One of my favorite furniture shops is Quatrine in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. Lookiloos has written about them before. Since 1989, Gina Quatrine and her team have become the gold standard on custom slip covered furniture. I seriously love their plush chairs, vast collection of high end fabrics and luxurious home accents.
With a house full of kids, I never had the nerve to buy a “good couch” because I thought my kids would ruin it in mere moments of arriving at my home. So for years my hand-me down sofa was simply covered in a slip cover that didn’t really fit and looked frumpy.
Recently I had the chance to ask San Francisco store manager, Cara Samski, about the basics in picking the perfect piece of furniture that can stand the test of time (and children and pets) and look stylish.
Choosing a new sofa can be overwhelming, what are some things to keep in mind when choosing a style?
The first priority is comfort. For that, you must actually sit in the piece and see how it feels. Decide if it fits your body. Do your feet touch the ground? Does your arm rest? Do you sink into a soft pillow, or do you sit atop a firm cushion? Even with 50 styles to choose from, once you sit in the pieces, you’ll know what you like right away.
What are the benefits of purchasing a slip covered couch or chair?
Washability. All of the sudden the idea of a huge, elegant stark white linen sofa for your 3 dogs to lounge on isn’t so crazy anymore. Also, it is more economical to purchase new slipcovers when you re-decorate or move throughout the years than to purchase new furniture. Many of our customers enjoy owning 2 or 3 slipcovers for their favorite piece to change looks whenever the mood strikes.
Are there any new trends in slip covered furniture?
Often when people think about slipcovers, they think “loose fitting, droopy dragging things”. Many people these days are looking for more tailored and modern styles, but assume that is not possible with something slip covered. In a shop like Quatrine, you could bring a photo of your favorite ultra modern new style, and not only will we make it, we will make it washable! There are no zippers, buttons or ties.
Favorite fabric?
Velvet! Everything is better in velvet. And velvet you can throw in your washing machine?! Nothing is better than that!
Quatrine Furniture
355 Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415.345.8590
Fax: 415.318.8649
www.quatrine.com
Photos courtesy of Quatrine.
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Hi, what is the fabric called on the Veranda chair? thanks Wendy