Upholstery, Draperies, and Rugs: Soft Furnishings Round Out the Look of Your Tuscan Home
Posted By Mary Freeland on July 24, 2010
When many people hear the words “natural” and “décor” in the same sentence, they have a tendency to focus on obviously natural materials like wood and stone. And while it’s important to integrate these two crucial Tuscan materials into your living room design, it’s also important to remember that the softer parts of your interior design can look and feel natural, too. Whether you choose a cotton fabric for your draperies or a vineyard-inspired print for your upholstery, your Tuscan home has to include soft furnishings as well as the beautiful-but-hard appearance of wood and stone.
Draperies
Although often used sparingly to avoid obscuring the view of the outdoors, draperies can none-the-less play an important role in your Tuscan living room. From framing the scenery outside to softening the hard lines of the window frame to even helping absorb sound, window treatments can ensure the harder aspects of the space are thoroughly mitigated. While the sky’s the limit when it comes to patterns, designs, and fabrics for window coverings, simple flowing styles typically work the best in Mediterranean-inspired homes. Easy enough to dress up or down with your fabric selection, simple curtains and window draperies convey a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that’s just right for inviting friends and family in to sit awhile.
Furniture
Ever sit in a hard wooden chair for more than a few minutes? Wondering why no one ever curls up on a rigid stone bench with a good book? Discomfort is all you’ll achieve if you furnish your Tuscan living room only with hard chairs and benches made of wood and stone. For a room that’s cozy, you’ll want to incorporate plenty of upholstered chairs and sofas for hours of relaxation and comfortable gatherings. Leave the wood and stone for tables, floors, hearths, and other parts of your Tuscan décor and fill your space with seats that invite everyone in to put their feet up and relax.
Rugs
With the focus on hardwood and natural stone floors, many home decorators make the mistake of thinking that rugs are taboo in Tuscan décor. But the truth is just the opposite! Rugs can help warm up a cold stone floor, visually as well as tactilely, and can even trap the echoes so common in spaces with hard floors. A gorgeous addition to both casual and formal Tuscan living rooms, appropriate rugs can span the gamut from country rag rugs to formal oriental carpets. Choose the one that’s right for your personality, but don’t forget to add a rug to your newly redecorated space for great comfort and great looks!
If you’re in the market for Tuscan accessories and furnishings, don’t forget to visit Tuscan Home Décor & Design, a leading online retailer for great Tuscan accents at prices that won’t break the bank.
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