This is the tale of a sofa that came home with me a few weeks ago….
It was sound but a little sad, just looking for a new lease of life …. I hummed and haa-ad about fabrics and colours until one day at the Paris flea market I saw these, and felt inspired ….
Today, after a couple of half-days and evenings, battling with pins and needles, and a little pot of paint, I think I have done as much as I can … it’s not perfect, but it’s good enough for family use…
and now I would like your advice please
it’s about the nails… they are safely hammered home, but its the aesthetics that bother me …. there is a fashion here, along with that of undressed chairs, to leave the upholsterer’s tacks uncovered … what do you think?
Shall I cover with a band of fabric, if so the light or dark, or shall I be bold and fashionable and leave them showing … I know how clever you all are for this sort of thing, so I look forward to hearing what you think!
Merci beaucoup!
PS. a couple of hours later ….. well thank you! I can’t believe how generous you are with your advice and how many different opinions there are. For those who think the wood is looking too white; I had actually planned to sand the wood back to a lighter colour, but it would have taken forever, and the wood was not naturally light. I may well try adding a little dark wax to the paint finish … the jury is still out!
107 comments
the many nails would bother me too and the white of the wood. I would
colour the timber in dark brown and cover the mattresses in mustard
or liliac.
If you like the look of the nails, why not leave them exposed while they are in style and cover with the fabric later. I’m sure whatever you decide, it will be lovely.
I definitely think you should leave them exposed. They look neatly done, Sharon, and they add to the character of the sofa. It looks lovely by the way, nicer than the Parisian chairs that were the inspiration.
Personally i like the nailheads showing…goes with the fabric and style. But it depends where you are going to use it..if in a formal living room well no but a family/great room or somewhere casual go for it.
what a cute piece of furniture..and you talented lady covering it yourself.. kudos to you.
Love what you’ve done with the fabric. I think if you want to leave the nails showing, you need more nails, closer together. If braided or similar trim is within your budget, I’d encourage you to go with either navy or white to complement your fabric–either would look lovely.
Hello! I like the nails from here but it might be one of those things that close up is a different story…it all looks quite tidy so I like it!!
I think I would cover the nails with either color and maybe highlight the carving some way to bring out the beauty of the carvings. It is gorgeous you have done a great job on it.
It’s beautiful the way it is. Love the newly painted white wood and the nail heads give it a little personality. However, if you are not happy with it, then navy blue piping covering the heads would look lovely as well. I would definitely put this in my living room the way it is now.
Hi there
I think it looks very nice as it is, you could always leave it like this for a while and then for a change or if you want it to look more finished, put either a navy or a white/cream binding to cover the nails. as it is now it looks more shabby chic. I think a cream edging would probably look nicest if you do decide to do it. it looks a job well done though.
thanks for all your pictures, I love the ones with all your antique treasures!
Kind regards
Thea
Like the tacks just as they are ( besides taking them out will ruin the fabric and be a hell-of-a job!) But just hope you have used tacks made from copper or something that is not going to rust. This might stain the fabric around the tack. Looks great!
I view the fabric as casual and the tacks go along with that feel so I would leave them showing.
I tell you I think the tacks look tacky with the white and I believe that is disturbing you too…grab an artists brush and go over the nails with a white wash…just to fade them a bit…think you will like it better and then you are in the current mode for the area…if it were mine I would make a welt with a beautiful cream satin, in juxtaposition to the felt fabric and bring some elegant shine to the piece…but as I say my style is ecclectic elegant primitive!
In my humble opinion, I would cover them with a band of fabric or braiding. The bolder color would look smashing but if it’s a tiny bit off in the lines, it could stand out too harshly. Possibly that braiding that looks coarse, jute-like. Overall, I’m impressed. This is hard work & tough on the hands & fingers.
Absolutely lovely as is, and perfect in my eyes! But, follow what speaks to your heart…
Wow, just leave it as it is , it looks fabulous .
regardless of fashion, the hand hammered tacks are very endearing and make the sofa seem even more special. If you want polish, buy a professionally covered sofa. This is fabulous-ness at its best! Kudos to you for keeping it simple!
