When reupholstering an old piece of furniture, it's generally a good idea to stick with a similar fabric, in terms of type, weave, and pattern, to what was on it in the first place. At the very least, if you are reupholstering an old piece of furniture, pick a fabric that won't be horribly dated in two years, and fits within the design idiom and era of the piece you are reupholstering.
If you're going to break these guidelines, you'd better have bombproof good taste. As an object lesson to the unwary, here's what happens
if you don't. WARNING: THIS LINK CONTAINS VIOLENT STYLE CONFLICTS AND STRONG CLASHES. IT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR OUR MORE SENSITIVE READERS.