Your furniture tells a story. But when that story needs a new chapter, do you rewrite it through reupholstery or start over with new pieces?
Obviously, this is a big decision, so let’s dive into what matters most when making this choice. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether reupholstering or buying new is the right move for you.
What Does Reupholstering Furniture Entail?
Reupholstering furniture begins with choosing the right piece, whether it’s an heirloom, a vintage find, or something that simply needs an update. Once you’ve chosen the piece, the next step is finding a skilled upholsterer to assess it.
After the assessment, you’ll choose fabrics and materials that fit your personal style, and then the actual reupholstery process can begin. This includes removing the old fabric, making any necessary repairs, and applying the new materials. The result should be a beautifully renewed piece of furniture that retains its value.
Note: While reupholstering furniture entails plenty of minutiae, a huge part of the process revolves around finding the right piece and upholsterer. When you choose the right upholsterer, they will bring you into their unique process.
What Does Buying New Furniture Entail?
A lot goes into buying new furniture. After all, you not only have to find the right piece, but you also need to trust who you’re buying from. Deciding where to buy from, whether it’s a retailer or a manufacturer, can be a challenge.
Buying directly from the manufacturer can be advantageous, as it offers access to special customization options and potentially better pricing. Some savvy buyers also purchase custom furniture at garage or estate sales.
Whatever you choose, finding the right source is so important. This is because new furniture doesn’t always guarantee good craftsmanship, especially with mass-produced items.
Buying Furniture from Facebook Marketplace
If you’ve never looked at Facebook Marketplace, we suggest giving it a try. It’s a treasure trove that allows you to find unique pieces to reupholster. When browsing, look for pieces with good bones, i.e., solid, high-quality frames. If the fabric is worn out, a skilled upholsterer can help.
However, remember that prices on Facebook Marketplace aren’t final. You’ll need to factor in other expenses related to reupholstering. For example, if a vintage armchair costs $100 on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll need to also consider the cost of fabric and labor. These and other expenses can add up quickly.
If you decide not to reupholster, Facebook Marketplace is an excellent platform for selling or giving away unwanted furniture and keeping it out of a landfill.
Cost To Reupholster vs Buying New
Reupholstering can cost as much as buying new furniture and sometimes even more, so what is your motivation? Do you want to maintain the sentimental value of a piece? Are you looking for high-quality furniture? For high-quality furniture, reupholstering often makes financial sense.
Fabric Costs: Fabric for upholstery typically ranges from $30 to $100 per yard. For excellent fabric, you’ll be closer to $100 per yard. Fabrics represent one of the biggest expenses in reupholstering.
Additional Costs: When budgeting for reupholstery, remember that fabric is just one part of the equation. There are other expenses to consider, including labor, which is a big one.
How Much Does Reupholstery Cost in Total?
You might be wondering how much reupholstery costs in total. Let’s look at three popular examples.
- Lounge chairs: Up to $1,500
- Sofas: Around $4,000
- Full sectionals: Well over $15,000
Now, if you find yourself gasping at the thought of reupholstering a full sectional, the good news is that you can work in increments, for instance, the cushions. You can start slow. You don’t have to do everything at once.
We always suggest getting a quote from your upholsterer to understand the full scope of costs involved in your project. It’s good to know your number before buying a new piece to reupholster.
How to Know If It’s Worth Reupholstering vs Buying New
To decide, start by asking the following questions: Is this the ideal piece of furniture for my space? Does it have sentimental value or unique characteristics? Does the piece have a high-quality frame?
If the answer is yes, reupholstering could be a smart choice. On the other hand, if you’re not particularly attached to the furniture or if it’s not built to last, buying new will be the better option.
Another factor to consider is customization. Reupholstering allows you to personalize a piece to a great degree, which often isn’t available with mass-produced furniture. To be fair, some manufacturers allow for amazing customization of new furniture straight out of the warehouse. It depends on your situation and what resources you have available.
Is it Worth Reupholstering A 20-Year-Old Piece of Furniture?
If you care about the piece, have used it for years, and it’s in a condition suitable for reupholstering, then yes, it is worth it.
Does Reupholstering Reduce Furniture Value?
No, reupholstering typically doesn’t reduce furniture value. Here’s why.
Preservation of Quality: Reupholstering preserves the original craftsmanship of well-made furniture.
Customization and Modernization: Reupholstering allows you to update the piece without compromising its structural integrity.
Enhanced Functionality: Reupholstering can improve the furniture’s comfort and usability.
However, it’s important to note a couple of caveats:
Quality of Reupholstering: Poor-quality reupholstering can potentially decrease a piece’s value. Be careful to choose the right upholsterer!
Historical Significance: For some antique pieces, maintaining original upholstery might be crucial to preserving historical value. In such cases, consult with an antique expert before reupholstering.
When Should You Not Reupholster?
Reupholstering something on a weak foundation is a bad idea. This is one of the fastest ways to waste money! Basically, if your furniture has a weak frame, don’t reupholster it. Buy new.
In addition to this, you should avoid reupholstering when:
- The frame was once good but is now damaged
- The piece is made of low-quality materials
- The cost of reupholstery far exceeds the value of the piece
- You no longer like the furniture and want to dispose of it
Additionally, if the piece is perfectly suitable for reupholstery but you don’t have an attachment to it, purchasing a new one might be a better choice.
Reupholstering Your Furniture with Redesign Upholstery
Thinking about reupholstering your furniture? If so, it’s important to choose a skilled professional who will make the process smooth and ensure your investment pays off.
Reupholstering is an art, and a great upholsterer can bring out the full potential of a piece you love. There are so many little details that go into the process, and a true expert will make sure everything is done right.
At Redesign Upholstery, we focus on quality and care in every project. Our team transforms your furniture into something that feels like new again without losing the original charm.
If you’ve got a piece that means something to you, don’t let it fade away. Reach out to Redesign Upholstery, and we’ll help you bring it back to life with results you’ll be proud of.
Get New Custom Furniture with Redesign Upholstery
Not every piece of furniture needs to be reupholstered. Sometimes, you need something entirely custom to fit your space. At Redesign Upholstery, we also specialize in creating custom furniture that’s designed just for you.
Our custom furniture service gives you full control over every detail—from the height and depth of the piece to the feel and more. Want a sofa perfect for lounging? Need new outdoor furniture? Whatever your need, we make sure every piece is personalized and built to last.
Here are just a few things you can customize:
- The feel and firmness of the seat
- Seat depth and height for ultimate comfort
- Shape of back support
- Furniture dimensions
- Fabrics, whether kid-friendly, pet-friendly, or something else
If you have a favorite piece that no longer fits your space, you don’t have to start from scratch. We can adjust the dimensions, reimagine the design, and make it work perfectly for your new setup. We’ll guide you through questions like: How do you use the furniture? Do you have kids or pets?—all so we can ensure your custom piece meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
At Redesign Upholstery, we offer custom furnishings that are both practical and beautifully designed. Let us help you create or modify your next piece. Learn more on our Custom Furniture page.
