How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

In 2026, the national average cost to reupholster a chair is $750, with most projects falling between $300 and $1,100, depending on chair type, fabric selection, and labor complexity. Costs can reach up to $2,000 for larger pieces or antiques.

Chair Reupholstery Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

The cost to reupholster a chair depends on several key factors, including chair type, fabric selection, and labor. Understanding these variables helps you anticipate your total project price and choose options that fit your goals and budget.

Types

The type of chair you reupholster is one of the biggest drivers of your final cost, with simple dining chairs on the lower end and antique or specialty chairs reaching significantly higher totals. Armchairs, recliners, wingbacks, and antique chairs require more skill, time, and materials than basic dining chairs because of their complex shapes, decorative features, and built-in cushions. Costs vary considerably by chair type, as the breakdown below shows.

Chairs with tufting, piping, or unique shapes require more time and attention. Antique chairs may need structural repairs or specialty materials, increasing costs.

Size

Chair size directly influences both material and labor costs, with small chairs ranging from $100 to $500 and large chairs reaching $900 to $1,500. A small desk chair with no arms requires far less fabric and labor than an oversized armchair with deep cushions and extended armrests. Costs vary by size, as the table below shows.

Materials

Fabric choice is a significant cost driver, with prices ranging from $15 to $100 or more per yard depending on type, durability, and pattern. Standard cotton or polyester blends are the most affordable options, while leather, velvet, and designer fabrics sit at the higher end of that range. Most chairs require three to seven yards of fabric depending on size and design, and patterned fabrics may require extra yardage for proper alignment, which increases material costs. Costs vary by material type, as the breakdown below shows.

Other materials, such as foam, batting, webbing, springs, or decorative trims, can add $25 to $200 or more, depending on the extent of replacement and upgrades.

Labor

Professional upholsterers typically charge $40 to $100 per hour, or a flat fee based on the chair's complexity, with more experienced upholsterers and those in higher-cost regions charging toward the top of that range. Custom features like tufting, piping, or nailhead trim increase labor costs, as do repairs such as tightening joints or replacing springs. Most simple chairs take four to eight hours to complete, while complex or antique chairs may require 10 to 20 hours, and the full process including fabric selection and scheduling averages one to two weeks.

Prep

Preparation work, including removing old fabric, padding, and staples, typically costs $20 to $100 depending on how difficult the original material is to remove. The frame is also inspected for damage during this stage, and minor furniture repairs or cleaning may be necessary. If the frame requires deep cleaning or treatment for pests or odors, additional fees may apply, and small disposal fees for old materials are also possible.

Tipping

Tipping is not required for upholsterers, but $20 to $50 per chair is a common range for exceptional work. A thoughtful thank-you note or a positive online review is also a meaningful way to show appreciation for quality craftsmanship.

Additional Cost Factors

Several extras can affect the final price:

• Frame repairs, such as fixing loose joints or reinforcing the structure

• Spring replacement or repair

• Customizations like tufting, piping, nailhead trim, or embroidery

• Pickup and delivery fees starting at $100, depending on distance

• Rush service fees for expedited turnaround

• Environmental or disposal fees for hazardous materials, if applicable

These add-ons can range from a modest increase to several hundred dollars, depending on the scope and detail of the work.

Chair Reupholstery Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

While reupholstering a chair is mostly a one-time expense, a few ongoing costs are worth considering to protect your investment.

Maintenance

Routine care, including regular vacuuming and prompt spot cleaning, keeps your reupholstered chair looking fresh and extends its lifespan. Professional upholstery cleaning costs $90 to $190 per chair depending on fabric and location, and fabric protection treatments such as stain guards add $30 to $100. Simple habits like rotating cushions and keeping the chair out of direct sunlight can reduce how often you need professional cleaning.

Operating Costs

There are no significant ongoing operating costs for a reupholstered chair. Optional purchases such as slipcovers or furniture protectors cost $20 to $100 and help shield your new upholstery from spills and wear.

Repairs

Even with quality work, minor repairs such as loose seams, fabric wear, or cushion flattening may become necessary over time, with minor upholstery repairs costing $25 to $200 per chair. If your chair is valuable or sees heavy use, a warranty or service plan is worth considering.

Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance covers furniture damage from fire, theft, or some natural disasters, but high-value or antique chairs may need additional coverage at a cost that depends on the item's appraised value. If your chair is especially valuable or a family heirloom, discuss coverage options with your insurance provider before the reupholstery project begins.

DIY Chair Reupholstery vs. Hiring a Pro

Choosing between DIY and professional reupholstery comes down to budget, skill level, and the chair's complexity. Let's look at the differences.

DIY reupholstery requires basic tools like a staple gun, pliers, upholstery needles, and scissors. Material costs remain, but you save on labor. Expect to spend $100 to $400 on fabric and supplies for a simple chair. More complex projects need advanced skills, time, and patience.

Professionals charge more, but the results are often longer-lasting and more polished. DIY is best for simple dining or accent chairs, while valuable, antique, or complex chairs should be left to experts.

Chair Reupholstery Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Popular add-ons enhance comfort, appearance, or function. Each comes with its own price tag:

• Adding or replacing cushions or foam inserts: $50 to $200 per chair

• Decorative trim (piping, nailhead, fringe): $30 to $150 per chair

• Custom embroidery or monogramming: $50 to $200

• Matching ottoman or pillow reupholstery: $100 to $400

• Frame refinishing or painting: $50 to $300

• Pickup and delivery services: $100 to $300

• Fabric protection or stain guard application: $30 to $100

These extras personalize your project and can help your chair blend seamlessly with your décor.

Tips to Reduce Costs While Reupholstering a Chair

You can save money on your chair reupholstery project with a few strategic choices:

• Get multiple quotes from local furniture upholsterers to compare prices and services.

• Choose budget-friendly, durable fabrics that offer good value.

• Reuse existing padding or foam if it's still in good condition.

• Handle prep work yourself, such as removing old fabric and staples.

• Opt for simple designs and avoid customizations like tufting or nailhead trim.

• Bundle multiple chairs for volume pricing with your upholsterer.

• Consider partial reupholstery, such as seat-only, for additional savings.

Small steps like these can add up to significant savings without sacrificing quality.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.