What Fabric Would Be Appropriate for a Traditional Camel Back Sofa?

Traditional

• Though using a traditional camelback sofa in a room with traditional decor is an obvious choice, the look is classic rather than cliche. Patterned fabric options include damask, floral or paisley. Tone-on-tone, imberline or contrasting stripes also complement the camelback shape. Solid fabric is always appropriate, whether in velvet, chenille, wool, silk or a blend. Fabrics with miniature, tone-on-tone repeating patterns function as solids, but the woven or textured patterns add depth.

Contemporary

• Furniture designers sometimes exaggerate or modify the camelback shape to modernize the style, but you can also use a traditional camelback sofa in a contemporary space. In fact, opting for the traditional shape, instead of a modern interpretation, frequently looks more interesting. Using the less obvious choice adds interest and another layer to the room.

  To make a traditional camelback sofa work in your contemporary space, cover it with an attention-getting, patterned fabric, such as a graphic trellis, an exotic ikat, a mid-century geometric or an animal print. Giraffe and zebra patterns look more striking than the ubiquitous leopard and cheetah prints. If you prefer a solid fabric, make it pop with a contrasting welt, which emphasizes the sculpted attributes of the camelback sofa shape.

Bohemian

• Make a traditional camelback sofa look at home in a bohemian setting by upholstering it with embossed or crushed velvet in an outrageous color, a retro-inspired flamestitch or a dizzying, stylized, multicolor floral. You can also get the bohemian look by using artistic textiles, such as an appliqued suzani, wax-resist batik or even your own bathtub tie-dye.
  Since anything goes in bohemian interiors, feel free to use different fabrics for the frame and seat cushion. You can even turn the entire sofa into a crazy patchwork piece.

Casual

• Relax the formal feel of a traditional camelback sofa by covering it in a casual fabric. Solid cotton duck, especially in white or khaki, complements most casual interiors. Add a rustic touch to the classic camelback sofa with earthy burlap upholstery, and then use nailhead trim in antique bronze instead of welt. Consider printed, cotton chintz for an English country look, or scenic toile de jouy for country French. Add texture by using terry, chenille or quilted matelasse. For the cottage look, you can even upholster the the piece with a patchwork quilt.