I bought the velvet yesterday at JEM. It's really hard to photograph because it has a bit of a sheen to it and the color changes in the light (love).
So the real question is - do I do a black welting or just a self welt? I'm worried about making piping with the velvet (it's tricky because it's so thick and velvet pile often rolls weird), but also I think black linen would look pretty amazing!
What would you do?
I would totally go with black. Contrasting piping is such a wonderful touch, but one that it seems few are willing to do. GO FOR IT!
ReplyDeleteI would do the black linen!
ReplyDeleteIt will look gorgeous with the velvet.
Black linen would look amazing!
ReplyDeleteBlack linen all the way! Can't wait to see it
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others. Black linen for sure. It would be unexpected and sooooo very chic.
ReplyDeleteYep, black linen!
ReplyDeleteDo the black linen, life is short!
ReplyDeleteWhat about a brown (chocolate ?) welt as that pairs well with blue.
ReplyDeletehttp://not-going-out-like-that.com/
Happy Birthday! It's going to be gorgeous with the black linen.
ReplyDeleteWhat about a chocolate brown for the welting ?
ReplyDeleteMajority speaks for itself, I suppose! I couldn't agree more. Can't wait to see this! Oh, and Happy, happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric, it looks splendid! I prefer the velvet!
I'm going to go against everyone and say self welt. It will look so much more classic with that velvet. Can't wait to see the finished product!
ReplyDeleteHeidi
www.therusticmodernist.com
First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jenny! Hope you have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I like a self-welt, honestly (I'm totally in the minority judging by the other comments so far). It's not as bold as black linen piping, but the pretty velvet can stand all on its own.
Happy birthday! Definitely the black linen
ReplyDeleteJenny — just curious what type of sewing machine you use since all those layers of velvet will be pretty thick. Thanks! Love the color, I've been thinking of doing a chair in a peacock velvet.
ReplyDeleteI am going to go against the majority as well. I think it will be much more versatile in the end if you use the velvet instead of black piping.... and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! I would go with self welt. I would tire of the black-actually, the contrast is what I would get tired of not the black itself.
ReplyDeleteOOOH the black sounds super snazzy- although the all-over velvet might be a little more timeless....
ReplyDeleteDo the black! So sassy!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amandadovewells.com/?p=1892
I'm going with self welt same color. You're making an investment of time and money. This piece will be timeless.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for black linen, it's a safer bet than the velvet, but still fantastic in contrast.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
Black! I also like the chocolate brown suggestion. Black seems very now.
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd pass this along...my mom is an interior designer and used to teach textiles at a community college. She LOVES linen. Uses it as much as possible. However, I do remember her telling me that for some reason it seems to wear particularly bad when used in welting. She told me if I ever to a linen sofa to do the welting in a different fabric. Perhaps you've had a different experience, but just thought I'd share.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think either would look great.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNY!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of black linen seems very 'you'
i would do the welt in a fabric that works better than the velvet but i would match that fab to the velvet-
ReplyDeletefor me, contrasting piping is okay in slipcovers but not upholstery-
john in nc
Black linen would look killer!
ReplyDeleteI would do navy or kelly green piping. Black looks too harsh/ cartoonish to me for some reason. But I am often surprised by finished product/ after the fact.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny, first of all, as a designer myself, I love your blog! Secondly, I would definitely go for a self-welt for the reasons mentioned by others (timeless, classic, investment piece, versatility). But personally, my choice would a linen welt in a the same tone of peacock, if you can find it! That would be really special, and still keep the look clean! Good luck! Can't wait to see the results, whatever you choose.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the black linen, or maybe a synthetic fiber linen look-a-like so it wears better. I feel like linen can be so fragile. I love the color combo, it's going to look great!
ReplyDeleteSelf welt, hands down.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
We share a birthday! Yeah for 10/11/12!
ReplyDeleteblack, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a contrast piping. I think ultimately it all depends on what other pillows you'll be using and making sure to bring in the linen texture in other places in the room.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Happy Birthday!
