The two-faced chair sits in our living room.  The body of the chair features an old-style fabric of quilted diamonds called “Puffle” in warm golden beige from Kravet.  The cushions are gold silk with 3-inch embroidered leaves, curled and falling in straight lines down the back cushion onto the seat cushion.  The cascade continues onto the ottoman cushion, supported by a box covered in the same golden beige quilted diamonds.  Together, these fabrics create the impression of a well-tailored conservative “suit” with the jacket pulled back to show off the silk blouse within.  From the hallway the chair’s glistening embroidered leaves catches the light and captures the eyes’ attention, beckoning one to enter.  If one happens to be entering the room from the porch on the other side of the chair, you only see the “quieter” fabric featured on the body of the chair.  However, this view does offer a flirting side glimpse of the sparkling silk threads--enough to lure your interest further into the room.  That’s the purpose of a two-faced chair—delivering more than one impression, depending on the perspective.

Now, the above chair presented a “glamour” fabric surrounded by a more demure texture.  I am working on a different scenario for an antique wing chair.  The front of this chair will be upholstered in heavily textured golden chenille, a Maxwell fabric called “Belgrade”.  The “front” includes the front panel below the cushion, the “T-cushion”, the armrests, the back, and the inside of the wings.  The piping will match and act as the dividing line from the “second face” of the chair.  Standing in front of this wingback, one would never suspect the alternative fabric personality that awaits the inquisitive.  Kravet fabrics happens to have an older line that features fabrics inspired by the Gardens of Versailles.  The chosen fabric for the back of this chair is woven in shades of white and golden beige, featuring curling acanthus leaves and open-faced daffodils.  Approaching this regal backside, one is faced with an elegant, but seemingly untouchable fabric.  However, the eye will next notice the soft framing of the pattern in golden chenille piping.  Entranced, one comes around to the front of the chair and is invited to sit in a cozy pool of chenille.  Hopefully, this two-faced chair will capture a few converts.