O’verlays, Bemz And Ikea
Did everyone see this, except me? Overlays. Two smart ladies (Cheryle Rhuda and Danika Herrick) came up with the brilliant idea of designing chic overlays which customers can buy by the square foot to give furniture unique custom looks. The idea became a business under the name O’verlays. O’verlays are lightweight, decorative fretwork panels that come in several patterns and sizes. The panels are made of a composite material that allows greater flexibility and less splintering than original wood panels. Just paint and glue them on.
I think this would be a perfect DIY project for a room where a little bit of glamour is needed (and how perfect for dorm rooms)! The solutions are endless.
Another company which I am sure most of you have heard of is Bemz. Bemz has created a fruitful business around the furniture giant Ikea. Bemz make slipcovers for most of Ikea’s classic upholstered furniture. So now your armchair can also have a very custom look. The slipcovers are now sold and marketed in 35 countries. Impressive business idea, I must say.
Yep, a Bemz slipcover for a basic Ikea sofa.
Bemz founder and CEO, Lesley Pennington says:
The covers are simply a means to an end. People today want to express their individuality through their lifestyle choices. They want to take a mass-market product like an IKEA sofa and create a unique ”one of a kind” product, which reflects their individuality and personal style.
Bemz has teamed up with several well known fabric designers. You can now get a slipcover for your Ikea headboard in Designers Guild’s colorful and luxurious fabric.
Lovely fabrics my Katarina Wiklund.
I actually ordered some slipcovers for Ikea’s Parson (Henriksdal) chairs a few years. This post reminds me that I should dig them up. They have survived a few washes and they are gray!
Happy New Week.
Images: no. 1-5 via O’verlays, no. 6-10 via Bemz.
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Love the idea of overlays, have always been fond of the 3D-effect.
I wonder if I could find them somewhere – but maybe they ship to Sweden? Have to check it out! 
tinajo recently posted..Blueberry Boy
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Splendid Willow Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 7:16 am
Good morning Tina,
Bemz is located in Sweden! (Run by an American!). So you should be able to get your slipcovers faster and for less shipping costs. Hugs.
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I hadn’t heard of Bemz – very clever! I’m off to check it out!
Barbara@HausDesign recently posted..Eat-In Kitchens: Good or Bad?
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The overlays are beautiful, a great way to dress up and personalize anything. Obviously its for more of a transitional look but I love it and the colors are so much fun! Benz, I must admit I have never heard of them but sounds like we will be hearing about them a lot more!
The enchanted home recently posted..Behind the blogger…meet Debby from Inspired Design!
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I have not heard of either of these. Wonderful! Can’t wait to explore!!
xx-Gina
Willow Decor recently posted..Re-working My Home– From Conservatory to Library
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I have changable covers on my IKEA sofa and they are so useful in that I can switch out the colours as I wish!
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It’s wonderful how mass production these days doesn’t have to mean conformism. Slip covers, overlays, paint, wallpaper, stencils, handles, knobs and all the wonderful things out there makes it so easy to take something very basic and make it fabulous. Only the imagination and creative force are the limits.
Happy new week darling and warm hugs from a misty & frosty Swedland!
xx C
Charlotta recently posted..Oh detail, lovely detail..
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I ordered the overlays from Danica and Cheryle! Love them. I plan to use mine on a room divider and will order some more for a chest!
I didn’t know about these slipcovers. LOVE!
Thank you for sharing, Monica.
By the way, I have added you to my sidebar so I won’t miss a post!
Teresa
xoxo
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Those overlays are amazing. I just love creative people…and particularly when they have enough steam to take it all the way. I’m running out of steam myself these days. Just love the slip covers too. I’m a big fan. You do need to dig yours up. XO, Mona
Mona Thompson recently posted..Sunday Supper…Brown Butter Ravioli w/ Rotisserie Chicken Toasted Walnuts and Crispy Sage
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Neat ideas! Love the look of it, going to check it out…
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so much to learn here! the slipcover biz is genius and is bound to increase sales at Ikea–a win-win!
my list is long today and will be physically demanding so thanks for this eye candy break.
love.
michele
michele@hellolovelyinc recently posted..shooting THE SIXTIES {duffy}
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“We’ve come a long way, baby!” New and innovative…LUV IT! franki
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Genius! So nice that there are companies out there who find niches in the niches. I love the overlays.
Happy Monday Mon,
Amy
Amy Vermillion @ Martineau Vermillion Interior Design recently posted..Happy 100 to me! And Hickory Chair
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Brilliant indeed! I will follow both links. Thank you Mon!
Cheers,
JC
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Those overlays are genius!! I’m really loving that blue dresser with the overlays–the color is gorgeous!
Oh, It’s Just Perfect! recently posted..CB2 Glass Candleholders
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Happy week darling. I came across Bemz last year and loved their aubergine cover for our old ikea sofa. Thanks for the intro to o’verlays. hugs from dexter’s mama
manvi @ mochatini recently posted..weekend decorating + DIY sphere pendant lamp
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I’ve never heard of the overlays company – great find! And I love the inventiveness of the Bemz slipcovers. xxooL
Linda Merrill recently posted..Thanks Faberuna!
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I can’t wait to try Overlays!!! The possibilities are endless!
barbara@hodge:podge recently posted..So Canadian eh? : Carol Smyth
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I adore those overlays, monika. being heavy with antiques, like I am, I think a piece with an overlay would really bring in a more youthful feel, which I am always trying to do. (I think YOU have done a great job of mixing old and new in your home!) donna
a perfect gray recently posted..gray kitchen cabinets
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Overlays is just a brilliant idea!!! I love the examples you posted. I hadn’t heard of Bemz yet….but again, so so smart!! Thanks for sharing these great finds!
xo Elizabeth
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Never heard of this before – what a great idea. Love the overlays – hmm where can i use those?
Hugs from the beach!
Delishhh recently posted..Apple Cake
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I love the Overlays. Doing the Greek key on my West Elm desk in my office! Working on a penthouse proposal that’s right up your alley. Will include some of your sheepskins. Very modern rustic vibe. Kramar!
LiveLikeYou recently posted..DEEPLY, TRULY an artist
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Now I know why you are called Splendid…..both the overlays and slipcovers are simply splendid ideas. They are both they kind of things that I would say…..Of course, now why didn’t I think of that! Thanks for the great resources.
Marsha at Picture Pretty Interiors recently posted..Window Treatments….Windows with a challenge
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Mon, love this post!! Those overlays are genius aren’t they? Such a smart and pretty idea.
I hope you are doing well and I SO can’t wait till your visit
Hugs to you friend,
Nancy xo
Nancy@marcusdesign recently posted..{fresh & feminine: mwm}
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thnx for the blog love Monika, and for the O’verlays tip! Glad you like our idea.
Sara from Bemz
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