Is that bella fabric in pool? I upholstered two chair for my mom with that fabric and let me tell you it is indistructible, great choice for a sofa! I prefer the self welt myself because I feel like the black linen is a little harsh year round (although perfect for fall!)
ReplyDeleteLove the black -- I like contrast piping.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you and me -- this is a fun one to write out since it's 10-11-12! Enjoy your day! We are celebrating with coconut cupcakes here.
Happy birthday jenny! Wishing you a healthy and happy year. I bought this same fabric from JEM and covered two chairs. Love it. Self welt
ReplyDeleteI'm for the self welt too! I like a classic look :) And EVERYONE will remember a sofa with such a bold contrast welt and I like people to be surprised by a different "look" when they come back over even though most often all I've done is change accessories/pillows around!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and good luck with the reupholstery! You are a brave woman!
Happy Birthday, fellow Libra (mine is on the 12th)! I think the black linen would be a wonderful POP, along with some gorgeous pillows you'll add. Exciting :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty fabric! Happy Birthday & thank you for your constant inspiration!
ReplyDeleteBlack welting ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTraditionally welts are cut on the bias- is that a problem using so much of the velvet fabric? I think a contrasting welt would look awesome!
ReplyDeleteI would use black linen to give textural contrast. It would be a nice touch (literally too!) to sit down and see piping without a sheen. Linen so lovely to look at.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can do it, you can.
ReplyDeleteHappy B-day to you!!!!!!!
pve
so beautiful! i have a chair in a similar color and i did navy piping. its perfect!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! Go for the black linen- would be amazing. Can't wait to see the finished job!
ReplyDeleteToday is my Birthday too... Happy happy day to us!
ReplyDeleteself welt - the black would be too "designer-y" in my opinion and it's a nice classic sofa.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I'm echoing everyone else, but I would totally do the black linen welt. It will look amazing. Can't wait to see your results!!
ReplyDeleteblack would be stunning!
ReplyDeletetaraandris.com
black linen!
ReplyDeleteI think that it would look awesome with velvet piping! I would be worried that I wouldn't like the black piping long enough to warrant all the work! Do you sew your piping on the bias? It makes the piping so much easier to work with! Can't wait to see the finished product! The velvet is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday!! and a contrasting welt totally seems like it would be more your style. can't wait to see how it turns out!!
ReplyDeleteA blue velvet sofa is my dream. A blue velvet sofa with black linen piping? Even better.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Everything you do always looks great so I'm sure you'll come up with a solution to the piping! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!!! Wishing a beautiful day!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd get sick of the black after a while...I say go with a self welt OR have you thought about a lime green or chartreuse???
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteblack or brown ,maybe not linen as there seems enough feedback about wear but not self welt it might be timeless but something tells me you'll be changing it up in the future that's just your thing, go with your gut, of all the risks you can take in life, this is a no brainer! go for it.
I'd save the black piping for accent pillows and use the same color velvet welting on the sofa.
ReplyDeleteBTW - what is that fabric? It's stunning!
I would definitely go with the black piping. It would make it look much nicer.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jenny!
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your sewing skills. Without seeing the rest of your room and the look you are trying to create I would hestitate to recommend either but on it's own I love the idea of black piping with the blue velvet. I think you have to think in terms of "competition". Will the sofa have a dominant dramatic role in the room or do you already have that going on somewhere else. The black would definitely draw the eye. I can't wait to see what you ultimately choose.
k
Black!!!
ReplyDeleteBlack would be SO fabulous! Contrast piping is ALWAYS a good idea :-)
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for self welt.
ReplyDeleteAs someone above said- timeless, versatile, classic.
If it was something smaller and less work like a side chair I would say go for it. But for the amount of time and investment, I would go for classic. The black just seems so harsh and almost kinda 80s to me. Like you've been watching too much Saved by the Bell and got confused.
I would have the piping professionally made and do self.
ReplyDeleteblack piping! :)
ReplyDeleteI just had a sofa reupholstered in apple green velvet with the same as piping. It looks great.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jenny! My vote goes to black piping.
