Should I Hire an Upholstery Pro for my Furniture?

Quality furniture deserves a  second chance. Learn why the decision to reupholster with the right  upholstery fabric can benefit your decor and your wallet.

Have you been thinking about having your furniture upholstery replaced?  Perhaps you're unsure about the cost vs. the benefits of  professional reupholstery. Here are a few factors to consider before  deciding if you want to reupholster that favorite chair or couch to  complement your decor. 

1. Quality furniture is worth the cost of reupholstery

Determine  the quality of your piece. A lot of furniture manufactured today is not  as well made as it was years ago. If you have a well-built piece,  chances are that it's probably worth investing in a reupholstery repair.

2. Are those upholstered dining chairs "just right”?

If  you did your research and invested time and money in the perfect  furniture for your home, there's no reason you have to do it all over  again. 

Do you have a set of upholstered dining chairs that have seen better  days, but that are so comfortable you can't bear to part with them? Do  you have a loveseat that needs updating, but fits perfectly in your den?

If you have a small room and your sofa or chairs are just the right  size, it may be difficult to replace them with ones that will give you  the right fit. Reupholstery can give your beloved furniture a new life.

3. New upholstery fabric can transform a piece

If  you are considering replacing your furniture because your decor has  changed, think about whether a furniture store will have pieces you love  in the fabric you want. An established reupholstery business will work with you to decide on the perfect upholstery fabric.  

Finding the perfect fabric can be challenging, but if you bring  something (like a pillow or arm cap) with you, along with the colors you  are trying to match, you can save a lot of time second-guessing your  choices.

In choosing fabric, make sure it is durable. 

Additionally, don’t forget to ask your upholsterer what the abrasion  cycle is and how to clean it. Most upholstery fabrics are “dry clean  only,” but there are more out now that are washable. 

4. Imagine the reupholstery possibilities

Many  people aren’t aware of what can actually be done with their existing  furniture. If the company you hire consists of skilled professionals,  they should be able to build, reconstruct and even alter the design of  your piece, giving it a new, updated look with new furniture  upholstery. 

Sometimes all that's needed for a droopy seat cushion is some new foam, which is a small fraction of the price of buying new. These are  all options that can be discussed with your upholstery professional. 

5. Visit the furniture upholstery shop

If  possible, always visit the upholstery shop. Make sure it is clean.  Would you want your brand-new upholstery fabric being applied in a  not-so-clean environment?

Also be sure their work is being done “on site” and not shipped  somewhere else. Look at other pieces they have done and make sure the  furniture upholstery company you hire is licensed and insured. If  they're covered, you're covered.

Upholstery is a skilled trade. Your upholsterer should take pride in the work they do!