For a speedy upgrade, upholsterer Micaela Sharp favours woven trimmings. Her tip? Load up the glue gun and ‘be bold… it’s easier to apply edgings in one go. But remember to glue and fold the edges before you start,’ says Micaela (for more insider hints, she also teaches an online upholstery course at Create Academy).
For luxurious Passementerie consider Samuel & Sons, George Spencer or Jessica Light’s handmade confections. Textile artist Lore Avedian, known for her intricate, botanical motifs, has launched her own range based on travels in Armenia. Less expensive sources include Barnett Lawson, Troynorth or Collybrook. Designer Pabllo de La Cruz likes London haberdasher’s Mac Culloch & Walls. ‘You will have to rummage,’ says Pabllo whose finds include a dashing but ‘divisive’ leopard edge. ‘Am obsessed.’
For budget curtain rails, Olivia Outred uses garden centre bamboo poles, fixed to the wall with a traditional bracket (you can adjust them to fit the pole). ‘We used matching brass curtain rings. The bamboo pole was a perfect addition to these traditional brass fittings, and it all came together very nicely.’ For headboards she likes Mali mudcloths ; ‘An inexpensive solution… we love the deep indigo with white.’
Textile dealer Molly Hogg, specialises in rare 19th and early 20th century weaves sought out by collectors to be framed – or hoarded. Molly encourages clients to put her more imperfect or everyday finds ‘to work’ as upholstery. She takes inspiration from the late, prolific collector, the politician Alistair McAlpine. ‘He filled his homes with textiles; they were for display, and use,’ she says. Kantha quilts, from Bengal in ‘vintage airmail-envelope red and blues’ make talking-point slipcovers; American patchwork quilts lend themselves to curtains, an Ikat weave from Indonesia a blind. For the moth-proofed home, she suggests you try a Welsh blanket (Jen Jones is a specialist) on an ottoman, or headboard.
Removeable slipcovers (beloved by the Georgians) are useful if you have young children, or wine-splashing friends. Romo’s Linara linen, in a multitude of colours, is washable. Wipeable, indoor outdoor fabrics are another possibility; once limited to uninspiring greys or whites, they now come in an array of patterns and colours (try Pierre Frey, C&C Milano, or Perennials). And slips are not just for seating: Nordic Knot’s bedheads come with washable, linen cotton slip covers in demure tones.
For a large hallway, Laura Hanbury stitched Indian throws (try Chloe Jonansen) in contrasting colours to cover a long table, kick pleat corners add a tailored edge. Octavia Dickinson’s room divider, made from primary-hued panels has a similar, Harlequin-esque effect. She recommends adding borders to curtains that need to be pulled back by hand – to withstand wear and tear. Her tip for lampshades: line them in a softer, yellow-ish fabric for a warm glow.