Step Four: Tailoring, Treatments and Toss Pillows

Custom upholstery adds a new dimension to your design talents. The final details --- tailoring, treatments and toss pillows --- are crucial in determining the end result.

Ask your upholsterer to show you samples of how the cushions can be tailored. (i.e., knife edges, box welted and weltless, Turkish corners, waterfalls and hand-sewn are among the finishes available. Finalize treatments for the arms (i.e., round arm tuxedo, square arm tuxedo, roll arm, and flair arm, to name a few) the bases and legs (Plinth? Upholstered, painted or laminated? Will the radius corner have a recessed bull nose base? Harem? Upholstered Bun feet? Parsons legs? Castors?)

If there is to be a skirt, how will it be treated? Kickpleat, dressmaker's, pleated corners, ruffles? What about the overall upholstering? Will it be tufted (diamond and biscuit), hand channeled, quilted, trapuntal? And, what form, if any, will the final topstitching take? (Double needle? French-style back, fox edge?)

When choosing toss pillows, talk with the upholsterer about how they will be used. Do they have to hold up for a family of five? Ask questions. A good upholsterer will cheerfully answer your questions and respond quickly to your special requirements.

Your design reputation is on the line. Never allow yourself to be intimidated or pushed into a hasty decision.