and
be stacked when
not in use.
• Do keep a few
spares for guests on
occasional visits.
92. Multi-utility Tables
• The tables are
commonly made of
aluminum and
PVC/plastic and are
used as coffee tables,
entrance tables,
dining tables even
whereas the larger
rectangular ones are
sturdier and used in
large living rooms, in
dining areas and for
when hosting parties.
93. Nest Tables
• The tables are Nest
tables fit in snuggly
one below another
and can be pulled
out during parties
or as coffee tables
for hosting large
crowd of guests.
• They work very
well as side tables
for the bed.
94. Sofa Beds
• Even if you don’t have
the luxury of a spare
room, you can turn
your lounge or living
room into the new
‘guest wing’ in just a
matter of seconds.
• Sofa-cum-beds are
with inbuilt mattresses
(made of foam or
spring) which can open
up into a cozy bed for
an afternoon nap or a
good night’s sleep.
95. Bunk Beds
• This not just gives
them their own
space but also helps
develop a good habit
of sleeping
independently.
• When the kids grow
up and the need
comes, you can
consider separating
or detaching the
bunk beds into two
beds.
96. Wall beds / Murphy Bed
• Just as the name
suggests, this is a bed
inbuilt in the wall!
• The ones readily
available in the market
include a bed fitted into
the wall, and a wall with
cupboards or
bookshelves which add
to storage space in your
homes.
• All you have to do is pull
out the bed during
siesta time.
98. Finding the right sofa fit for your comfort
• When making a decision on which sofa to buy, it's all
too easy to make a decision purely based on the style
of sofa you're looking for—some are just so good-
looking! In short, form sometimes overtakes
function.
• But, just as it has to look good, a sofa has to fulfill a
practical need too and considering the functionality
of your sofa should go hand-in-hand with considering
its design.
99. Sofa Anthropometrics & Ergonomics
• When choosing or designing a sofa, two terms
which are important to know are anthropometrics
and ergonomics.
• Both might be words you associate with less-than-
attractive desk chairs or bulky electric armchairs for
the elderly but, in truth, anthropometrics and
ergonomics are two things which everyone who is
buying any type of seating should be aware of as
well as the goal of every good furniture designer.
100. The Best Sofa Dimensions
• In theory, when choosing or designing a sofa, there
are no limitations.
• If you wanted, you could certainly have an extra deep
sofa with an extra long chaise end or a sofa with a
very narrow seat depth to fit in a tighter hallway.
• However, in reality, neither work well ergonomically
and, just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
101. • That’s why most sofas designed and manufactured by
reputable furniture makers use of standardized
dimensions.
• Whilst they may vary slightly, the average sofa
dimensions have been identified to be the most
appropriate for the majority of the population
according to the rules of anthropometrics and
prioritize posture health.
108. • Traditional sofas prioritize fine hand-rendered craftsmanship,
extensive decorative detailing and, typically, showcase curved,
opulent silhouettes.
• Rolled arms, deep buttoning, fringing, tassels and other forms of
decorative trims, carved wood frames, shaped wooden skirts,
legs and feet and elaborate fabrics like brocades, chintz and
tapestry are just some of the characteristics of traditional sofas.
110. • As its name would suggest, the camelback sofa is characterized
by a pronounced hump (or two) on its seat back. Slender rolled
arms are the traditional choice although modern-day designs
often use the more contemporary shelter arm as seen here.
• Leg styles range from the most traditional of a straight
Marlborough or cabriole leg to more modern bracketed
options.
• Designed in the 18th century by furniture maestro Thomas
Chippendale, this sofa has retained its sophistication over the
years.
112. • The Chesterfield sofa is one of the most iconic sofa shapes and a
popular formal sofa design.
• Dating from the 18th century, the handsome sofa design sports a
relatively low, rolled back which continues through to the arms,
creating an even-height silhouette, plump seat cushions and deep
buttoning.
• Antique Chesterfields were often rendered in a rich leather whose
deep tones would be accented by the use of the deep button-
tufting, however, modern Chesterfields come in various fabrics,
offering a different aesthetic.
