Get matched with top upholsterers in Fairfield, ME

Doing your own upholstery work is possible, but it’s typically a better idea to leave the work to professionals. Without experience and the proper tools, it’s difficult to get a professionally finished appearance for your furniture, and many DIYers end up spending money on tools and materials only to hire a professional when they can’t get the fabric to look right. If you have reupholstery experience, feel free to give it a shot. However, if you’re not confident in your skill level or you’re working with antiques, it’s worth the money to hire a pro.

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.

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.