Reupholstering: Is It Worth The Investment?

Wear and tear is an inevitable fate for well-loved furniture. But when imperfections begin to negatively impact the functionally of your furniture, or the aesthetic it provides, there comes an important decision to make. Do you reupholster and give your furniture a new lease of life? Or is it beyond saving and hardly worth the effort? This can be a difficult call, so here’s some advice on what to do when faced with situations like these. 

Reupholstering isn’t just switching out the fabric. Depending on the condition of the furniture, it can involve replacing cushioning, repairing the frame, and restoring its overall structure. At times, it can be easier (and more tempting) to just throw old furniture away and order a brand new piece. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to reupholster your furniture. 

Quality & Structure- Is the furniture still structurally sound or is it falling apart? 

Cost Effectiveness- Would it be more expensive to reupholster or buy new?

Sustainability & Environmental Impact- Are you willing to throw away decent furniture and potentially contribute to landfills?

Customisation & Design Preferences- Is it simpler to achieve the look you want with reupholstering or buying new?

Reupholstery services have been around for centuries, and have given countless pieces of furniture a new chance at life. From armchairs and sofas to headboards and scatter cushions, there’s enough scope for all kinds of pieces to undergo a transformation. Those that prefer to follow the reupholstery route have varying reasons for doing so. However, the most common tend to be: 

• Their furniture is of extremely high quality and would be difficult or expensive to replace
• Their piece may be a family heirloom, and therefore of significant sentimental value. 
• They have specific ideas about design that are difficult to find in regular stores
• The frame is structurally sound but the cushioning or fabric is in need of a refresh

While reupholstering your furniture is a great way to remain sustainable, sometimes it is better to replace it entirely. You may wish to start shopping for new pieces if:

• The frame of your furniture is weak, warped or prone to snapping
• The furniture requires so much work that it would not be cost-effective to reupholster it
• The piece no longer suits your needs or fits in with your aesthetic 
• You need an increase in size, a different shape or need your furniture to perform other functions. 

Ultimately, the decision hinges on quality, cost and personal value. If the furniture in question is well-made and can enjoy a new lease of life then upholstering is almost certainly the option to go for. This doesn’t mean to say that cheaply-made furniture can’t be made over- it all depends on your individual circumstances.