IF YOUR SLIPCOVER is 100% cotton and has been preshrunk, you can easily wash it at home. The only way to be sure of the fabric content is to check with the manufacturer or point of purchase; all fabrics are tagged with the content when they arrive from the mill, and the store should have that information at hand.
It is very important to note that fabrics labeled preshrunk from the factory will still shrink further when washed and dried. The best way to stabilize the fabric and be sure it has been preshrunk adequately is to wash it and dry it in the dryer on a medium to high heat setting before cutting and sewing the slipcover. (This is also a great way to see how the fabric will hold up when washed). If you are sure this was done ahead of time, you can feel confident about washing the cover. All of the slipcovers we make at Posh Living are preshrunk this way, so if you have one of our slipcovers, you’re ready to go. Continue Reading »
SHOPPING for a new sofa can be fun; you can freshen up the family room, have a more comfortable place to sit, and have a chance to show off your decorating skills. Why, then, do so many find it an exercise in frustration?
In my experience as a designer, I have learned that most shoppers lack basic information about upholstered furnishings. That really prevents them from making an accurate comparison of the different features and choices and arriving at a satisfying selection. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hype in the marketplace, as manufacturers compete with promises of great quality and incredible sale prices. Who do you trust?
As with any major purchase (and yes, a sofa should be viewed as a major purchase), knowledge is power. Just as when buying a car, the savvy shopper learns about all of the features of the product, decides what features are important, weighs the various similarities and differences, and hopefully ends up with something that fits their taste, practical needs and budget. Let’s take a look at some of the things it is important to consider before bringing home your new sofa or chair. Continue Reading »
THE MOVEMENT to a greener lifestyle has become a significant factor influencing the choices we are making in our lives every day. By now we’ve all probably bought some CFL bulbs to save electricity, taken steps to make our homes more insulated and energy efficient, and tried to cut down on our driving. These steps are a good start, but in actual fact we are on the threshhold of a true lifestyle revolution. Since most of the energy consumed in our modern lives is used to heat, cool, and illuminate our homes, the biggest impact on energy use will happen by making all of our buildings more energy efficient and our purchases less polluting. From new construction methods to chemical free paints and recycled carpet, environmentally friendly products that we’ve only seen in public buildings and schools are quickly becoming commonplace in private homes. People are actively seeking out products that have the least impact on the earth — reclaimed woods and organic crops, for example. Here are some of the amazing changes that may appear in your home soon. Continue Reading »