114. • Part sofa, part bed—a daybed sofa is a lasting remnant from the
Middle Ages.
• Modern examples range from occasional-use chaise-like designs
to regularly used beds with headboard or backrest-like panels
and mattress base.
• They are often constructed of upholstered, wooden or iron
frames.
• Trundle daybeds are space-saving workhorses and are often
found in kid and teenage rooms to be used when friends come
to visit.
• For an adult-friendly use, daybeds with storage work well for
smaller loft spaces.
116. • A classic Victorian sofa which is as loved today as it was 200 years
ago, the English Roll Arm sofa has low, set-back rolled arms, a deep
seat and a gently reclined tight back, although some designs may
have loose back cushions.
• The design is one of the most popular sofa styles, lending itself to
traditional and contemporary decor schemes, town and country
homes alike.
• The style can be seen in the homes of actress Jessica Chastain and
J.Crew’s impossibly stylish former creative director Jenna Lyons.
118. • An instantly recognisable sofa style, the Knole sofa is arguably the
most unique sofa shape.
• Its ingenious design is found in the ability to drop its detached
sides in a leaf-like manner.
• These folding panels are held upright by a system of hinges and
decorative corded ties which add a functional beauty to the piece.
• Because of their collectability and designer kudos, Knole sofas
tend to be used as statement pieces in their truest form and are
rarely modernized, however, updated versions do exist with
modern materials and accents.
120. • In contrast to their elaborate traditional counterparts,
contemporary sofas are interested in streamlined design. Less
focus is put on the frame of a contemporary sofa—in fact, the
frame is usually almost completely concealed under the
upholstery.
• There is a tendency toward straight, uncomplicated and
unbroken silhouette lines, the use of platform bases or simple
legs and non-patterned fabrics.
• Their construction usually incorporates modern technologies and
materials to produce the slimmest version possible and they can
come in almost any size and shape.
122. • The Lawson is one of the better-known sofa designs but is
surprisingly hard to characterize on account of its various
makeovers and incarnations in the past.
• A true Lawson is a well-stuffed sofa design with rolled Lawson or
sock arms (which can be either recessed or flush to the front of
the sofa) and individual loose back and seat cushions which
provide the sofa with its characteristic comfort.
• It is a favorite choice for family rooms and can be either
traditional or modern.
124. • A loveseat sofa is the one sofa style which almost any room will
benefit from.
• Small loveseats are akin to a 1.5 seater chair, making them an
intimate spot for couples to relax in, whilst larger designs more
closely resemble a 2-seater sofa and work well in a larger
arrangement.
• Loveseats come in a variety of styles—both traditional and
contemporary.
• Round designs have become popular of late, encouraging sitters
to curl up with a tempting book.
126. • Mid-century sofas have been some of the most popular of
late.
• Whilst there isn’t a one-size-fits-all description for the Mid-
century sofa, there are a few distinct design Mid-century
design elements to look out for.
• Boxy shapes or long straight planes with rounded corners,
round bolster cushions and splayed legs or a platform base
are all classic Mid-century.
• As is shallow linear button-tufting, pastel shades and exposed
wood framing or exotic wood wraps.
128. • Reportedly named for New York’s sophisticated Tuxedo Park, this
sofa is recognisable for its high square arms which wrap around
the entire back of the sofa and crisp and tailored upholstery.
• It is, by nature, one of the more formal sofa styles but also one
which works well in various settings.
• When upholstered in rich velvet, the sofa appears ultra-
glamorous; channel tufted, the style is decidedly Mid-century
modern; and, left plain, a tuxedo sofa seems so current.
129. Family Sofas
• Family sofas are designed for two things—comfort and seating
capacity.
• They are typically large sofas of informal design with a low
profile, deep plush seats and cushions and sturdy
construction.
• Family sofas are understandably popular in family rooms or
informal living rooms.
131. • This contemporary sofa design is usually constructed as a
complete piece (or with perhaps one join) and typically looks
like a regular sofa with a long chaise attached at either or both
ends.
• This placement determines whether the sofa would be a
considered a left or right hand facing sofa or a U-shaped sofa.
