A living room makeover is one of the most effective ways to upgrade your home, creating a space that feels fresh, elegant, and personal. When aiming for a luxe transformation, one of the key elements to consider is fabric.
The right designer fabric can elevate the atmosphere, add texture, and introduce a sense of sophistication. Whether you’re reupholstering furniture, choosing curtains, or adding decorative cushions, the fabric you select will set the tone for the room.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 designer fabrics for a luxe living room makeover, including a brief mention of the timeless Morris and Co fabric collection.
1. Velvet: The Epitome of Opulence
Velvet is synonymous with luxury. Its rich texture and soft touch bring a sense of glamor to any space, making it a perfect choice for a luxe living room makeover. Velvet’s plush surface adds depth and sophistication, and it can be used to create a rich, inviting atmosphere, whether in a traditional or modern setting.
Why Velvet Works
Velvet has a unique ability to catch and reflect light, which gives it a subtle sheen and a sense of movement. This adds to its luxurious appeal, especially when used on large furniture pieces like sofas and armchairs.
Available in a wide range of colors, velvet is particularly striking in deep jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and rich burgundy—perfect for creating a statement in your living room.
How to Use Velvet
Velvet works beautifully for reupholstering large furniture items such as a sofa, creating a centerpiece for the room. Pair a velvet sofa with sleek metal accents or a glass coffee table for a modern luxe look.
You can also incorporate velvet through smaller touches, such as cushions or ottomans, to introduce a hint of luxury without overwhelming the space.
2. Silk: Timeless Elegance with a Luxurious Feel
Silk is a classic choice when it comes to achieving a high-end, luxurious living room makeover. Known for its sheen and smooth texture, silk fabric instantly elevates the ambiance of any space.
While traditionally used for drapery, silk can also be used in furniture upholstery and decorative cushions, adding a refined touch to the room.
Why Silk Works
Silk is prized for its luxurious, natural shine and delicate feel. It has a reflective quality that catches the light, making it perfect for brightening up a room and creating an air of sophistication. Although it is less durable than some other fabrics, it’s perfect for accent pieces that don’t experience heavy wear and tear.
How to Use Silk
In a luxe living room, silk can be used in a variety of ways. It is most commonly employed in window treatments, where its shimmering texture can create a beautiful, flowing effect.
Silk can also be used for accent cushions or as an upholstery fabric for more decorative pieces like a chaise lounge or side chair. Complement silk elements with metallic finishes, crystal lighting fixtures, and plush rugs to maximize the luxe appeal.
3. Morris & Co. Fabrics: Timeless Patterns with Heritage Charm
When looking for a designer fabric that blends history, craftsmanship, and luxury, Morris & Co. fabrics are an excellent choice.
Founded by British designer William Morris, this fabric house is known for intricate patterns inspired by nature, often featuring motifs like flowers, birds, and vines. Morris & Co. fabrics are perfect for creating a luxe yet grounded living room that celebrates traditional elegance with a modern twist.
Why Morris & Co. Works
Morris & Co.’s fabrics are not only visually stunning but also evoke a sense of heritage and artistry. Their intricate designs add texture and depth to a room, while their nature-inspired themes can work beautifully in both classic and contemporary settings. The earthy tones and muted color palette typical of Morris & Co. fabrics offer warmth and sophistication, making them ideal for a luxe living room makeover.
How to Use Morris & Co. Fabrics
Morris & Co. fabrics are perfect for upholstery, particularly on accent chairs, sofas, and cushions. The intricate patterns can serve as a focal point in the room, offering a nod to tradition while still feeling fresh and modern. Pair Morris & Co. fabrics with rich wood furniture, antique brass details, and soft, neutral tones to create a balanced, luxurious space.
4. Jacquard: Rich Patterns with Textural Depth
Jacquard fabrics are known for their elaborate woven patterns and luxurious textures, making them a go-to for creating an elegant, high-end living room. The intricate patterns are woven directly into the fabric rather than printed on, giving it a dimensional quality that adds depth to any space.
Why Jacquard Works
The beauty of jacquard lies in its detailed, raised patterns, which add an element of grandeur to your living room. Available in a wide array of designs, from classic florals to modern geometrics, jacquard fabric offers versatility while maintaining a sense of luxury. Its heavy weight and durability make it an ideal choice for upholstering furniture that will see regular use, such as sofas and armchairs.
How to Use Jacquard
Use jacquard for large furniture pieces like sofas, sectionals, or even drapery to create a regal ambiance. Its richly textured surface can act as a visual anchor for the room, especially when paired with complementary solid-colored fabrics. For a cohesive look, balance jacquard’s complexity with simpler, streamlined furnishings and accessories in neutral or metallic tones. This will prevent the room from feeling too busy while maintaining a sense of opulence.
5. Leather: Timeless Durability with Modern Sophistication
For those seeking a luxe makeover with an emphasis on durability and style, leather is an unbeatable option. Leather is a timeless material that adds both texture and sophistication to a living room. Whether you’re going for a sleek, modern vibe or a warm, traditional feel, leather can effortlessly elevate the overall design of your space.
Why Leather Works
Leather is not only durable and easy to maintain, but it also develops a beautiful patina over time, which adds to its charm and appeal.
Available in various finishes, from smooth and polished to distressed, leather can be used to create a variety of aesthetics. Whether you prefer a classic brown leather sofa or a bold statement piece in white or black, leather exudes a sense of sophistication and luxury that few other materials can match.
How to Use Leather
Leather is ideal for large seating areas such as sofas and sectionals. Pair a leather sofa with soft throw blankets and textured cushions for contrast, or incorporate leather in smaller doses with accent chairs and ottomans. To soften the look of leather, add plush area rugs and plenty of layered textiles, creating a balance between the sleekness of the leather and the coziness of the surrounding decor.
How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Luxe Living Room Makeover
When selecting the perfect fabric for your luxe living room, it’s important to consider both the aesthetic and practical aspects of each material. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- Durability: If you have a busy household with kids or pets, opt for durable fabrics like leather or jacquard, which can withstand daily wear and tear.
- Texture: Luxe spaces are all about layering textures. Mix and match smooth fabrics like silk with heavier, textured materials like velvet or jacquard to create depth and richness.
- Color: For a luxe look, consider rich, saturated colors like deep blues, greens, and burgundies. Neutral tones can also work well, especially when paired with metallic accents or bold patterns.
- Pattern vs. Solid: If your room has a lot of patterns in other elements like rugs or art, opt for solid fabrics to keep the space balanced. Conversely, if the room is more minimalist, a bold, patterned fabric like Morris & Co. can add a luxurious focal point.
Conclusion
Transforming your living room into a luxurious retreat starts with choosing the right fabrics. Whether you opt for the opulent allure of velvet, the refined elegance of silk, the heritage charm of Morris & Co., the textured depth of jacquard, or the timeless sophistication of leather, each fabric brings its own unique qualities to the space. By incorporating these designer fabrics into your furniture and decor, you can create a living room that exudes both comfort and luxury—an inviting space where you can relax in style.
