Do you have a couch or chair that is showing its age? Perhaps it’s a piece that you inherited or has fond memories, and you are not sure if you should try to reupholster it or not. To help you in this challenging decision here are a few things to consider:
- Check to see how the furniture is made. Better quality furniture constructed with hardwood, frame attached by joints using dowels and glue or screws. Less expensive pieces will be held together by staples and particular board.
- What condition are the cushions? If you are dealing with a piece that is down-filled, the cost to replace that may be too much to consider.
- What does the piece mean to you? If it has sentimental value, the cost involved with reupholstering it may be worth it to you. Click here to read how Love of Family and Home refreshed their couch with Quilt Batting and Fiberfill.
If you decide to reupholster, here are the cost factors:
- Size of the piece,
- Cost of the fabric, padding, cushions, etc.,
- The time required to fix and reupholster the piece,
- Delivery and pick up charges.
Understanding Fabric
Click here to read about the different types of material you can select from and choose according to your need. A type of fabric I recently discovered, and love, is soft, beautiful, and unstainable: Revolution Fabric. For discounted fabric options, visit the Interior Alternative in Newark, Delaware or Fabric Row in Philadelphia or check online retailers such as Fabric.com.
To help you determine the cost of fabric, click here to view a yardage estimator based on the type of furniture to be upholstered.
Choosing a Professional
I would first recommend checking with your friends and family and see if they have someone in your area that they like. A couple of options in Chester County, PA is Calico Corners in Wayne or Glen Mills, and Gfell Upholstery in Downingtown. Or you can use the Find a Professional in your area option in Houzz by clicking here. Home Advisor offers average cost by project, click here to review, though your best bet is to contact the person or company you want to do your work and check with them as the costs vary.
DIY Jobs
Unless you are comfortable taking on a big job I wouldn’t recommend taking apart a cherished piece of furniture; however, replacing the fabric on a seat cushion anyone can do. If you are unhappy with the color of the wood, there are ways to alter that as you see in this before and after dining chair, what a difference!
If you want to try reupholstering the piece on your own I found a fantastic source for instructional how-to videos, click here to view.
If you love a piece and are struggling with how to make it work with your decorating aesthetic, give me a call 610.955.8202 or email, in a 
consultation I can help you re-imagine your home to achieve what you want!
By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, Google+ and Instagram. Feature photo from Unsplash.