Quck answer
1. Choose high-quality materials: Opt for luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, or leather to instantly elevate the look of your seating.
2. Add decorative pillows: Incorporate plush and embellished pillows in coordinating colors to create a more opulent and inviting seating arrangement.
3. Use statement pieces: Invest in a few standout furniture pieces, such as a tufted sofa or an elegant armchair, to make a bold statement and enhance the luxurious feel.
4. Layer textures: Mix and match different textures, such as a faux fur throw or a silky rug, to add depth and richness to your seating area.
5. Incorporate metallic accents: Introduce metallic elements, like gold or silver accents, through accessories or furniture legs to give your seating a glamorous touch.
6. Pay attention to details: Small details like decorative nailheads or intricate stitching can make a big difference in creating a high-end look.
7. Keep it clean and clutter-free: Regularly clean and maintain your seating area, and avoid overcrowding it with unnecessary items to maintain a polished and luxurious appearance.
If you’re seeking a simple way to upgrade your living space, pay attention to your seating area. This includes furniture such as sofas, loveseats, dining chairs, and benches, among others. These pieces are significant elements in your home, so it’s only logical to give them some extra attention.
The good news is that you can achieve this even if you’re on a tight budget. Below, discover how to make your seating area look expensive and high-end, as recommended by interior designers.
1. Revitalize your chairs by reupholstering them.
Often, the fabric on vintage and secondhand chairs may need some care, according to Katie Simpson, a senior interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to reupholster the fabric, even if you’re not particularly crafty. “All you need is new fabric, a staple gun, and maybe some extra foam to provide additional padding for the seat,” explains Simpson. She also suggests checking out upholstery tutorials available on YouTube.
2. Incorporate pillows and soft blankets.
“If your sofa looks worn out due to pets, kids, or countless movie nights, a simple solution is to refresh its appearance with new pillows and extra plush throw blankets,” says Simpson. “This will help conceal any marks and draw attention to the accessories.”
3. Update the legs.
“Replace the existing legs of your seating with metal ones,” suggests Kenzie Leon Perry, an interior designer and the founder of Ze Haus. This will give your seating area a luxurious and modern look. If you prefer not to replace the legs, Perry recommends painting them with a metallic finish to create the illusion of expensive seating.
4. Add nail heads.
“Enhance the finishing touches by adding nail heads along the bottom edge of the upholstery,” advises Perry. This will give your seating a tailored and polished appearance. The best part is that nail heads come in various shapes and finishes, so you’re sure to find something that complements your style.
5. Decorate with a faux sheepskin throw.
To achieve a luxurious feel, decorate your seating area with a faux sheepskin throw. As Peyton Helsen, an interior designer at Rumor Designs, suggests, “Simply drape a small piece of faux fur over the back of a couple of chairs to create a cozy and luxurious seating area. This adds texture and is especially comforting during the winter months.”
6. Clean your upholstery.
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Case in point: Having your dirty upholstery professionally cleaned can make a significant difference, according to designer Pamela O’Brien of Pamela Hope Designs. “Not only does it remove stains and odors, but it also revitalizes the fabric, making the upholstery look newer,” she explains. (By the way, “pile” in this context refers to the raised surface of the fabric.)
7. Avoid matching sets.
“An easy way to make your seating area look more expensive is to incorporate different shapes, colors, and textures,” says Lauren DeBello, an interior designer and the founder of Lauren DeBello Interiors. “For example, if you have a solid, neutral couch, bring in armchairs with a bold pattern.” Another option is to display high-end dining chairs at the ends of a table and place vintage wooden benches along the sides. “This introduces different textures to the space and helps elevate the room as a whole,” DeBello advises.
