FAQs - Should I Reupholster My Furniture? (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth getting furniture reupholstered? ›

An item is generally worth reupholstering if it's in good shape and made with quality materials. Check a few important elements to decide whether to reupholster or pass on a furnishing you're considering.

According to Revolution Fabrics, sofas can cost between $400 and $4,500 to reupholster, with the typical job coming in at around $1,800. Data from Angi confirms this range, suggesting that sofas cost between $600 to $4,000.

New furniture can be cheaper than reupholstering depending on where you shop. But rest assured, it IS cheaper in quality. It may be less expensive, but it won't last as long or stand up to kids and multiple moves as well as a heritage piece will.

Recovering furniture refers simply to the process of removing the old fabric and putting on new fabric. But leaving the old padding not doing anything else. More on this later.. Reupholstering furniture includes a complete tear down of the piece, removing all fabric, padding, and the support systems.

So long as the old fabric isn't darker than your new fabric, you can even upholster right over it.

Synthetic fiber, or microfiber (both man made), is extremely strong and can be mixed with many fabrics to make textiles tougher and more durable making them a great choice. Chenille is another great durable fabric for in the home. Chenille is similar to velvet, offering great comfort and abrasion resistance.

Cotton is a gorgeous natural fiber that comes in thousands of colors and patterns and is super cost-efficient. Cotton has a very tight weave, so an upholstered cotton sofa can last for years. It also will not fade in direct sunlight, making it a great choice for sunny living rooms.

To give a broad estimate, reupholstering a couch (fabric only) will take 15–24 hours of work. Repairing the frame and springs and replacing the stuffing will take extra time. If you employ a furniture repair specialist to do the job, expect your sofa to be with them for around two weeks.

Why is reupholstering so expensive? ›

There are quite a few factors that can influence the cost of furniture reupholstery, including size, fabric, labor, age, and the condition of an item.

Perhaps your sofa cushions are sagging, or the fabric is looking stained and worn? If this sounds familiar, don't worry – it's bound to happen. While the average sofa should last between 7 and 15 years, signs of wear and tear are likely to appear before then – especially if it's a well-loved sofa.

Both options can be beneficial for different situations; chair or sofa reupholstery is often a much easier process than buying brand new – it can save you time, hassle, and in many cases, cost – whereas buying new can be a better option if your current suite isn't of a high quality and you want to change the size or ...

A heavy-duty synthetic microfiber will be the most stain-resistant and easiest to care for, so it's an excellent choice for often-used sofas or chairs. Still, high-thread-count cotton will have enough durability for less-frequently used seating in a formal dining space.

Replacing your sofa cushions can breathe new life into your old couch, making it more comfortable and visually appealing. Over time, cushions can lose their support and shape, leading to discomfort and an unattractive appearance.

Furniture restoration on worn down or broken furniture is not always worth it. The damage done could be repaired and the visual fidelity of the piece restored but not all flaws can be fixed easily. Hence, restoring furniture with minimal damage that still maintains structural integrity is a better idea.

Refinishing a furniture piece will cost half as much as buying an entirely new piece, if not less.

Though the cost to reupholster a couch varies, quality sofa upholstery could cost 50-60% less than replacement when all things are considered. Before calling upholsterers for quotes, measure your sofa and research fabrics. While pricier upfront, replacement sofas start cheaper but don't last as long.

Reupholstery Conundrum: If a piece is one of value and designed by someone notable, reupholstering can result in a decreased value because the item has been significantly altered. However, if the piece is not necessarily a valuable work of art, reupholstering might actually serve to increase its value.