The Family Room Jewels
The sapphire blue velvet of the Berkeley Sofa by Universal only makes it look more opulent.
If you haven’t been shopping for furniture and home décor over the last year and half (and that probably only includes a handful of people based on inventory levels and back-ups in the industry), you may not have realized there has been a resurgence of jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, ruby and amethyst — not seen since the 1980s, and looking around the Union Furniture & Flooring sales floor, it shows.
We have nothing but heart eyes for the Rosco Modern Wingback chairs with nail head trim (shown at top) and the Avalon Accent chairs with their Mid-Century Modern silhouette, both from Steve Silver. They come in sapphire and emerald velvet, which means they are as soft to touch as they are beautiful to look at. Or what about these Belham square velvet tufted ottomans, also from Steve Silver? They are a generous 38 inches square, which makes them a great alternative to a coffee table. And this beautiful IFD cabinet (below), which comes in blue and green, is a customer favorite, usually selling within days of it hitting the sales floor.
The return of jewel tones (really, they never went away completely) seems inevitable after the popularity of gray for so long, but the truth is there’s beauty in the vibrancy of these colors, which makes them natural for creating a happy home. They also add instant warmth and personality to any room. However, one of the big reasons people shy away from adding jewel tones to their home is a lack of confidence in how to do it well. But adding rich color doesn’t have to be scary. Here are three ways to do it:
1. Think Small — Toss pillows, throws, window panels, lamps and decorative pieces are not only easier on the budget, they can really change the look and feel of a space, especially when they are colorful.
2. Color the Walls — Paint is another economical way to add a jewel tone to your room. Or consider art work featuring bold color. Award-winning photographer Jeanne Miller Wood has a selection of canvases on our sales floor, and you can order them in other sizes as well.
3. Try an Accent — Accent furniture can be a good way to introduce jewel tones, because it can pack a powerful punch without dominating a room, although we guarantee any of the pieces we’ve shown you here will get everyone’s attention. Of course, you can also opt for adding color with more than just accent pieces. All of our upholstery manufacturers that allow you to customize pieces offer fabric and leather options in bold colors. We have samples in the store for you to feel and touch (and fall in love with).
Whether you decide to add a little bit of color or a lot, the result will be rich.
A couple of Bennett Ottomans in teal (by Universal) grouped together in front of a sofa can serve as a coffee table when you add a tray or flat surface, as well as extra seating.