“DITTO”
Ditto
Ditto!!!
Ditto!
I would glue some trim over the nails for a more finished look. I love what you did.
I love it and think you have done a beautiful job! With the wonderful fabric you have selected, personally I would leave it just the way you have it. If you decide to cover the nails, I would go with a navy cording or braid. Again, I think it is gorgeous! You are a real talent.
Sandra
Will you allow to answer in French?
Personnellement, je le trouve très bien comme cela, avec son côté “j’ai l’air rustique mais je suis le résultat d’une longue réflexion!” Bien sûr, on pourrait cacher les clous par un galon mais parfois, le mieux est l’ennemi du bien.
Bonne soirée!
Hmmm….I think instead of the dark blue fabric I would use a small or medium sized blue plaid instead…or a blue Toile. The dark fabric is just too dark and detracts from the chair.
I agree with you – I love the idea of a plaid or Toile on the back. At first glance I thought the tacking was fine. Then looking closer I noticed some tacks were unevenly spaced and there were an awfully lot of them on the blue backing. Since I am a ridiculous perfectionist, that would drive me crazy, but would probably be fine with other people. I like the idea of cording, and I would go with the cream color. All in all, the sofa looks wonderful; you did a fantastic job. You could have another profession!
I like how it looks, but would also like it with trim of light or dark. You could try to hold off since that is the fashion right now and add later. Or the suggestion made to brush the tacks with paint is a good choice as well.
Lol, all the different eclectic opinions! Adding mine on to the heap. Like the tacks, but a blue outline would accentuate the lines of the frame which are really pretty. I like the way you have freshened up and given this piece another life.
First off what a pretty settee and nice job on the upholstery too. I personally am not a fan of the unconstructed furniture look that is so popular now but the nail heads work because of the fabric. In my opinion what might be pretty would be to cover them with grosgrain ribbon which you could apply with hot glue or fabric glue which gives a more secure attachment. Just my thoughts but whatever you decide I think the settee is beautiful.
Ah yes, the “deconstructed” look has come to the US as well, by a rather prominent shopping mall retailer, Restoration Hardware. Your sofa is so pretty….. I think she wants a bit of gimp over those nails, in colors to match the predominant fabric at each section – linen colored for the top and navy along the outside of the arms, etc. It’s not that I don’t like the deconstructed look, and I’m sure it will be beautiful either way… it’s just that your particular sofa looks a wee bit more refined – not a diva, but a pretty country lass! *smiles* Thanks for sharing.
I love exposed upholstery tacks, but I think what may be troubling you is that they’re spaced too far apart. To carry it off and have the polish you’re looking for, I think the tacks need to be very close together (like they are in the original photo before reupholstery). Love the way you’ve lightened this little sofa up and given it a country French feel.
Totally agree, with closer spacing of the tacks, this new look would be perfect. Great job on the upholstery.
You are such a talented lady and I love what you have done with the little sofa. It has a wonderful looks and feel about it that just beckons you to sit down. I like the look of it as is but it you decide to cover the tacks then I would go light on the trim. I know whatever you decide, it will be a lovely addition to your home.
Please leave them uncovered!! They make such a bold statement. Love love love the way it came out. I am recovering a large wingback for my great room and I am leaving the tacks uncovered, however, I am doing the large ottoman in the same fabric, but am putting a ribbon around the edge, but am securing it with the tacks. ( the reason I love tacks is that I do not sew! I have recovered many pieces, just did a sofa for the second time, and I put the material pieces on the sofa, then secure them with the fabric screws. My sofa looks wonderful, and is held together with double sided tape and 350 fabric screws!!!!! Another reason why I love fabric tacks!!!! Love your emails!!!!
I love the nails showing!
I’d leave the nails showing. What we did on a chair was first put pipping around the item and then put in the nails. The nails are about 1/2 inch apart. It still has a rustic feel, but also a little more polished.
Live with it for a while, then when you are tired of it, redo the whole sofa again…we Aquarius LOVE change!!!
*Aquarians…just like us to correct ourselves!
