As time goes on, furniture gets worn and dirty–and eventually, the time comes when you wonder what you should do. Instead of rushing out to replace the piece, consider having it reupholstered. Depending on your situation, and the piece in question, there are very valid reasons as to why saving it is worth it.

How to Know if You Should Reupholster

In some cases, reupholstering an old piece of furniture could end up costing you more money than buying something new would. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth salvaging. It just means that you should take a few things into consideration before making a snap decision.

Is it an antique or family heirloom?

If so, you should seriously consider making it look new again. Many pieces have a beautiful story to tell and the value is immeasurable. A replacement just won’t cut it. When dealing with pieces like this, find a reputable professional to handle it. Unless you’ve reupholstered several times before, taking a risk on a special piece isn’t worth it.

Does it fit your needs and your space?

If the piece gets the job done exceptionally well, then preserve it. The majority of mass-produced pieces are made with a one-size-fits-all mentality, but that’s really not the case. Everyone’s needs and spaces are different, so if you’ve found a piece that suits you in every way, hang onto it.

Would you like it to reflect your personality and style?

As mentioned earlier, furniture isn’t meant to be one-size-fits-all. Where’s the individuality in that? Certain home decor sometimes requires a particular color, pattern, or texture, which can often be hard to find at the average furniture store. Picking your own fabric gives you the freedom to design a piece you are completely happy with, and if it’s a solid piece, reupholstering could be the best option.

Do you enjoy having some extra pocket change?

Yes, reupholstering can cost more than buying a new piece, but not if you have to replace all the pieces so they “go together”. When you reupholster a piece of furniture, you can pick a fabric that will mesh perfectly with the other pieces of furniture you have. If you’re an experienced DIY-er and will be taking on this project, then reupholstering will definitely be the cheaper way to go.

The Best Upholstery Fabrics

You might be wondering what the best fabrics are for reupholstering projects. It really boils down to the purpose of the piece and/or your lifestyle. Formal spaces can handle fabrics that are lighter in weight whereas informal spaces can benefit from something more durable.

In general, fabrics can be broken down into two broad categories: natural fiber textiles and synthetic textiles. As with anything, both have their pros and cons. The more you know about them, however, the better equipped you’ll be to choose a fabric that’ll be best suited for your home.

In addition to the source of the fiber, you’ll need to consider how the fibers were turned into fabric. Do you prefer a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric? Again, the more information you gather on how the fabric was made can really help in the decision-making process. While you can certainly find this information online, it might be more helpful to speak with a professional, or, at the very least, examine the fabric in person, making sure to read the labels carefully.

How Much Fabric You’ll Need

When it comes to how much fabric you’ll need, every project is different. Regardless of what you’re upholstering, however, it’s important that you measure carefully. If you don’t, it’s likely your piece of furniture will turn out poorly. Additionally, if you don’t calculate accurately and end up with not enough yardage, you could really be in trouble if that particular fabric becomes discontinued.

If you have never reupholstered something yourself, it’s a good idea to talk with an upholstery professional. He or she will be a great resource of knowledge.

For more specifics on how to measure upholstery fabric, read our blog Important Tips for Calculating Upholstery Yardage.

Reupholstering Takes More Effort, But It’s Worth It

Before you get started, it’s important to understand that recovering isn’t equivalent to reupholstering. Recovering is basically a cosmetic fix. Reupholstering is a bit

more extensive since it often includes stripping the piece to the frame, reinforcing it, and replacing coil springs and padding. Even though proper reupholstering takes time and effort, it’s definitely worth the investment if your situation meets any of the above criteria.

Visit one of our showrooms or browse online for great deals on discount designer fabrics. You will find colors, patterns, and textures to help breathe new life into some older pieces.