Yes, you can reupholster antique furniture, and it’s a great way to extend the life of your pieces and keep them looking fresh and new for years to come. In fact, since reupholstering furniture is significantly more affordable than replacing it, reviving antique furniture can be a cost-effective way to keep that family heirloom usable for much longer. It’s usually a good idea to leave antique reupholstering to a professional, as they will have the tools and expertise to ensure the piece isn’t damaged and looks professionally finished.
Many upholsterers allow you to provide your own fabric, which can help control costs and ensure you get the exact style you want. Some upholsterers offer a selection of fabrics to choose from, while others may require you to purchase it at a fabric store. Be sure to check with your upholsterer about fabric suitability, required yardage, and any additional fees for using customer-supplied materials.
It can be cheaper to reupholster a chair or other piece of furniture than to buy a new one, depending on how much it costs to replace. If the chair or couch originally cost less than $300, then reupholstery may not be the cheapest option. However, if the chair is expensive, vintage, or discontinued, reupholstery can be the more affordable option. This is especially true if the piece of furniture is out-of-production or holds sentimental value.
Furniture reupholstery costs vary based on many factors, but most projects cost between $350 and $1,100, with an average price of $700 per piece.
Some factors that affect the price of furniture reupholstery include:
Size of the piece
Current condition of the material
Materials used
Age of your furniture
Additional furniture repairs
Number of pieces of furniture
Your location and whether or not the work is done on-site
Not always—heavily worn or broken furniture often isn’t worth repairing or refinishing (if it’s even possible). While some damage can be repaired and some of the visual appeal restored, major flaws, such as structural issues, can’t be fixed as easily. If you still want a cost-saving furniture refinishing project rather than purchasing all new, consider shopping for similar secondhand pieces at thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales.
The Springfield, SD homeowners’ guide to upholstering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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