French Chairs

Fabric Choices For Your French Chairs

Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs Greenwich Living

French chairs can be dressed up so many ways. When it comes to upholstered furniture, nothing is more important than the type of fabric that you choose for your furniture. Fabric can provide an immediate indication of quality and taste, and can be a direct statement about a home and its owners.

When considering what kind of fabric to select, a few questions must be asked.

1. What type of furniture piece is being covered? Is it an accent chair, or a chair that will be used every day?

2. Is a pattern appropriate? Would a pattern overwhelm the room, or is it needed to bring interest into the room?

3. Is the overall scheme warm or cool? Blue, purples, and greens can present a cool tone, where as browns, beige, yellows can warm up a room.

4. Is durability and stain resistance important? Homes with small children, and pets may want to consider patterned fabrics, or fabrics with darker colored tones, which will hide the dirt and wear on the furniture between cleanings.

Here are just a few fabrics that are commonly used when upholstering French chairs.

Twill

Twill is a durable fabric with a diagonal grain produced by weft yarns passing over one or more warp threads, then under two or more warp yarns. Herringbone, denim, and gabardine are woven in this manner.

Warp is a set of fixed yarns that run in length of the loom. Interfacing or weft amd warp yarns that alternate each row produces a fabric.

Jacquard

Jacquard is a fabric woven on a Jacquard loom that uses perforated cards to create intricate patterns. Damasks, tapestries and brocades are woven this way.

Corduroy

Corduroy is a heavy cotton or synthetic fabric with evenly spaced ridges or wales running the length of the fabric

Gingham

Gingham is a cotton or synthetic printed in one color on white creating a check.

Linen

Linen is a strong yarn produced from flax that can be woven into fabric. Slubs, which are woven fibers are inherent in the yarn, but they are not flaws. For all linens beauty, it lacks elasticity which results in wrinkles. It is wide to have it backed before using it as upholstery. Linen is blended with cotton.

Image: Belle Maison

Edita by Walter Pfeiffer

Romo Simonii Fabric

NUMERO TOKYO Charlotte Free by Eric Guillemain. Akari Endo-Gaut, May 2012,

Carolyn Quartermaine | Trouvais

Pink French Chair- ZsaZsa Bellagio: French Flea Market

Marie Antoinette French Antiques

Easingwold Bathrooms & Interiors

Pair of French Louis XVI Style Painted Foot Stools Greenwich Living

Lily Bunn, a designer from New York City

Here see see a lavender covered antique French chair with the other blocky, geometric pieces of
furniture. Notice how the chair becomes a true focal point, yet the space remains soothing?

Herve Pierre

One Kings Lane - Mary McDonald

Melissa Miles Rufty

Manuel Canovas

Hollywood Regency Chairs in Yellow

One Kings Lane - Children of Shelters

Annie Brahler’s French Home

House Beautiful showcased Annie Brahler's home bathed in white with absolutely drop dead gorgeous French antiques. Antique gilt wood mirrors line the stairway, and are grouped together to make a statement.

1. Like Annie Brahler did, consider layering two mirrors that are like one another together above a fireplace, or on the wall behind a sideboard.

2. It has been fashionable to paint mirrors white, although the original giltwood often looks quite rich. 17th and 18 century gilt wood was fashionable, and stately. Gold is still rich today when paired with muted tones such as gray and beige. Gold is also the perfect accessory for bold colors such as Kelly green, and lemon. Gold is the perfect accessory in any interior.

3. A gilt wood mirror in the kitchen or bathroom automatically dresses things up. Consider putting gilt mirrors anywhere that you need a punch of design.

4. Mirrors open the room up, like nothing else. The perfect way of adding light into a dark painted room is to add lots of mirrors and fresh vibrant oil paintings.

A French parlor's daybed sits in the living room with a gilt table with a white marble top used as a coffee table. On a mantel two gilt wood mirrors and an over sized empire chandelier are paired together to make a big impact. A massive empty picture frame, propped against the mirror, along with antlers her children collected on hikes. Glass domes shelter antique taxidermy.

Here she grouped linen-covered Belgian bergères and a Louis XVI side table with a 19th-century French gilt settee and Dutch footstools. A gilt neoclassical mirror hangs above a mantle with white washed antlers. A Belgian crystal chandelier and sconces sparkle against walls. A beautiful magnolia flower sits on Annie Brahler's coffee table adding to the white palette that her house is based around.

See more of Annie Brahler's home in House Beautiful.

4 Reasons To Invest In Slipcovers

The popularity of slipcovers has been ever increasing, as decorators and homeowners realize the possibilities that slipcovers offer. They are not only decorative, but practical. At one time, slipcovers served the means of protecting upholstered furniture from the dust of summer months, although they have evolved over the years, from just large sheets which covered furniture, to be tailored to fit the shape of sofas and chairs, even having decorative pleating, ruffles and embroidery, which have been used for furnishing rooms for all-year-round use.