You ruined it. Why didn’t you leave that lovely brown wood alone and just reupholster in a similar golden brown fabric? You did not improve this piece of furniture.
don’t listen to the last quote. I love it . The nails need to be covered to me it seems not finish. I would cover the nails. I am interested did you stuff the chair also , I would love to try one.
P.S. The sofa is now stark, cold and lifeless. There is no warmth! I wouldn’t put this in my garage!
My first thought at viewing the sofa was to paint the nailheads white. I would not have painted the frame. Perhaps just a white wash over the original wood would have been better. Pure white dimishes the beautiful design. You did a beautiful job of upholstery.
I absolutely love the whole look that you have created. The nailheads are the perfect look for the grain sack fabric that you used. I think that any trim would look out of place with the fabric. I love the painted wood of the framework. I would totally have this in my home just as it is. Good job!
I love it as is. Well done.
Julie, Julie, Julie have a glass of wine and take a nap. If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything.
We love your creative effort, Sharon. I do a lot of creative things, but I would be very scared to upolster a piece of furniture. First of all, I applaud your bravery. Second, it is your creation. It should only please you. But because you asked for suggestions. Look around your room and think,’ Is this too raw to go with everything else in the room’, or ‘ is it just the rustic effect I was going for’. Continuity is key. ‘Or maybe this is your accent peice’. Then it is ment to stand alone. Also, if the lack of trim bothers YOU you should go with the light trim so as not to detract from the suble white on white style we all love about French Country. Above all, please yourself. You please us everyday!
Amen and Thank YOU. Said perfectly!
I agree with Zanna.
Great job Sharon. I too have recovered pieces before and it is a job, but very rewarding when done.
I am in love as is!! What a gorgeous creation. As others have said, I’d leave it that way and live with it for awhile. If you want to change it up later….you’ll most likely know what you want to do with it then.
Definitely agreeing with Zanna. Do what pleases you. If the tacks bother you, cover them up with a simple trim. I like the painted wood. Each of us has our own taste.
What a beautiful piece you choose to re-do…and a great job used done in reupholstering the Sofa/Settee. My vote, you did ask, is to keep the piece as you have done so far. You can always take the time to make changes later if you want, but the White fabric, & painted wood, looks wonderful with your dark nail heads. Using nail heads is classic, distinctive and NOT a passing fad/trend. It’s use is Centuries old (to secure leather & fab onto pcs when begun) and just Looks Great all the time! Your piece sure does…
The nails look nice the way they are, at least in the photos. But if there is a chance they may catch on clothing or scratch the one sitting, it may be best to cover them. Perhaps after a few days of use you will have a better idea of what to do.
I would leave the tack exposed. You did a wonderful job and it looks very “now”. As others have mentioned…. at a later date you can always go back and apply the trim ribbon.
Good job!
I like the sofa as is. You did a nice job. I like the nails showing!
I would leave them on show, they look very shabby chic, and the paintwork is perfect with the linen cloth, too perfect is not the look you are trying to achieve, well done, I live in France and this is what sell’s in all our local Antique shops xx
Dear Sharon
I think you have done a great job and I would leave the tacks showing. It’s casual and fashionable the colours look great together especially if you are using it in a shabby chic decor scheme if however it was going to be used in a classy chateau maybe a bit of finishing off in dark colour scheme around the arms and to hide tacks.
It would wonderful in my rustic home in burgundy.
What ever you decide will be right!
Very beautiful! I would leave as it is. Maybe take a bit of sandpaper to the decorative wood on the top of it to bring out the carving?
Lovely! 🙂
Well, actually, you hemmed and hawed and the result was great. I like the nail heads showing.
Ralph Lauren has a fabulous deconstructed chair ..distressed denim with the wooden “skeleton” showing around the back of the chair…nails are applied, quite tightly together…hard to see if they are nails or “tacks”, but they look great.
French flour sacks are intended to give that look of rustic charm…the old custom of using what one had…not wasting anything. This combined with the “bones” of a once lovely piece of furniture instantly evokes an air of faded gentility. It’s really beautiful!!