• Many sofa styles have been given the sectional treatment,
meaning there’s a chance you can find your preferred sofa style
in this format.
133. • A modular sofa is so-called for its interconnected,
interchangeable sections or units.
• Highly customizable because of their various configurations
and endless possibilities, sofas can be created differently with
unique combinations of the individual components.
• They can be U-shaped, curved or completely
freeform. Recently, sectional sofas placed in the centre of a
living room, with seating on all sides have become popular.
135. Types Of Sofa Arms
• A sofa’s style is often determined by that of its arm, which is
why many sofas are referred to by their arm type as in the
case of the popular English Roll Arm sofa and the Lawson sofa.
• Two identical sofas can become remarkably different with the
addition of distinctive arms.
144. Types of Sofa Cushions
There are two main categories of cushions: fixed and loose
cushions. Fixed cushions are typically more formal than loose
cushions which can have a "lived in" appearance.
145. 1. Fixed Cushions
• Fixed sofa cushions are those which are integral to the sofa
and cannot be removed. These are typically tightly packed
with filling and, therefore, firmer.
• This style is often chosen for its sleek appearance and is used
regularly for tuxedo sofa backs. Because this type of cushion is
fixed, it doesn’t require the upkeep of plumping.
146. 2. Loose Cushions
• Loose cushions, in contrast, can be removed because they are
upholstered separately.
• These can be removed, stripped and the covers cleaned.
• Loose cushion sofas tend to be more comfortable because
they don’t require such tight stuffing.
147. Types of Sofa Cushion Styles
• Not all cushions are made the same and what you decide on
says a lot about the style you want to channel. Here are the
various cushion options available.
148. Bench Seat
• A bench seat is one complete cushion with no divisions. It can
be both loose and fixed and runs the entire length of the sofa.
• Its simple design results in a minimalist aesthetic and has had
a resurgence in recent years.
149. Box Cushion
• Characterized by its distinct surfaces, the box cushion has a
top and bottom panel which are boxed by four side panels.
• The style is more formal and structured and the seams can be
piped for extra definition.
• Seen in both seat and back cushions.
150. J, L and T Cushions
• J, L and T cushions are named for their shape. J- and L-
cushions wrap around the left or right sofa arm respectively.
• A T-cushion is a loose bench cushion which wraps around the
sofa’s arms on both ends creating a T shape.
151. Knife-Edge Cushion
• A cushion where the front and back panel are attached by one
seam.
• The seam can be left as is or piped.
• Seen more often in back cushions than seat cushions although
it's become a popular arm design for modern sofas.
152. Straight Cushion
• The simplest cushion type, a straight cushion is a square or
rectangle loose cushion with no projection that wraps around
a sofa arm.
• Interior seat cushions are always straight cushions but end
cushions can also be straight, as in this example.
153. Waterfall Cushion
A cushion whose fabric wraps from the top to the underside (in the
case of seat cushions) or from the front side to the back side (in the
case of back cushions) without any interruption and closed off with
side panels.
155. Sofa Fillings: The Basics
• Sofa fillings are varied in type, material and outcome so,
depending on what you want from your sofa, there are many
options to choose from. Three of the most important things to
known about sofa fillings are:
• Their ability to provide the adequate support
• Their loft (or filling power determined by the number of cubic
inches one ounce fills)
• The combination options e.g. a blend of feather and down,
feather, down and fiber or down-wrapped foam cushions
156. Stuffing
• Before foam filling existed, stuffing was used ubiquitously in
traditional sofa upholstery and sometimes it is, still, used
today.
• It is often used in conjunction with other fillings but is
independently prized for its natural-feel comfort and ability to
fill small and difficult spaces.
157. Coir
• Coir is a material processed from the natural husk of coconuts
and bristle coir (the longer fibers) was a popular stuffing
material for upholstery before the advent of synthetic and
foam fillings.
• It was used as an alternative to animal hair stuffing and is
sustainable, economical, has a low decomposition rate and is
stronger (but not as flexible) as cotton.
• Coir isn't used much these days but it may become more
popular again for those interested in eco-friendly and healthy
alternatives to synthetic fillings.
