If your sofa is looking a little tired but you’re not ready to give
up on it just yet, try one of these easy updates. You might be surprised
how easy it is to teach an old sofa some new tricks.
New Throw Pillows
The easiest and likely least expensive option is to get some new throw pillows.
Throw pillows have the power to transform the ambiance in almost
unlimited ways. You can play with pattern, shape, size and material. If
you currently have something neutral or dark go for bright and bold; if
you’ve got a floral pattern try something geometric; and if you have a
material that’s rough opt instead for something soft. Throw pillows come
in every imaginable style so there’s no limit to what you can do.
Add Some Nailhead Trim
If
you’ve got a plain Jane sofa and you want it to look more formal a
surefire way to do it is to add some nailhead trim. Simply determine the
lines of the sofa you want to accent and then nail in the tacks (try to
place them at even intervals of roughly ½ inch).
Just be sure to choose a solid part of the frame so
you’ve got a solid foundation to nail the trim into. And it should go
without saying that you cannot do this on a slipcovered piece – only on
one that’s upholstered.
Stuff Saggy Cushions
If
your sofa is looking saggy there’s a good chance you can make it look
better by stuffing the cushions. Now don’t just shove a bunch of cotton
batting in there because it will result in a lumpy cushion. Instead,
take off the cover (most sofas these days have removable covers) and
wrap the cushion in a layer or two of quilt batting or foam wrap. If you
find it shifts around a bit secure it using a spray adhesive. And if
you find there are still a few saggy spots, now is the time to fill them
with extra pieces of cotton batting. Easy peasy.
Switch Out the Legs
Yes,
it’s true! You can give your sofa a subtle but effective new look by
switching out the legs. Most sofas sold these days are not made of a
single frame construction. In many cases the sofa seats, backs and arms
are manufactured as one piece and then the legs are screwed in after. So
if you want to make a change it’s really easy. Can’t find new legs you
like? Simply spray paint the old ones to a new color and you’ll be
pleasantly surprised at the difference.
Cover it Up
Slip
your sofa into something more comfortable (and more stylish!) in order
to give it a fresh new look. Slipcovers aren’t as expensive as they used
to be (although they’re still not cheap) and they’re available in a
huge variety of fabrics and colors. You can have them custom made if you
want the perfect fit, or you can buy something in a standard size for a
looser fit. And if you have an IKEA sofa you’re in luck – there are a few companies who make slipcovers specifically for IKEA furniture.
Change What’s Around It
This
isn’t a sofa hack per se, but sometimes you can completely update a
piece simply by changing what’s around it. Try some new art on the wall
over the sofa, some new wallpaper on the wall behind it, or even new
side tables and lamps on either side of it. When it's surrounded by
different and beautiful things, your sofa might just look a little
different and beautiful too!
By Lauren Flanagan
Family & Living Rooms Expert
