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The average furniture reupholstery cost is $741, with projects ranging from $140 to $2,250, depending on furniture type, size, fabric, and labor.
Furniture reupholstery involves replacing old fabric and padding to restore or update the look and feel of your pieces.
Fabric selection and the size of your furniture have the biggest impact on overall cost.
Labor rates depend on your region and the complexity of the reupholstery project, with skilled work adding value to your investment.
Refreshing furniture through reupholstery can extend its life, preserve sentimental value, and reduce waste
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Furniture reupholstery cost averages $741, with homeowners spending between $370 and $1,146 on average. Prices depend on the type and size of furniture, fabric selection, and labor rates. Calculated per piece, for example, reupholstering a dining chair may cost $100, while a large sofa can exceed $2,000. Reupholstery is an investment in comfort and style, allowing you to keep quality or sentimental furniture in your home. This guide will help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Several factors determine the final cost of furniture reupholstery. Let’s look at what drives pricing so you can plan your project with confidence.
The type of furniture you’re reupholstering has a major impact on cost. The more intricate the design, the more hours and expertise required, driving up the furniture reupholstery cost.
Simple dining chairs are less expensive, while complex pieces like tufted sofas or recliners require more labor and materials. Antique or uniquely shaped pieces cost more due to specialized skills and extra time needed. Modern designs with clean lines are less labor-intensive.
Furniture Type | Cost Range | Difficulty |
---|---|---|
Dining chair | $150–$600 | Minimal padding, simple shapes |
Armchair | $300–$700 | Moderate curves, some detailing |
Loveseat | $600–$1,600 | Larger, may include tufting |
Sofa | $800–$2,500 | Large, complex frames/tufting possible |
Ottoman | $200–$700 | Small but may have storage/tufting |
Recliner | $600–$2,000 | Moving parts, complex mechanisms |
Sectional | $1,500–$4,000 | Multi-piece, extensive labor |
The size of your furniture directly affects the total cost. Larger items need more fabric and take more time to reupholster. A small vanity bench may cost a fraction of what you’ll pay to reupholster a large sectional or oversized sofa. Smaller pieces, like stools or ottomans, require less material and labor, keeping costs down.
Size | Width (In.) | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Small | Up to 24 | $100–$400 |
Medium | 25–60 | $400–$1,200 |
Large | 60+ | $1,200–$3,000+ |
Fabric choice is one of the most significant cost drivers. The price per yard varies widely by material, with luxury or specialty fabrics costing much more. Most furniture pieces require six to 20 yards of fabric, depending on their size and style. Choosing a premium or designer fabric can double or triple your material costs, especially for large or intricate furniture.
Material | Cost Per Yard | Total Material Cost |
---|---|---|
Cotton | $30–$100 | $120–$1,100 |
Linen | $40–$180 | $150–$1,300 |
Synthetic | $10–$110 | $60–$900 |
Velvet | $40–$300 | $240–$2,000 |
Leather | $50–$250 | $300–$5,000 |
Performance fabric | $30–$80 | $180–$1,600 |
Professional upholsterers and furniture restoration specialists charge by the hour, per piece, or offer flat rates. Labor costs for reupholstery fall between $50 and $100 per hour. Complex projects, such as antiques or pieces with tufting, piping, or curves, will take longer and cost more. Labor costs include removing old fabric, making minor repairs, replacing padding, and reassembling the furniture.
Labor rates vary by region, with urban areas and markets with high demand charging more. Skilled upholsterers with extensive experience may charge premium rates, but their expertise can ensure better results and longer-lasting furniture.
Preparation costs include removing old upholstery, making minor repairs, and cleaning the frame. If your furniture has pet or smoke damage, stains, or pest issues, additional charges may apply for extra cleaning or deodorizing. Prep work can add several hours to a project, especially for older or damaged pieces.
Other expenses can influence your final bill. These include:
Demolition or removal of old fabric and padding, especially on heavily worn pieces
Cleanup or disposal fees if the upholsterer must remove large amounts of debris
Structural repairs to the frame, springs, webbing, or joints, which can add $50–$500 per repair
Upgrades such as new padding, hardware, custom finishes, decorative piping, tufting, or embroidery
Delivery or pickup fees, $50–$150 per trip if not included
Stain protection or fabric treatments, which can add $50–$100 per piece
Once your furniture is reupholstered, ongoing costs are minimal. However, regular care and occasional repairs help protect your investment.
Routine cleaning and care will keep your reupholstered furniture looking fresh. Vacuuming, spot-cleaning, and rotating cushions help prevent wear. Professional upholstery cleaning costs $100 to $300 per visit, depending on size and fabric type. Applying fabric protectants every one to two years can add $50 to $100 per treatment but helps prevent stains and extend fabric life.
After reupholstery, common repairs include fixing fabric snags, seam splits, or cushion flattening. Minor repairs cost $50 to $150, while major repairs—such as replacing foam or repairing frames—can cost $200 to $500. For significant issues, it’s best to call a professional to ensure quality and safety.
Homeowners insurance may cover reupholstered furniture if damaged in a covered event, but not all policies include this. If you have high-value or antique pieces, consider adding extra coverage or scheduling them on your policy. The cost to insure valuable reupholstered items varies, but expect to pay an additional $20 to $100 per year for each piece, depending on value and location.
Many homeowners consider tackling reupholstery themselves to save on labor costs. DIY projects require purchasing fabric, foam, batting, and tools like staple guns and scissors. While you can save significantly, DIY reupholstery demands time, patience, and skill.
DIY reupholstery is best suited for simple pieces and those with sentimental value. More complex or valuable furniture should be left to professionals to ensure a high-quality and durable finish.
Several popular add-ons can enhance your reupholstered furniture. These add-ons can boost the comfort, appearance, and practicality of your furniture, but they do increase the total project cost.
Each comes with its own cost:
New foam or padding replacement: $50–$200 per seat
Decorative elements (tufting, piping, nailhead trim): $50–$300 depending on design and materials
Stain or water-resistant fabric treatments: $50–$100 per piece
Custom embroidery or monogramming: $50–$200
Hardware replacement (legs, casters, handles): $25–$150 per item
Pickup and delivery services: $50–$150 per trip
Matching pillows or cushions: $40–$200 each
Arm covers or slipcovers: $60–$300 per set
You can keep your furniture reupholstery cost manageable by following these practical strategies:
Choose mid-range or durable fabrics instead of premium options.
Reupholster only high-value or sentimental pieces.
Get multiple quotes from local upholsterers.
Handle prep work (removing old fabric) yourself if possible.
Bundle multiple pieces for potential discounts.
Opt for simpler designs to reduce labor time.
Maintain furniture to avoid costly repairs before reupholstery.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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