In my opinion, the tacks might be slightly too “rough” for this mood of past elegance. Although I do like the look very much, I think I would add an unbleached, natural cotton or linen welting cord …to cover them, in a size that would be in proportion to the sofa….just to “clean” the line a bit and keep the dust out from around the tacks.
Whatever your choice..it will be lovely…your “eye” is impeccable.
Going to straddle the line between the cover and don’t-cover crowds. It’s a lovely little sofa, and your upholstery skills are very impressive. I agree with whoever said the tacks should be more and closer together if left exposed.
Can you perhaps tape or braid over some and leave others uncovered, possibly at the bottom and around the back? Even though the fabric is casual, the lines of the piece itself call for a slightly more formal approach, I think. Just tell Ghetto he can’t sit there anymore.
It seems unfinished to me. I think I’d prefer a simple braid or ribbon to cover the nails that don’t detract from the fabric but add a touch of polish!
Hello, I forgot to say what a lovely job you did on the settee! when I said white wash the nail heads I meant only to lighten them some not make them disappear! and if I had that settee my husband would want me to get rid of it because it was junk…he has good taste (he married me) but we differ with furnishings…ha! tres chic! I’d try a welting with a wide blue and white pillow ticking if you aren’t happy with your nail headsas well…also there is the potential of covering them with the larger nail head strips they sell through hardware catalogs? I hate that dilemma when you worked so hard on something and there is something just not quite right…it will hit you just before you nod to sleep and then the excitement and planning keeps you awake until you finally drop to sleep and wake not remembering what you decided to do! ha!
Good advice.
Fantastic job but I think if the tacks were those bigger chunky stud ones it would have looked ok to leave but I think I would cover them. Use something pale to match the fabric, it would still look a bit shabby but maybe just a bit more classy. Good luck :o)
Hi Sharon,
Love it. Love the idea of the toille on the back. Perhaps a white braid or having a look at some our antique chairs those wide pins like a drawing pin to cover the tacks. I would love to see the frame in a distressed white/ grey. Best to think about this for a while. Thanks for all the lovely updates on a beautiful part of the world in Spring as we in Melbourne enter into a winter with fogs today. Have a great Easter and hope the pups enjoy the forest.
Jackie
I LOVE what you have done, it’s lovely. When you tire of the nail heads just give it a new look with a piped trim in the white or blue, glued on over the nail heads. You rescued a piece and improved it.
I adore your posts, gorgeous photography and wonderful stories.
Merci!
I would go with a contrasting gimp, Sharon! How’s our friend in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Haven’t seen a post from him in a while……….
It’s lovely! what did you use to fill the seat pillows – they look so cozy? Thank you!
I think it looks fabulous just as it is! A very impressive transformation.
Beautiful job! But I think it’s a sin to paint nice wood…sanding it back, good idea. The nailheads do not bother me…not a big deal. Looks fine.
Hi Sharon let me say you are a brave girl and you have done a great job. I loved the exposed nail, but if I know one thing about us girls all over the world is we walk away and think that’s it I’m done and we keep coming back and thinking/visualising how do I make it look better this could take sometime. So relax, don’t stress, enjoy for now. Till next time Regards Esther from Sydney.
My dear Sharon
I just love it when there are so many comments to read…after my hugely busy day, they have made me smile, and your upholstery achievement is lovely to behold
As is the way of an interior designer Im compelled to add ‘tuppence ha’penny’ 🙂
I love braids gimps trims passimenterie and double piping ( which Ive yet to master )
but I do advise you to leave your chaise as is…..if you add a trimming, it will take something of your exquisite taste away from this piece, the charm is all in YOUR first idea!
The slightly dark wax may look nice …I would do that
enjoy all your creating…today for me it is lampshades
I’m totally enjoying this sofa makeover! You’ve gotten so much advice, I can’t wait to see the finished chair! I know with your clever ideas and all of the ideas you’ve received, it’s going to look awesome! I’ll be back for the big reveal!
I love the material you used and I would leave the tacks showing. The only thing I would add is a little distressing on the frame to show the detail more. You did a great job!
Love the tacks – well done. PS – may I ask when you sleep? x
Just perfect. You’ve done a fantastic job!
