Leather and suede are popular choices for covering furniture for the luxe feeling that they lend to any room. While these fabrics are often quite pricey, there is no need to go over budget in order to get a sofa with a similar finish. Instead of spending a few thousand dollars on a new couch, consider covering an old futon with futon covers that mimic the look of leather or suede. They are the perfect way to complement the decor in a den, study or dorm room, giving it a sophisticated look for around $70.

It can be difficult to find real leather covers, but faux leather is easy to find. Faux leather is typically a synthetic vinyl that is finished to look like brown, black or vintage leather. Unlike real leather, there is no need to worry about the material coming into contact with water or other staining. Vinyl is both stain repellant and water resistant and requires little more than a damp cloth for cleaning.

One of the most common substitutions for real suede is a micro fiber fabric. Usually cotton based, this fabric is “brushed” giving it the unique suede texture. Unlike suede, most micro fibers are machine washable and any stains that appear on the fabric can be treated with common spot cleaners. In order to make the micro fiber look more convincing, opt for a color in a neutral brown palette. This color choice will go far in convincing guests that you splurged for a real suede couch.

Futon covers that mimic the look of the most expensive upholstery options will give any old futon the appearance of a fine piece of furniture. Vinyl and micro fiber covers are offered through many different outlets in different colors, sizes and finishes. For those who are just starting out, they are the perfect way to decorate your home in your style without spending more than you care to.

Post provided by Home and Garden Co

Warmth is an important feature of a winter living room. There is nothing so unwelcoming as a cold, gray room on a cold, gray day. Compare that to sitting in the warm glow of a roaring log fire and you will know which room you would rather visit. Here are 3 ways to add warmth to your room without so much as turning up the central heating:-

1. Block the Drafts

A cool refreshing breeze is great in the summer but not something you want coming from your doors and windows in winter. Block those drafts to feel more comfortable. Put draft stopper around the frames of doors and windows and hang thicker drapes at your windows. A heavy velvet window valance and curtain not only help you keep warm but they look wonderful too in a winter living room.

2. Add Some Warmer Colors

Even if your preference is for cool colors or neutrals, you will feel warmer if you use warmer colors in winter even though it is only a psychological effect. To keep your summer freshness while changing to a warmer color scheme in the fall start with a neutral base such as a beige carpet or medium oak flooring and cream walls. Then you can use fresh colored curtains in spring and summer and swap them for berry colors in winter. Change cushions and throws too from pale wool or quilted cotton in summer to soft cashmere or faux fur in chocolate or burgundy for a warmer winter look.

3. Cover Your Floor

Bare floors allow you to feel fresh and cool in summer. There is nothing like a natural stone floor to keep your home cool underfoot. In winter, carpet is a much warmer choice but it is difficult to swap one for the other as the seasons change. The answer, of course, is to use floor rugs. These will add considerable warmth and they can also be used to introduce more of the warm color scheme which suits a winter living room.