Get matched with top upholsterers in Wilmington, VT

As with any project, weighing the pros and cons of upholstery can help determine if that is the right choice for you. The ultimate question is whether it’s worth reupholstering instead of buying new furniture. Here are a few of the benefits and disadvantages of reupholstering a piece of furniture.

Pros:

• Preserving a family heirloom

• Maintaining high-quality furniture in good condition

• Reinventing an old piece of furniture

• Keeping a piece of furniture from going to a landfill

Cons:

• Spending (possibly) more than to buy a new piece of furniture

• Finding out the frame is beyond repair

• Waiting for the reupholstery work to be done

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

The time to reupholster a chair varies by the type and the project’s complexity. Simple dining chairs may take a few hours, while larger or more intricate chairs like wingbacks can take several days. Most professional upholsterers complete the job within one to two weeks, including material sourcing and scheduling.

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.