I like the nails, it’s gives the piece character and a shabby European flare! And you did a great job! I always find it hard to judge my own work!
No, no…. leave them. showing. It ads to the casual look of grain sack. It’s beautiful. You did a fantastic job!!!
Leave them!
They look gorgeous, great job
I love it! I happen to like the nail heads……I think I would sand at the white paint a small bit to rough it up. And I love the idea of a toile back. Very nice! Wish I had the courage to give it a go!
Wow! you did a fabulous job. I think it looks great and the nails add to the Shabby Chic rustic style, where nothing is perfect. I think Rachel Ashwell would love it and leave it, by the way if you don’t mind sharing what paint and paint color did you use, thanks Teresa
Gorgeous, gorgeous and more gorgeous!
I adore it just the way you’ve done it!
I love it just as it is! The white wood looks clean and refreshing. The exposed upholstery nails are fine. You did a fabulous job on this sofa!
I like your sofa – you have done a great job! For my opinion the colours and the nails are perfectly. And the idea to use grain sacks is gorgeous!
Mil besitos, Christl
Very late as usual ! but I can just mention that I had the same “problem” with a too white paint on chairs. I used an almost dry brush with pale frey, roughly, so it makes just a very light irregular shadow… and then gently sanded, and then white waxed.
pale GREY … sorry !
In France these chairs have round headed tacks not nails on view or in Provence, where I am, they are covered by a double row of matching piping but never braid. I hope that helps – I think they look wonderful, whatever you decide to do or not do. I would like to have some just like yours!
Beautiful! You did a good job! I would dab on some of that white paint! Done!
This is fabulous! I have been on the hunt for something similar here in Oklahoma. If it were mine I would make the cording to cover the nails and put it away. I would leave it as is for now. When the exposed tacks go out of fashion, or you get tired of the look, you have the matching cord to cover them! Someday I want to visit France, I’m afraid I would never want to come home!
I just wanted to congratulate you on a beautiful job and say that I’m impressed by your patience and skill in tacking down all the fabric! I would have lost interest (and patience) after about 10 minutes of hammering in those upholstery tacks. I love the bouquet on the table!
I think it looks beautiful! Love the stripes. You did a very nice job!
Sharon, nails or no I am in awe of what you were able to do with this little sofa. Can’t believe it’s the same one little Ghetto is sitting on in the photo! I would take it as it is in my house in a heart beat. I tend to like a more finished look, but the nails work in this case, too.
Well done! XOXO
Sharon, such a lucky girl! I have been looking for a sofa or setae like this for my house for so long. Love it, you did such a incredible job. Pat
Hi Sharon,
Love the sofa! It is lovely the way it is, but I think I might like it better with fabric trim covering the nails. Either blue or creamy white to match the fabric would look wonderful.
Happy Easter week,
Linda
I love the covering, but do feel it is a bit unfinished. The tacks will rust and that would not be a pretty picture. Gimp or some type of edging would be good. The toile cord idea looks like a winner to me. Cute dogs! Enjoy your recycled and re-loved piece!
Nice sofa. It looks wonderful as it is.
But if you want a change…I’d paint the wood three shades darker than the fabric’s blue stripe. Dry. Rub on another shade of blue. Dry. Rub a burnt sienna brown wash lightly over that leaving a heavier layer on grove areas. Dry. Finally, rub a light wash of a dark grass green. Dry. Or just leave the dark blue on the wood. The brass nails are nice, but I’d cover them with a plain trim like a cotton rope matching the light shade of the fabric. The dark fabric might look nice covered in a dark ecru and navy half inch gingham.
Sharon I love it and think it looks wonderful I like the nails. I wish I could find a great piece like that. Whatever you decide let us know. Love your blog. Gloria from Tennessee U.S.A.
I would use a very plain braid matched to the white of the fabric. The sofa looks fantastic though.
Oh, goodness, leave them showing. It’s the fashion! And, the fabric is so homey and informal it would seem contrived to cover them. Voila, you are finished !!
