How to Know if You Should Reupholster Furniture or Buy New

If you’re looking to refresh your space in the New Year, you might be weighing the pros and cons of reupholstering your existing furniture versus buying new. 

While it’s no secret that we love to give used furniture a fresh take on life, it’s also true that not every piece of furniture is a worthy candidate. 

So here’s the big question… how do you know whether to reupholster or buy new?

Today, we’re answering this question and taking you behind the scenes of our custom workroom!

When should you reupholster versus buy new?

The answer to this question depends on your answers to these:

• Do you love this piece of furniture?
• Does it fit your body and have comfortable proportions?
• Does it fit well in your space?
• Is the frame holding up well?
• Is the piece from a reputable manufacturer?

If you mostly answered “No,” then it is time to invest in new furniture. We can help you make the best decision for your space, style, and comfort.

If you answered “Yes,” then you’ll be better off reupholstering your existing furniture. We can add new fabric and batting, re-web the foundation, re-tie springs, and replace worn-out cushions.

Note: The investment for reupholstering versus buying new is nearly equal for a piece of the same quality.

And now for the behind-the-scenes peek! Here are our 10 steps to reupholstering furniture to look brand new, refreshed, or ready to be loved… 

Step 1: Estimating Fabric & Labor

The first step is to understand how much fabric is needed, how many man-hours are needed, and create a plan for the project.

Insider Info: The larger the pattern on your fabric the more fabric will be required for matching it. This is true of any project, from a simple pillow to window treatments to complex upholstery.

Step 2: Mapping Cuts

Do we really draw a map of each piece and where on the fabric they should fall in order to correctly match the pattern on the project? You betcha!

Step 3: Deconstructing Upholstery

For upholstery projects, we have to tear down the piece, removing all fabric and filler right down to the frame. We’ll repair the frame and re-tie springs as needed before any updates to the upholstery.

Step 4: Fabric Inspection & Cutting

We closely examine every inch of the fabric for defects and flaws. No one wants a flaw, and we’re adamant about perfection!! Once we’re sure the fabric is up to par, we’ll cut it along the lines we’ve drawn.

Step 5: Sewing Fabric as Needed

Whether it’s upholstery, a custom window treatment, or pillows, the next step is sewing the fabric as needed for the item. This takes focus, care, and really is custom work!

Step 6: Prepare the Piece for Fabric

Next, we begin reconstructing the furniture by adding foam, batting, and preparing the frame for fabric.

Step 7: Apply Fabric to the Frame

When applying fabric to the frame, we have to be very careful about matching the repetitions of the pattern for a seamless, classy look!

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches & Inspect

Finishing touches include things like stuffing pillows and cushions. Once we’re confident the work is complete, we’ll inspect the whole thing from top to bottom to make sure it’s spick, span, and ready for your home!

Step 9: Wrap for Storage or Delivery

Whether we’re storing it for pick-up or putting it on a truck for delivery, we wrap up your piece with care so it arrives to you in pristine condition.

Step 10: A Loving Home

The final step is less about us and all about you. We love knowing that the pieces we make will end up in happy Wisconsin homes, where you’re sure to love and use them for a long time!

Workroom Special – 20% Off Fabric!

To celebrate the New Year, we’re offering 20% off of the fabric used in any custom commissioned piece. This special applies to reupholstery, window treatments, bedding, pillows and cushions, and is valid through the end of February. 

Questions? Have any furnishings that could use a little refresh? Give us a call or reach out here. 

We love what we do and can’t wait to see how we can support your happiest home in 2020!

Warmly,
Lakeside Living Design