ReplyDeleteLive Inspired,
Heidi Chamoun
Athousandlaughingstarfish.blogspot.com
black linen. look at all your black accents you have in the room. it will all tie together nicely.
ReplyDeleteOh there are tons of responses. I think the black linen would be too much of a contrast and you might get tired of it. I would do a matching or contrasting but not so dark welt or piping and try a touch of black trim on a cushion. The colour is gorgeous and would look nice with browns, greys and teals as well.
ReplyDeleteBlack would be gorgeous! and happy happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteIf i was as adventurous as you, I would definitely go with the black piping but I'm a scaredy cat so I would probably stick with velvet.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday!!
ReplyDeletei love contrasting piping too and the bonus of that [besides it looking awesome] is that a welt with linen would be so easy to sew. i am also debating fabric for my couch...and i def want to use contrasting fabric for welt
Happy Birthday Jenny! Your blog is seriously my favorite thing on the internet. I love your style, your projects, and your sweet little family. Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us throughout the year, the world is a prettier place with you in it!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the trim goes, I think the black would look fantastic and emphasize the sofa's tailored look. Go for it!
If it's on the poofier side, I'd totally go with the black, if not I think the self-welt would be nicer. Are you planning on doing the upholstery yourself? I just got a similar sofa that I really need to reupholster, and would love a walk-through on the blog. That chair one you did is still my go-to!
ReplyDeleteBlack! Black! It will look so stunning and classy.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!! I think the black piping would be gorgeous and classy!
ReplyDeleteBlack!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteBlack piping for sure!!
ReplyDeleteHappy bday!
I think self-welt....and I have to 2nd one or two others on PLEEEASE give us a sofa reupholstery tutorial! I have a raggedy looking sofa that's been sitting on my front porch for the last couple weeks, begging me to recover it, but there are a few aspects to it that are scaring me and I'd love a walk through.... Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhy not try the black on a section; then if it doesn't turn out self welt.
ReplyDeleteI did not get a good look at the lines of the sofa; could another option be nailhead trim in brass?
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Black linen baby! Such a modern contrast to the gorgeous old school velvet (my favorite fabric!). It's going to look divine.
ReplyDeleteBlack!!! Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHi! I would definitely go with black welting, but for the material, it depends-- are you doing the reupholstery yourself? I just reupholstered some faux bamboo chairs and did contrast navy blue velvet welting on the T-cushions and it's so luxurious and just a gorgeous look. BUT it was a huge headache, because like you said, it can roll a bit when you're trying to get sharp corners, AND with how thick velvet is, it was VERY hard on my machine (I broke at least 6 needles, and that is stress right there). BUT, if you're going to hire out, I'm sure the professionals can handle those little issues. In the end the velvet was worth it to me, but it was a really big headache. If you're doing it yourself, I'm sure black linen would also provide plenty of punch too! Whatever you do will be fabulous, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I have a dark charcoal velvet sofa with black welt and it's gorgeous! Do the black!
ReplyDeleteblack linen!!!!! and happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday hope you are having a fabulous day.
ReplyDeleteThe black linen piping will look fantastic, go for it, I say. :)
That velevt is beautiful. x
Happy Birthday hope you are having a fabulous day.
ReplyDeleteThe black linen piping will look fantastic, go for it, I say. :)
That velevt is beautiful. x
Yes, to the black linen but you know you can buy pre-made velvet piping> bought black velvet pre-made piping for my throw pillows on my sofa that looks amazing. I live in Canada and found it by the yard at Fabricland but I am sure you can buy it in the US.
ReplyDeleteYou can see the pillow here: http://www.markovadesign.com/2012/07/one-room-challenge-week-four.html
Happy Birthday! Any way you can provide a source for that fabric?? I have been searching everywhere for the right blue velvet!
ReplyDeleteblack! :) Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteOctober babies are the best (my birthday is today).
And my vote goes to black linen!
A very happy birthday!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!!! Today is my son's 2nd birthday so it's extra special around here too :) I say go for it on the welt. It will look so crazy polished.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for black. Hmm, your sofa would look perfect in my own living room either way! I need to get the courage up to try a reupholstery project myself. Piping and box cushions intimidate me. Hope you have a great birthday!
