Over time, furniture accumulates a lot of wear and a lot of dirt. And there comes a point when a decision must be made: replace or reupholster? While replacing that worn, dirty couch seems to be the most logical, that’s not always the case. There are actually very valid reasons for taking the time and investing the money to preserving it instead.
Should I reupholster?
Reupholstering an old sofa could end up costing more than you would pay for a new one, so it’s important to think it through before committing. There are however certain conditions where it can be worth it:
1)Â Â Â It is an antique or family heirloom. Some pieces have so much history and value that they just cannot be replaced with something new. When dealing with old pieces such as this, it’s important to be extra careful to avoid mistakes and damage to the furniture, so unless you’re a proficient DIYer, it’s best to hire a professional.
2)Â Â Â It fits your needs and your space. Perhaps you finally found a couch that fits perfectly in your space and can’t stand the thought of seeking out another. Maybe you just love the shape, size, and comfort of it, but wish it didn’t look so worn. Whatever the reason, you can freshen up that couch you love with fresh fabrics.
3)Â Â Â You get exactly what you want. Certain home decor requires a specific color, pattern or texture, which can often be challenging to find in the ready-made furniture market. Personally picking your fabrics and reupholstering allows you to have something uniquely designed for your space.
4)Â Â Â You’d like to save money. As mentioned earlier, reupholstering can be an investment. With that said, it doesn’t always mean getting a run-of-the-mill piece from the furniture store is cheaper (especially if you’ll have to replace all upholstered pieces to match your decor). If you have a taste for high quality, then the piece in question is probably of high quality. If that’s the case, then reupholstering would definitely be the way to go. If you have a passion for DIY projects, then this is going to be the cheapest route for you as well.
5)Â Â Â You want to enhance your skills. Reupholstering is a great DIY project if you have the time and inclination. There are many tutorials that can be found online should you find yourself itching to do something new.
It’s important to remember that recovering isn’t the same as reupholstering. Recovering is basically a cosmetic procedure, whereas reupholstering goes beyond the fabric. Reupholstering often includes stripping the piece to the frame, reinforcing it, replacing coil springs and padding. This is why it’s such a time- and labor-intensive process. With that said, it is still a great alternative to replacing a good, solid (yet dirty) couch.
When you are looking for a fabric store near you in Dallas, stop by our Cutting Corners location in Dallas, Tx for great deals on discount designer fabrics. You will find something for every home interior project from gorgeous drapery fabrics to lightweight cottons and luxurious Dupioni Silks.
