Covering these sofas

Alison
by Alison
Hi everyone!
For a while now I have hated our new home and we are finally getting around to decorating. The first thing to go was the sofa, which has been replaced by a vintage Parker Knoll sofa with matching armchairs.
Whilst not the prettiest three piece suite, it is in true Parker Knoll style, the most comfortable thing I have ever had the pleasure to sit on. I also see potential in these sofas, regardless of their deeply old fashioned bad taste.
So... Here's my question... Finally!! I don't know if I should cover these sofas (see attached photo) with a stretchy cover in a grey or neutral tone and include a nice throw/some cushions OR should I find completely different sofas?
I hate to say it but the whirlwind of insults I received on a different website have bizarrely really got to me and is making me doubt my sofa, putting me right back at square one of the frustrating sofa situation... :/
Any advice will be great. Even if you just hate the sofas!! Lol!
So I have a bit of a thing for old and ugly furniture. I simply love the style and I can see potential in even the most hideous of pieces. Much to my other half's distress, I find myself bringing home things that look like they were born under a rock whilst repeatedly telling him to "trust me" or "you need to believe... Just imagine..."
I am new here and after a particularly horrible experience on a similar website where a few people got the wrong end of the stick, assumed I was a terrible person and hurled a load of rude comments in my direction about my home, my ugly sofas and even my personality, I'm a little bit nervous and somewhat reluctant to post again but... It's worth another try, it seems a bit more down to earth and laid back on here :)
I know my living room is for me and no one else but I'm really in a pickle in the sofa department.
  4 answers
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Aug 24, 2016
    Hi Alison! If the fabric itself is not worn or torn, then is it really necessary to cover it up? Part of the beauty of this style is the tufted button backs- throwing a stretchy cover on it will cover those and make the pieces more ordinary. If you can work with the color (they look gold in the photos), then you certainly could build an entire room around these pieces! Not familiar with Parker Knoll, but these look mid-70's to me, so you could add mid-century decor and make a really fun space! Good luck- and don't let the haters get to you- it is your space and your butt that will be sitting in them!
    • Alison Alison on Aug 24, 2016
      Hi Su, thanks for your reply! I see exactly what you mean... The tufting is a huge part of this suite and I would hate to lose that style. I think it's mainly the colour that is an issue. We want our colour scheme to be soft greys, pastels, etc but our sofas are surprisingly darker than they appear in the photo and much bigger. I reckon a nice throw and some cushions might just do the job instead of completely wiping out their style :)
  • Jart37 Jart37 on Aug 24, 2016
    Alison, This is your home, forget those who troll to be mean. Frankly, I gee nothing wrong with the set. If you want to change for a while or holidays get a cover otherwise, pillows, throws or whatever you like, what happened that our homes have to be like someone else likes/wants it to be. Enjoy your great furniture.
    • Alison Alison on Aug 24, 2016
      Thank You Jart37 for your honesty. That's the exact same my other half has said... Our homes are for us, no one else. It's easy to get caught up in all of those professional photos of outstanding living rooms but in reality, no one's living room is ever like that! This site is soo much better and so down to earth. As I reply to your comment, I'm buying a lovely throw! x
  • William William on Aug 24, 2016
    Why buy a sofa suite just to cover them up?! These are classic and timeless. The tufted backs are the allure and elegance of the pieces. Even though you want neutrals in your color scheme, adding one or two bright colors in accessories will tie the room together. A colorful throw, geometric pillows, glassware, a colorful tray on a cocktail table, etc., will blend the room.
  • IFortuna IFortuna on Aug 24, 2016
    These are beautiful pieces. I think adding a multi color on beige area rug would perk up the room. Colorful throw pillows that tie into the colors on the rug would look nice. other furniture and accessories will go a long way in your loving this room. Some colorful artwork on the walls will change the focal point of the room and create interest. If you have ever watched the Scott brothers on HGTV, you can witness how great they can make a room look with simple additions. Pay close attention to wall treatments, pillows, rugs and placement of vases and flowers. Lighting is also a consideration to spot light certain areas, down lights, up lights, table lamps, etc. Your sofa and chairs are fine, just add accessories. : )