Why To Slipcover Your Furniture:

1. Get The Look Of A Set For Less

Buying an entire set of furniture which matches is next to impossible. Although with slipcovers, fabric can unite several pieces of miss-matched pieces of furniture with ease. Consider painting the frames of the furniture, and have them slip-covered in the same material. Several ebay sellers offer bolts of fabric, which can be shipped to your home without having to drive from store to store.

2. Maintain Expensive Furniture With Slipcovers

Antique sofas and armchairs can be quite expensive. If you have a set you want to maintain, consider investing extra money in slipcovers. Cats tend to scratch furniture, which can destroy the upholstery of a special piece. In addition dogs which are allowed to roam outside will bring the dirt indoors and on to the furniture, which can soil a nice sofa overtime. Slipcovers give you the opportunity to wash the fabric, and maintain it's good looks.

3. Slipcovers Can Conceal Badly Worn Fabrics Or Ugly Lines.

We all have that ugly chair or sofa that looks dated in our homes. We have all been to an estate sale where a sofa is priced right, yet we toss and turn over the purchase because the cost of upholstery is 5 times as much as the price of the sofa itself. Then there is that sofa that has beautiful feet, yet the overall fabric looks worn and outdated. What do you do that makes sense? For a piece that could function well in the home, but isn't worth spending the money in upholstery, creating a slipcover may work best.

4. Slipcovers Offer You Change For Less

Wouldn't it be great to change up an entire room in the winter and summer? Slipcovers make that possible. Linen looks crisp in the summer, while in the winter, wool might lend more of a comfort through those cold evenings. Winter slip covers can be made of thicker materials, and offer that extra warmth through those cold nights. Lighter materials can be made for the summer, which offer a pleasant coolness and crispness which is welcome during hot days.

Additonal Links To Inspire You:

- Drop Cloth Slip Cover Tutorial-beneathmyheart.net

-How To Make A Club Chair Slipcover- lisaroy.ca

-DIY Ottoman Slip Cover-dittledattle.blogspot.com

-How To Sew Double Cord Welting -littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com

-Upholstery Adhesive - Beacon Magna-Tac 809 -littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com

-How to Make a Sofa Slipcover- makethingsforhome.blogspot.com

-How To Bleach Drop Cloth- myjoyinthejourney.blogspot.com

-Slip Cover Tutorial - 6 Part Video Series- missmustardseed.com

-How To Make A Chair Slipcover- honeybearlane.com

-Wing Back Slipcover- thebrickpathstudio.blogspot.com

Darcy Chair With Oyster Linen Slip

Linen Slipcovers From Country Living Magazine

Antique Daybed, – Kay O’Toole Antiques

Embroidered monogramed chair slipcover designed by Betty Burgess

Michelle Fritz is the talented seamstress from the blog Make. Her work was featured in Country Home February 2006,- Scanned in & Photo Credit- Heirloom Philosophy Blog

Seamstress Blogger Michelle Fritz- Heirloom Philosophy Blog

French Chairs From Full Bloom Cottage Blog

Full Bloom Cottage on Etsy

The chair slips are actually two pieces, one piece covers the back and
one covers the seat. There is a down cushion inserted into the bottom
slip to make the chairs look and feel softer. Ties run down the back
of the slips. The skirts are double pleated for extra frill. The
checked linen is Chelsea Editions - cotedetexas.blogspot.com

Joni Webb's Library French Chair With Slipcover

Joni Webb's French Chair Slipcovers- cotedetexas.blogspot.com

rachelashwellshabbychic.blogspot.com

French Chairs From Full Bloom Cottage Blog

Slipcovers made from French Linen by Anita -Cedar Hill Ranch Blog

Lavender & white slipcovered chair- freckledlaundry.com

Slipcovers made from French Linen by Anita -Cedar Hill Ranch Blog

French chaise with a custom slipcover and white piping- megbraff.com

Thibault

French Dining Room Chairs With Slipcovered Seats and Backs - lonny.com

French Folding Chairs – Wooden Vs Metal

French Style Painted Folding Chair, 19th-C. French Folding Chair From One Kings Lane

Folding chairs can be one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you own. They store easily, are relatively cheap, and can be placed nearly anywhere. Whether you need to bring them out for a large party you are having or take them somewhere, they are right at your fingertips. The only question is whether to invest in wooden or metal folding chairs. While they are both equal in terms of function, there are some differences to be aware of.

Longevity

You will want to pick out chairs that last a long time so that you don't have to replace them constantly. While both can last a long time, metal folding chairs tend to stick around longer. This is because people overlook the dings and dents that they get over time. The wear and tear on the wooden folding chairs is more visible. However, if the wooden chairs are taken care of and stored properly, they can last just as long as their metal counterparts.

