This post has been updated to ensure information and shopping links are current.
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Chintz can be intimidating to decorate with, especially when on large items like sofas. Don’t worry! Here are the tips you need to style bold, floral patterns beautifully.
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What is chintz and why is it popular?
Chintz is typically a glazed cotton fabric that features floral designs.
Chintz is more popular than ever thanks to the rise of maximalism and “grandmillennial” style. Although it never really went away for those in the design community. The intricate, floral patterns that have become ubiquitous with the word “chintz” transcend trends. In fact, Lee Jofa’s Hollyhock print has been in production continuously for around 100 years.
How I found my dream chintz sofa
I stumbled upon Lee Jofa’s stunning fabrics and wallpapers not long after we bought our house. I quickly realized that my taste in home furnishings was more expensive than what my wallet could handle so I came to the conclusion that I would need to break out my sewing machine. This led to me spending many hours staring at fabric online. Unfortunately, even DIY’ing it, I could not justify spending around $200 / yd for fabric. So, I accepted that beautiful Hollyhock chintz throw pillows would be out of the question at this point in my life.
However, that all changed one night when I was scrolling through Facebook Marketplace. As, I was looking at side tables, I clicked on a seller’s additional listings and a custom, Lee Jofa Hollyhock, down-filled sofa was staring right back at me for $500. I couldn’t believe my luck when the seller told me it was still available. I have been casually looking for a sofa for our sunroom because it has basically been devoid of furniture since we renovated it last year.
Ideas for decorating with floral prints
Here is some inspiration for decorating spaces with floral upholstery.
Accent chairs
Sofas
My initial sunroom design concept
In early January of this year, I finally decided to try to make some furnishing decisions. I made the concept board below and bought three yards of Michaelmas Daisy fabric by William Morris. It paired perfectly with the paint colors I used in the room: Kitty Gray (Benjamin Moore), Capitol White (Benjamin Moore), and Mizzle (Farrow & Ball).
Even though I was fairly confident that this was the fabric I wanted for the window treatments, I didn’t feel comfortable about ordering nearly 30 yards of this fabric at one time. As a compromise, I only ordered enough fabric and lining for one curtain panel. I’m glad I did.
My updated sunroom design concept
With my newly acquired chintz sofa now in play, I’m not sure if I want another 30 yards of distinctly floral fabric right next to it. My new plan is to use more abstract prints as accents to Hollyhock.
We still don’t have any furniture in our sunroom, other than my “’80s sofa,” as my husband calls it, but I plan on trying to find pieces secondhand that are similar to those below.
Tips for decorating a room with chintz sofa
Identify the dominant color (or colors) in the pattern. These main colors should be repeated throughout the space as accents. For example, if the main colors in your chintz sofa are pink and green, try adding green or pink solid accent chairs or an ottoman. Next, determine which other colors are featured to a lesser extent in the chintz pattern. Select smaller accents throughout the space that have the same colors, such as throw pillows, lampshades, vases, or lamps. Read this post for more details on mixing patterns + a visual guide.
I’ve shared some shopping suggestions for accent pieces below. If you enjoyed this post, I’ve linked similar home decor posts beneath the shopping section for you to read.
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Pattern Perfection – Beautiful William Morris Wallpaper Ideas
Maximalist Living Room Decor: Bold, Beautiful, and Timeless + How to Get the Look
The Reveal – How We Renovated an Old & Dated Sunroom – One Room Challenge Week 8
