At Regal, we don’t just design and develop fabrics in isolation – we think about how fabric defines a room setting and applies to furniture. That’s where merchandising expertise comes in. Kena Cohenour, Furniture Merchandiser at Regal, shares her 7 go-to principles for ensuring fabrics not only look beautiful but also work seamlessly in real-world applications.
⚖️ Balance is Everything
When designing a room or selecting fabrics for furniture, balance is key. A heavy, dark fabric can ground a piece, while lighter tones can lift and visually open a space. Merchandising is all about ensuring fabrics create harmony and a sense of proportion to define your mood or style.
📖 Furniture Layout Drives the Story
Fabric doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it’s an integral part of the room. How furniture is arranged, the visual weight of each piece, and the way fabric interacts with a frame all influence the final look. As Kena reminds us, layout decisions determine how well a room functions and feels.
📐 Don’t Forget Dimensions
Merchandising requires keeping dimensions top of mind – not just for comfort, but also for ensuring fabrics are shown to their best advantage. (And yes, always make sure the piece will fit through the front door!)
🚂 Railroading Creates Versatility and Cost Savings
Railroading fabrics refers to the technique of running a fabric horizontally across the roll. This approach minimizes seams, simplifies cutting, allows for a cleaner aesthetic, saves labor and fabric waste.
🛋️ Pattern Layouts and Scale Must Match Application
Not every pattern works for every application. For instance, large-scale motifs might shine on an upholstered headboard but overwhelm an accent chair. When merchandising, always consider whether the pattern’s repeat and scale are appropriate for the intended frame or overall upholstery assortment.
🧶 Add Visual Interest with Fabric
A blend of textures, patterns, and scale creates a space that feels both visually appealing and thoughtfully balanced. For example, Stripe patterns are a great way to add visual interest to a setting. Balanced stripes are symmetrical and easy to match. Unbalanced stripes bring visual movement and excitement but can be tricky. They require extra attention in production since cutting and alignment can add complexity.
🌈 Color Should Spark Joy
Furniture should inspire – whether it’s grounding neutrals, trend-right hues, or bold accents that make a statement. The right color story sets the emotional tone for the entire room.
Bringing It All Together
Merchandising upholstery is more than fabric selection – it’s about balance, function, and emotional impact. As Kena’s tips show, the best fabric stories consider both design vision and production realities. At Regal, we’re proud to blend creative inspiration with practical know-how to help our partners bring beautiful, functional furniture to market.
To learn more and work directly with Kena, contact us today.