159. Down Filling
• Composed of tiny tangled filaments, down is the soft,
insulating under-plumage of birds.
• It is known for its loft, warmth and softness. Generally, pure
goose down is the finest used for luxury sofas because of its
large clusters and cling (the tendency of down filaments to
stick together) and, as such, commands a high price point.
• However —the rare and expensive down from the Eider duck
—is renowned for being very dense and is the most desirable
of all downs.
• Down cushions need regular plumping.
161. Feather Filling
• Feathers come from the hardier overcoat of birds.
• They have a central quill with filaments on either side and
come in varying lengths, textures and types which determines
their cost and quality.
• Flight feathers—the outermost wing feathers—are straight
and inflexible and not ideal for upholstery. Body feathers are
light and curled and provide excellent loft.
• White feathers wrapped in a tightly woven fabric casing
represents the ideal standard for luxury upholstery fillings.
Feather cushions need regular plumping.
163. Horsehair
• A rarely used, traditional sofa filling, horsehair is collected
from trimmed horse tails and manes.
• The hair is processed, turning the straight, glossy strands into
a crimped finished product many times its original volume.
• Horsehair provides a lot of springiness and texture to
upholstery pieces.
• Whilst most workshops have replaced horsehair stuffing with
modern fillings, some restoration work might require it.
• Still, a horsehair and cotton or wool blend would be
preferable for the desirable properties of those fibers.
166. The Mark of Luxury
• Good upholstery is the mark of a luxury sofa. It requires
expert upholsterers, fine materials and time to truly finish off
a sofa as perfectly as possible.
• A high-quality fabric will likely be more expensive than an
inferior quality fabric but it will last longer; French seams
might seem unnecessary to the untrained eye but it’s a mark
of a superior upholstery job; and one might think all sofa
skirts are made equal but bad pleating is very noticeable and
would ruin the aesthetics of a good sofa. Never underestimate
the power of fine upholstery.
167. Upholstery Textiles
• Textile composition, weaves, patterns, applications… The
world of textiles is no easy place to navigate.
• Upholstery textiles are so interesting that each can have a
whole series written about it.
• We’ll focus on textile types and their best uses.
168. Bouclé
• A designer favorite, bouclé is recognisable by its looped,
textured surface which is created by loose loops in the fibers
used in its production.
• The textured finish conceals dirt more easily but, because its
loops may catch, bouclé might not be a good choice for
homes with pets or small children.
• Bouclé works particularly well in curved and monolithic sofas
where its texture can most easily draw attention to their
confident, artistic shapes.
• Bouclé sofas were popular during the Mid-century Modern
movement and are having something of a renaissance.
170. Chenille
• Like velvet, chenille has a dense pile (albeit a short one) which
is created when chenille tufts are inserted during the weaving
of two core yarns, resulting in them sticking out. This process
gives the fabric its characteristic “fuzzy” appearance.
• Whilst microfiber sofas often have the look and soft feel of
chenille, a true chenille fabric must incorporate the use of
chenille fibers.
• Because of their texture, chenille sofas hide dirt well (great for
kids) but sometimes need to have their nap brushed.
• Chenille is a suitable choice for transitional sofas and modern
ones.
172. Cotton
• Cotton is a mainstay fabric in all walks of life and sofa upholstery
is no different.
• It is a natural fibre obtained from the cotton plant and is used as
a base fibre for many fabrics.
• It is known for its softness, versatility, ability to take dyes very
well (making upholstery patterns and colours limitless), ability to
wick moisture away from the body and durability.
• Whilst it can take many forms—cotton velvet, cotton chenille,
etc.—a simple cotton sofa in a beautiful colour is wonderful in its
own right.
• It is also one of the most style-versatile fabrics and suits any sofa
shape
174. Leather & Faux Leather
• Leather is the cured hide from animals, birds, reptiles or fish,
produced through a process called tanning.
• The most common leather is cows leather, although goatskin,
stingray, crocodile and ostrich leathers are popular too for
their unique grains.
• Leather is loved for its rich, handsome aesthetic, ability to
develop a characterful patina, durability and clean ability.
• Top grain leather, split leather and faux leather all vary in
quality and characteristics.
