Here are ten tips from Empire Red Interiors for decorating with expensive fabrics that you have fallen in love with.
1. Ottoman
Bed stools and ottomans don't take much fabric only a square or rectangle panel. You can lash out on that special fabric and use it sparingly to create a gorgeous feature in your living space as a fabric covered coffee table (a glass top can be made to size to protect the top) or as an end of bed stool in your bedroom.
2. Flat panel curtains
Next time you'd like to replace your curtains. An alternative look to lots of pleats and gathers is a contemporary flat panel drape. This not only shows of the fabric to it's fullest but also takes less fabric so you can afford to be a bit more extravagant with you selection.
3. Cushions
Whether it's a small rectangle cushion or a large square cuddle on the couch, using expensive fabric on the front of the piece is a terrific way to highlight it. Be sure to center the pattern on the top and make an edge with a plain fabric or even a pleated grosgrain ribbon for a finished look.
4. Trims or borders
The leading edge (or centre split) of a pair of drapes are the vertical edges to the centre of the window. Dress this seam up with a flat border of an expensive fabric sewn into drapery panels made of a less expensive fabric. A great look for much less. A border on the sides or base of a roman blind is another way of introducing an exquisite, highlight fabric without blowing the budget.
5. Upholstered wall panels
These are a great way to decorate that blank wall behind you bed. Choose an exquisite texture or print, have them professionally upholstered (or do it yourself) and hang them in a row behind your bed.
6. Fabric art
Stretch your favourite fabric over a ready made canvas, staple gun it in place, then hang it on your wall. Now you have created an individual decorative art work and also added texture and warmth to your room. The panels also absorb sound and stop that echoey feeling. This is a great addition for cafés and restaurants, or large open plan living areas, that struggle with lots of chatter and noise.
7. Arm chairs
Timber armed or armless chairs take less fabric (approx. 2-3.5 metres) than fully upholstered armchairs. So be adventurous with your design and texture and use the armchairs as a highlight against your sofa, or as a feature chair in your bedroom.
8. Dining chairs
Fabric covered dining chairs add a sense of elegance and sophistication to your dining room. If you are concerned about using a dramatic print, or want to save costs, how about using a highlight print of exquisite texture on the back of a chair. This area of the chair will not be exposed to the wear-and-tear of the front seat area.
9. Bed sham or throw
Have a bed sham custom made for your bed in a stunning silk print or a textured velvet.
10. Pelmets
These are coming back into fashion. The greenies are discovering the benefits of having pelmet to stop the drafts and heat escaping through the glass. Pelmets don't require much fabric and act as a highlight box above the curtain so they are not exposed to any wear-and-tear so you can be a little more adventurous with your fabric choice. Make this a feature against your plainer curtains.