Get matched with top upholsterers in Shutesbury, MA

The best way to test the quality of a leather couch is to put your hands on it. If the upholstery is soft and warm, that’s a good indication that the quality is higher. It should also smell like traditional leather. If it smells like chemicals, you’re probably dealing with low-grade leather.

The average time it takes to reupholster a piece of furniture is around eight hours, but it varies significantly based on the piece. A professional can usually reupholster smaller furniture units like dining chairs or small ottomans in two to three hours, while an entire sofa might take several days or up to a week. Antique furniture tends to take longer to reupholster because greater care needs to be taken to preserve the piece. Your timeline might be a bit longer if you need other repairs done, like sanding and refinishing wood components.

It is usually worth repairing leather furniture, as it tends to retain its value, provided you care for the material. A typical repair for leather furniture will cost about $250, which is significantly more affordable than replacing the furniture entirely. Even if you spend toward the upper end of the typical cost range for a full reupholstering—around $4,000—you’ll still save money over replacing it. Of course, the quality of the leather and the piece of furniture matters. Consult a leather repair professional about whether it’s worth repairing your leather furniture.

You can make your dining room look more expensive using one or more of several methods. If you're remodeling, you can consider raising the ceiling height, installing an elegant chandelier, or redoing the floor. For smaller renovations, consider changing the paint color to a deep and rich tone, such as burgundy or emerald. You can also swap out the table and chairs to achieve a richer appearance.