Price

Generally, basic metal folding chairs are the cheapest. They can get more expensive if they are padded or colored, but they are usually less expensive than the wooden folding chairs. However, if you shop around or shop in bulk, they can be about the same price. This all depends on what types of features you want the chairs to have.

Appearance

Nearly all consumers will agree that the wooden folding chairs are far more appealing to the eye then metal folding chairs. They do not rust. They have a quality about them that makes them rustic furniture with comfort. They never look cheap or out of place. If you invest in wooden folding chairs, you can use them in your home without feeling like they are "back up" chairs or ones only to be brought out in cases of emergency. You can be proud of them instead of hiding them in the closet or basement.

Comfort

Generally, wooden folding chairs are more comfortable than metal folding chairs. They offer a bit more support without being too rough on the bones and joints. There is a slight give in the material so that it conforms to your unique body. While it will certainly not be as comfortable or supportive as a lounge chair, your guests can sit comfortably for an entire evening in the wooden folding chairs. If you invest in good rustic furniture, you do not have to feel guilty making people sit in them when they come to visit your home.

About the Author:

Michelle Custodio is a writer and SEO specialist for JHE’s Log Furniture Place, which provides highest quality rustic furniture, rustic decor and log beds. Like JHE’s Log Furniture Place Facebook‘s page and follow them on Twitter.

Painting Your French Chairs

Alexa Hampton’s book, The Language of Interior Design

While it is usually not something you think about sometimes painting your French chairs is the way to go. Perhaps the wood is damaged or has been stained in a way that makes it impossible to repair. Or maybe a painted chair would simply fit your décor better. Whatever the case may be, there are many ways you can paint your French chairs. Here are a few:

1. Classic – The classic paint for a French chair means keeping it simple. Beige or white or cream color as a base with maybe a subtle stripe of country blue or demure grey. This style of painting fits in with classic French décor and makes any home looked lived in.

2. Bold – If your décor leans more towards bold and beautiful then you can paint your chairs in stunning red, shiny black, or stark white. These three colors are well within the modern décor palate and fit well with contemporary furnishings. Painting your French chairs one of these shades is a great way to bring classic and modern together.

3. Pastel – For children’s rooms, kitchens, or floral decorated rooms pastel colors work well. Not only are they soothing and gentle looking, but they also add a bit of lightness to your French chairs. Perfect for a baby’s or little child’s room, a French chair painted pastel is a great accessory.

Pair of Turquoise Louis XV Chairs Timothy Corrigan Antiques

4. Neon-Go really crazy with neon painted French chairs. Bright and beautiful, neon colors add a punch to any room. Pair with black and white to stand out or make it a part of your décor by adding additional neon elements. Great in teen rooms and artistic areas.

5. Basic –Browns, subtle blacks, greys, cream, and other basic shades help your French chairs to fit in with your decorating style. Instead of taking a bold step, help your French chairs to become another part of the whole with a basic paint color.

6. Patterned –Patterns like chevrons are very popular in modern décor right now and fit well with French chairs. You could also do animal prints for a walk on the wild side or a floral pattern for a garden theme. Whatever your choice, hand painted patterns add a touch of class and expense to your French chairs.

These are just a few of the ways that you can paint your French chairs. There are many other things you can do to help your French chairs become a part of your home and décor. Take a look around your home and see what would work best for you.

Author Byline:

Ken Myers as an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance. He is a regular contributor of "www.gonannies.com/". You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo (at) gmail.com.

Belclaire House and Kwikimages.com are credited for this beautiful living room by an unknown interior designer who has created an elegant room based around French furniture.

Louis XVI Style Settee , Antique Dealer Spurgeon Lewis Antiques

Sloan Mauran's House | House & Home

Antique Louis XVI dining chairs are upholstered in a traditional manner,
with contrasting fabrics — silk plaid and taupe linen — on the seat
backs and seats. "I had already collected most of the antiques on my
travels in Europe, but the mahogany table had to be custom-made to fit
the large scale of the room," says Sloan. A contemporary leather-bound
sisal carpet enhances the traditional aspects of the older, more formal
pieces, she adds. Plain white dinnerware keeps the focus on the
furniture.

Alexa Hampton’s book, The Language of Interior Design

This beautiful book, is a great resource for your library. Written by Alexa Hampton, daughter of legendary Mark Hampton, decorator to Brooke Aster, Susan Bass, Mrs. John Heinz, Estee Lauder and many others. Mark Hampton also decorated for the George Bush administration, both at the White House and Blair House. Alexa took over her fathers firm upon his untimely death at age 58 in 1998.

A Collection of Busts sit on small shelves in this dining room. Consider playing around with an all white scheme, by painting your French chairs white. Picture Credit - Cote de Texas Blog