• Leather sofas have long been a popular choice and are a
favorite for those wanting a sophisticated look.
176. Linen
• Linen is a natural fibre obtained from the flax plant.
• It has been used as a fabric for millennia and is prized for its
breathability, easy upkeep, antimicrobial properties, moisture
wicking and strength.
• It is well-known for being the strongest natural fibre because
of its long staple fibres.
• Naturally stiff, it does soften with use but linen blends—
designed to add extra comfort to the natural qualities of linen
—are also very popular.
• It is known for its characteristic wrinkles so, if you plan to buy
a linen sofa, be prepared for them. Popular for loose covers.
178. Wool
• Wool is the natural fibres from the shorn coat of an animal
(usually a sheep) which is processed and spun into yarn.
• The fibres are wavy which gives it volume and the material
strong, cool in the summer, warm in the winter and easily
renewable.
• It was traditionally used for sofa stuffing but, today, is mainly
used as an upholstery fabric.
• Wool sofas are known for being inviting, able to regulate
temperature and hypoallergenic since wool is resistant to dust
mites and mould.
• Because it comes in so many different styles and textures, wool
looks good on any sofa.
180. Velvet
• Velvet is a tufted fabric with a raised, dense pile. It can be
woven using natural fibres (such as cotton or silk) or
manmade fibres (such as nylon).
• It is loved for its unique handle—silky smooth—its drape and
its notable luster. Velvet’s nap (the way its fibres lie) creates
visual interest too.
• Velvet sofas convey a luxury aesthetic and have been very
popular in recent years, particularly with the jewel-toned sofa
trend.
• It works equally well as a solid colour in both modern and
traditional sofas.
• Void velvet and embossed velvet work well for more
traditional designs.
182. Upholstery Techniques
• You’ve chosen your colour, your pattern and your fabric but
did you know that there are still many more decisions to make
your sofa just right for you? Upholstery techniques—even
small ones like seams and stitches—can render a piece very
formal or more casual.
• Upholstery seams, for example—although, traditionally, a
purely functional element—are now often two-fold. They do
have a practical function but they can also be used to add
interest to a piece. Stitches, similarly, can be used for
decorative purposes.
183. Double Stitched Seam
A double stitched seam is the same as a plain seam but with two
rows of parallel stitching on the fabric's right side, either side of
the original seam. This results in a more robust seam. The
double-stitched seam is often used for decoration, especially
with leather upholstery.
184. Flat-Felled Seam
A flat-felled (or tucked) seam is created by stitching a fabric’s wrong
sides together with one seam allowance greater than the other. This
is folded over the shorter seam allowance and stitched to secure. The
two are then laid flat on the side of the shorter seam allowance and
stitched one last time.
185. French Seam
A French seam is a seam within a seam. A seam is sewn with the
fabric’s wrong sides together, then the right sides are folded
together and stitched slightly past the initial seam, resulting in a
flange with enclosed raw edges. These are used internally and
externally for strength and aesthetics.
186. Lapped Seam
A lapped seam is created by folding over a seam allowance on one
piece of fabric (right side up) and aligning it with the seam of
another piece of fabric (right side up) and stitching close to the fold
with a top seam. Lapped seams are used to create crisp, non-bulky
seams.
187. Plain Seam
A plain seam (also known as a blind seam) is simply where two fabrics
(right side together) join with no further embellishment. It is the most
basic of upholstery seams and is useful for many areas of sofa
upholstery and cushion making where very strong seams aren’t as
important.
If used alone, it should be of a high enough quality to ensure
resiliency and fitted correctly so as to not cut through any surrounding
foam.
188. Top Stitch
Top stitching is the highlighting of a seam with an additional top
stitch which parallels the original seam in either a tone-on-tone or
contrasting thread. This draws attention to the area, adding interest.
In upholstery, it can also be referred to as a saddle stitch or double
stitch.
189. Upholstery Applications
If you’d like to add a little more interest to your piece, don’t feel
confined to leg types or fabric patterns.
There are many upholstery applications to consider.
From skirts to trim and modern piping to traditional fringe, read
on to hear which is right for you.