Oh what to do?….. ask a question and you will get so many answers – and they are all good ones. I’ve learned – go with what feels right to you, and it will be perfect. Every time I make changes based on my dear friends’ loving suggestions – I feel like I’ve overworked a painting…. my first attempt is usually the best for me. Whatever – it’s a wonderful piece…..and I adore what you have done with it.
Bonjour,
Un billet qui me touche particulièrement car cet automne dernier, mon ami a fait un stage très intéressant de tapissier.
Nous avions acheté lors d’une vente aux enchère deux magnifiques fauteuils qui demandaient à s’embellir.
Nous lui avons trouvé un somptueux tissu. Il a eu le choix de clouer les bords. Mais finalement il a masqué le petit cloutage par un très joli liseré. Je pourrai si vous le souhaiter vous en envoyer une photo via mail.
Je vous embrasse et vous souhaite un joyeux weekend pascal.
Sharon:
You buy a lot of antique upholster furniture: do the pieces ever have fleas or bed bugs? And if they do, how do you treat the piece? Do you replace all of the stuffing, etc or do you just place new fabric over the existing fabric?
Love it as it is but if you do cover the tacks for a change a dark blue trim would be my choice.
Hi Sharon, I’m not sure if this is too late to put my two cents in, but I will give you a thought, just in case you still are undecided. Have you thought about putting an antiquing wax over the white wood to bring out the beautiful carvings of the chair? I think if you did, the darker color that adheres to the wood, in the nooks and crannies, will tie in the tacks and give the piece a more uniformed balance. I have used antiquing wax on a few pieces and they have turned out lovely. Hope you end up loving whatever it is you choose to do, and I hope to one day see it in person ( it looks awfully comfy ; ) .
When I read your question to us about what to do, I had to scroll up and take a second look at the beautiful settee I had first seen! Then…after reading over 100 comments, here is my take: for me… I would want that beautiful carving to be more pronounced, a little staining would do it for me. I love the nailhead look and as you said, it is for “family use” so I would forgo a trim. After looking at the original (I am not an Interior Designer) it does appear the nailheads might be closer together. In the end, it is what YOU like and want — not us. You will be the one living with the piece and you have blown me away with your capabilities. I have always thought I would tackle upholstering and now you have inspired me to continue on that journey! Merci, Sharon.
Mary in Oregon
Love the little settee/sofa/loveseat. Congratulations for tackling such a chore–you did a fabulous job. Had I taken on this project (never in a million years), I think I would have used the brass round-top upholstery tacks. I have also seen them made of something other than brass. The brass tacks would give yours more of a finished look. Like that you’ve painted it white, but I think the curves/carvings give it a bit of a romantic style and perhaps call for a fabric to match–velvet/velour, toile, something with a soft look to it. Keep up the good work!
More than a year after you refurbished the sofa, I saw it on Pinterest. I was so smitten with it that I followed the link to your blog. You did an amazing job! It’s beautiful and accessible at the same time. I adore your creativity and aesthetic.
I’ll read further as I’m interested in knowing what you decided to do about the exposed nails. Either way, I’ve no doubt it looks incredible.
Looks perfect as is! Nice job! Great combo of elegance and every day…
I snagged a similar sofa at a 2nd hand shop, but mine is two pieces. I can put both pieces together for a 9 foot sofa, or use as two pieces that almost look like chaises. I paid $100 for it after flipping it over and seeing that it had 8 way hand tied springs, and spring down cushions! I debated painting the frame, but mine is a lighter french provincial finish, so I decided to leave it be. (I can always change my mind and do it later) It is now reupholstered in a mini check in light green, pale yellow, and white with a raspberry thread running through it. I finished it with double welt cording done in the raspberry. I did interior design for 30 years, and personally manufactured window treatments and reupholstered pieces for my clients. At the end of the day, no one else is you and living in your house. I might point out that several posters seem to think that these are nailhead trim tacks, as opposed to upholsterers tacks, which are much smaller. Whatever you decide to do with this piece in the future, no that you chose a great frame, and no way would I have left the dark wood finish, or the dark fabric. Whether you decided to leave as is, or add trim, it looks 1000 times better!