Want to know the difference between upholstery and reupholstery? Keep reading to find out!
» MORE: Reupholstering vs. Buying New
What Is Upholstery?
Upholstery is the craft of making furniture beautiful and comfortable. However, the word upholstery means somewhat different things depending on who you ask. It has become a bit of a catch-all term. Upholstery today includes both the craft and the materials used, i.e., padding, springs, webbing, fabric, etc.
Modern upholstery uses:
- Natural and synthetic fibers
- Foam and padding
- Springs
- Webbing
- Tacks and staples
- Thread
- Fabric or leather covers
- Advanced woodwork
Traditional upholstery uses:
- Double-coil steel springs
- Natural fibers
- Hessian
- Jute
- Horsehair
Traditional Upholstery refers specifically to 18th-century Traditional Upholstery. Before this period, upholstery primarily focused on wall hangings, draperies, and simple cushions. What we consider upholstery today was very much a different thing before the 18th century. Shocker!
The word upholstery originated from the Middle English word “upholder”: The term encompassed various trades, including tent-making, cabinet-making, undertaking, soft furnishing, and auctioneering.
While much earlier periods saw the use of woven mats (Ancient Egypt) and animal skins stretched across rigid frameworks (ancient Greece), it really wasn’t until the 18th century that the foundations of modern upholstery were established.
What Is Reupholstery?
Simply put, reupholstery is the process of removing old upholstery from existing furniture and replacing it with new upholstery.
This process typically includes:
- Removing all existing upholstery
- Tightening the frame
- Woodwork
- Replacing or repairing webbing
- Installing new springs if needed
- Adding fresh padding
- Applying new fabric
- Adding decorative finishing touches, such as tufting
» MORE: Reupholstery Furniture: What Is It? + 3 Examples
Upholstery and Reupholstery: What’s The Main Difference?
Before I answer, I need to set the definition clearly because some people use the word upholstery to simply mean NEW furniture that has been upholstered. In this case, upholstery vs. reupholstery just entails an already complete solution vs. one you’d need to undertake.
Basically, if you buy new upholstered furniture, then it comes ready to use, and you don’t have to do anything other than make sure it’ll work for your space and pick it up and install it or have it delivered and installed.
Reupholstery, on the other hand, is a journey you take with your upholsterer to breathe new life into an existing piece. Sure, you can buy new upholstered furniture from the store easily, but if you love an existing piece, let’s say an antique, then that’s a whole different process.
Upholstery and Reupholstery as in Materials
If you mean upholstery as in the materials AND the craft of applying them to furniture…then upholstery and reupholstery are almost the same.
The only difference is that reupholstery involves removing old materials first and potentially dealing with hidden damage, while new upholstery starts with a bare frame. The techniques, materials, and skills required are essentially identical – it’s just the starting point that differs.
Cost of Upholstery vs Reupholstery
When it comes to cost, here’s what you need to know! New, upholstered furniture often comes with a higher price tag since you’re paying for an entirely new frame.
By contrast, reupholstery lets you work with your existing frame, and that can (emphasis on can) be cheaper, but here’s the catch: The final cost depends heavily on your piece’s condition and what needs to be done.
Sometimes, you might just need to update your cushions or make minor repairs, which keeps your costs down. But if your frame needs significant repairs or your upholstery generally has a lot of wear and tear, those costs will add up quickly, and surprise, what you end up paying for your reupholstery could easily surpass what you would pay for new upholstered furniture.
The good news? If you’re working with a solid, well-built piece, and you DON’T need the full works, then reupholstery is likely the more cost-effective choice.
» MORE: How Much Does It Cost To Reupholster A Sofa or Chair?
Upholstery vs. Reupholstery: Process, Tools, and Materials
*Again, the following applies if by upholstery you mean new upholstered furniture that has already been done, and you can go in and buy it.
Upholstery Process, Tools, and Materials:
- Uses entirely new frame and upholstery materials
- Typically done in a factory or workshop setting
- Utilizes standardized measurements in most cases
- Factory-cut fabric
- Mass-produced components (usually)
Reupholstery Process, Tools, and Materials:
- Works with an existing furniture frame
- Requires multi-phase process
- Often performed in local shops
- Needs custom measurements for each piece
- Replacement upholstery is used as needed
- Custom-cut fabric
- Specialized repairs
- Restoration-specific tools
Sustainability of Upholstery vs. Reupholstery
Let’s talk sustainability for a moment because there is a difference between upholstery and reupholstery in this area.
When you buy new upholstered furniture, it obviously requires new materials. Reupholstery, on the other hand, is all about preservation and longevity.
For those who are eco-conscious, this is rather important because it keeps your existing furniture out of landfills and reduces the demand for new resources—and you get gorgeous, customized furniture while being kind to our planet. It’s a win-win.
Plus, many upholsterers now offer eco-friendly material options so you can make your restored piece even greener.
Sustainability of Upholstery vs Reupholstery at a Glance
New upholstery:
- Requires new raw materials
- Higher energy consumption for manufacturing
- Contributes to landfill waste
- Increases demand for resource extraction
Reupholstery:
- Extends existing furniture lifespan
- Reduces landfill waste
- Uses less new resources
- Supports local craftspeople and businesses
- Preserves quality craftsmanship of older pieces
- Can use eco-friendly materials
When To Consider Upholstery
Starting fresh is often the way to go if your existing furniture has a weak frame, but there are exceptions. Moreover, getting new upholstered furniture is a good idea if you want certain perks.
These include standard sizing that works for most spaces, a variety of standard style options at different price points, and convenience. These are just some things to consider.
Ultimately, new upholstered furniture might be your best bet if your existing piece has seen better days and you’d rather have something totally new!
When To Consider Reupholstery
Got a special piece with good bones? If so, reupholstery might be perfect for you! Since this process updates your existing furniture, you’ll want to make sure the piece’s frame is worth the investment.
Here’s the exciting part: Many vintage pieces actually boast better construction than modern furniture, making them ideal candidates for a stunning transformation.
Reupholstery is an excellent choice for:
- High-quality pieces built to last generations
- A cherished family heirloom
- Unique finds with character you just can’t replace
- Perfectly sized furniture that fits your space just right
» MORE: 5 Benefits of Getting Custom Upholstery