ReplyDeleteI have this dilemma hanging over me regarding a wing chair and deep green mohair velvet. I discussed it with my upholsterer and he said the density of the velvet AND the depth of the pile is the deciding factor in whether or not to self-welt. A deep pile velvet or one that is NOT dense looks terrible as a welt, so on that score, you can decide accordingly.
ReplyDeleteAs for contrast welting, I agree with those that say the black might be too cold and harsh of a contrast and might age badly with children. If you want the contrast, I agree that brown would set off the blue nicely, giving that graphic look without looking harsh against that delicate blue. If you don't want to be locked in, then a different blue or even a gray for interest is the way to go, variety without the very specific look that a black or brown would produce. Blues and grays would allow for almost any kind of pillows to be used down the road.
Happy Birthday, Jenny! Hope you have a great day. Can't wait to see what you pick, I know it will be fabulous.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday...!!!!!! Enjoy the day with your family.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for the black linen.
my vote is for the velvet welt. I love that fabric!
ReplyDeletego for the black trim for sure, it will elevate it to Not-Just-Any-Velvet-Sofa! and Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is on Sunday! I hope you have a relaxing weekend!
ReplyDeleteAlthough, everyone loves the black linen, I think the velvet would just be so classic. Can't wait to see the sofa once complete!
I would do self-welting because that is a large piece. I'd save the contrast piping for a smaller piece (chair or pillows). I love the idea of it but I think it may be too much statement.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see that we share a birthday! Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHey Jenny, I reupholstered my own sofa in velvet with velvet piping and getting all of that fabric through my sewing machine was such a pain!!! Piping in linen might save you a BIG headache.
ReplyDeleteGo black - it will be such a cool twist!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, great choice on the fabric!
ReplyDeleteI would hesitate to do the black welt. It will limit your choices in the future if you ever want to redecorate, move the sofa to a different room, etc. i think a self welt would look fantastic, but if you want some contrast why not add the welt in a slightly darker tone than the velvet? That way it's still timeless, but fun too!
That being said, I'm sure no matter what you choose will look fantastic. It's hard to go wrong when your working with such fantastic lines and amazing fabric.
Love the contrast!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderfully happy birthday!!
Self welt. Velvet is gorgeous on it's own. Although I'm sure that black would be gorgeous too.
ReplyDeleteI go with black linen too. It will look contemporary and modern. That blue fabric looks fading in a way. I don't know. That's just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteEagan Fitness Center
Happy-happy birthday!! I hope you have a wonderful time with your family....I love your blog :)
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I cant wait to see what you come up with. My vote is for the black linen ;-)
ReplyDeleteWendy-
self welt! It may not be on trend, but it seems more timeless?
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! (although a day late :) I hope it was wonderful!) I love the idea of the contrast, but after reading some other comments think if it is going to be a long term piece a self welt might be a better idea. Can't wait to see what you decide!
ReplyDeleteWho won the RUG giveaway?
ReplyDeleteTwo thumbs up for the black linen!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jenny. I am glad you are feeling better. I went through a similar sudden health crisis last year and it really does turn things upside & take a while to get better. Take it easy.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was working in the furniture industry I designed a chair for myself using linen. The linen wore out very quickly on the arms and especially the piping. It did not hold up well. I like the idea of contrast, but as much as I love linen, I am not a fan for upholstered furniture anymore.
I would self welt or find a fabric easier to work with in the same color as the velvet. I find when I do something like a contrasting welt, or patchwork, or paint trim a contrasting color, (although it would be great looking), I get tired of it or it soon looks dated. You'll get more mileage our of the classic look.
ReplyDeleteWould black duckcloth be too heavy of a texture for the welting/piping?
ReplyDeleteIf your heart is set on a contrast welt, why not consider leather? Comes in scads of colors and thicknesses and wears well.
ReplyDeleteDo the black piping!!! No doubt in my mind that is the best option!
ReplyDelete