190. Skirts
• Sofa skirts may be stereotyped, from time to time, as a
traditional upholstery method but their classic look will never
go out of style.
• They are a wonderful base option for both fixed cover and
loose cover sofas.
• Here are the main contenders.
191. Box Pleat Skirt
A box pleat is created as two knife pleats are folded, in opposite
directions and hidden behind the two front panels created and
then pressed flat. Consecutive box pleats results in multiple wide
panels lining the base of the sofa.
192. Dressmaker & Waterfall Skirt
A dressmaker skirt extends from the seat deck or the top of the
sofa's arm or back to the floor in an unbroken panel.
A waterfall skirt is similar but instead of beginning at the seat
deck, it begins from the top of the seat cushion.
193. Fringe Skirt
Fringe skirts feature long fringe or bullion to cover the base of
the sofa. Fringed sofa skirts are a typically traditional upholstery
choice but have become popular in the last few years with many
modern designers using them in a contemporary way.
194. Gathered Skirt & Gathered Corner Skirt
As its name suggests, this skirt is created by gathering the fabric
at the base of the sofa and allowing it to drape naturally. Skirts
can also be gathered only in the corner making a gathered
corner skirt.
195. Kick/Flat Pleat Skirt
Featuring pleats at the sofa's corners, kick pleat skirts are straight
and uncomplicated and extend from a row of piping just slightly
below the deck of the sofa. Panels can be divided by a pleat in line
with the sofa's centre or breaks in seat cushions.
196. Side/Knife Pleat Skirt
Side or knife pleats are simply folded, consistent widths of fabric
in the same direction. These can be pressed or left to drape to
the ground freely. Side pleats aren’t currently very popular and
tend to only be seen on antiques.
197. Tufting
• Tufting is a traditional upholstery technique which was originally
used to keep a sofa’s filling evenly distributed.
• This was done by sewing through the upholstery fabrics and filling
of an upholstered sofa and then securing the stitch at the other
side (in the case of cushions) or inside the sofa (for fixed back
sofas).
• This created dips in the upholstery in which buttons were often
used to disguise the stitches.
• Because of the extra reinforcement, tufted furniture was much
more durable than non-tufted furniture.
• These days, tufting has become a favored decorative element too
and requires a lot of skill to do correctly.
• Tufting can be done on the sofa back, sofa seat or both.
198. Biscuit Tufting
Biscuit tufting stitches upholstery in a regular grid pattern and
can be done with or without buttons and as deep or shallow
tufting. Biscuit tufting was popular for Mid-century modern
sofas.
199. Blind Tufting
Blind tufting is the simplest form of tufting. It is purely done with
stitches and no buttons for a seamless, modern look. It most
often uses shallow tufts although can be done with deeper tufts.
200. Diamond Tufting
• Diamond tufting is so-called because its dips form a pattern of
repeated diamond shapes. It can be done as shallow or deep
tufting and with or without buttons, although with buttons is
the most popular.
201. Single Line Tufting
Single line tufting is a straight line of tufting, usually accompanied
by stitched vertical seams at right angles to the tuft. These tufts are
usually quite shallow and can be done with or without buttons.
202. Upholstery Trim
• Upholstery trim options include nail head trim, piping and
fringe amongst many others. As a group, decorative trims are
referred to as passamenterie and, like fringed skirts, have had
a major resurgence in the last few years. Here are some of the
most common sofa trims.
203. Piping
Piping (or cording or welting) is the tubular trim which borders sofa
cushions, sofa panels or sofa arms and can be in either a matching
or contrasting fabric. It gives a sofa a tailored appearance and also
helps to visually reinforce the sofa’s silhouette.
204. Fringe
Fringe is the collective term for trim made up of lengths of hanging
threads or braids and embellished with various thread-based
decorations or beads. Specific fringes are cut fringe, brush or moss
fringe, bullion, bobble fringe and tassels.
205. Nail head Trim
Nail head trim—consecutive tacks affixed to an upholstery piece in a
row—was used by traditional upholsterers to secure upholstery
fabrics to a sofa’s frame easily. In modern times, nail head trim is
included for its traditional charm.
