This vintage auto upholstery for 50s and 60s Fords, Chevys and Chryslers would be good for any number of upholstery projects – and each design appears to be available in multiple yardages, at a reasonable price. There is certainly nothing more durable than auto upholstery. I love the colors and textures, too.
I RECENTLY STUMBLED upon this company, C.F. Stinson, which seems to carry upholstery weight vinyl in about 2000 styles and colors. I am not kidding. For example, this very classic, retro-style “Avant” line, which reminds me of vintage naugahyde, comes in 110 colors alone. Surely one is just right to reupholster your vintage Daystrom or Arvin dinette? In addition, there are many other more ‘decorative’ styles. Heck yeah there is more…
Shelly found a wonderful Danish Modern side chair and wants some ideas for upholstery. She writes:
Hey there!
Just wanted to share my $8.50 Goodwill find….the original upholstery was still in tact on the seat, but unfortunately gone from the top…it’s marked Dux, original import made in Sweden…I would love to know more about it, and what fabric you think would be appropriate for reupholstering??? Thanks so much! Shelly
I feel like I’ve been ignoring “traditional” this past while, so today we look at a tried, true and ever-lasting classic: Chintz. Also known as polished cotton, chintz is lightweight yet still has come stiffness – great “hand”. It takes prints very well and is beloved for florals like cabbage roses.
If you are handy with the sewing machine, or have some extra dough re mi, chintz makes awesome draperies (the ‘hand’ makes them hang well) as well as the best summer slipcovers that feel oh-so-nice and cool against bare skin. Slipcovers were a midcentury (and earlier) staple in a society where furniture was not so disposable. I bought, like 23 yards for a $3/yard last year at a fabulous outlet store in Springfield, Mass. My chintz is a truly outrageous 60s style print, and while I haven’t got to the slipcover for my vintage rumpus room sectional, the dream lives.
Iconic designers like Sister Parish were famous for their love of chintzes. Check out a book on her at your local library – you can learn a lot from these interiors.
Welcome to RetroRenovation.com -- your daily dose of mid century renovation resources... design inspiration... fun finds... and a growing community of people all interested in restoring, preserving and cherishing their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s homes. Kitchens like this 1946 American-Standard brand...well, they were just the start.