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Reupholstering is often worthwhile for high-quality, antique, or sentimental couches, especially if the frame is sturdy. It can cost less than buying a comparable new piece and allows for customization, but may not be cost-effective for low-end furniture.

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

To safeguard your furniture and upholstered items, it's best to use plastic wrap or specially-made plastic sofa covers. However, you should avoid wrapping wooden furniture in plastic if you plan on storing it, as plastic can trap moisture and warp the wood, plus it may damage certain finishes. In either case, old blankets or moving blankets make excellent alternatives. For protecting delicate glass table tops and mirrors, bubble wrap is always a reliable choice.

In most cases, it is more affordable to reupholster furniture than it is to replace it, but it depends on the quality and age of the furniture you’re considering getting reupholstered. Antique pieces are always worth reupholstering, as it’s the only way to preserve the piece and extend its life. Newer pieces of furniture are more often made using lower-quality materials like medium-density fiberboard or plywood that don’t have the same lifespan as things like hardwood. For newer pieces, your furniture reupholstery specialist should be able to help you determine the best course of action.