Get matched with top upholsterers in Hudson, WI

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.

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.

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.

Reupholstering an old or antique chair can be worthwhile if the frame is still sturdy and the piece has sentimental or monetary value. Reupholstery often costs less than buying a high-quality new chair, and you can customize the look. However, extensive repairs or rare fabrics may increase the total cost.