So, you’ve found yourself with an old piece of furniture and you’re wondering what to do with it. This is a choice many people are faced with some point in their lifetime and the solutions vary based on a variety of factors.
There are all sorts of reasons we end up with old pieces of furniture. Sometimes a piece we already own and love is starting to show its age or is just plain dated. Maybe we inherited an old piece that once belonged to a family member. Other times, we have an old piece in our possession because we saw it at a flea market and thought it had character.
For whatever reason you have an old piece, there are really only 3 things you can do with it: clean it, reupholster it, or replace it. But what should you do? In order to figure that out, you have to look at a couple of things.
Evaluating the History and Condition of the Piece Can Help You Decide
Does your piece of furniture have a story to tell? Well, that all depends on where it came from, what it was used for, and whom it previously belonged to. If it’s a family heirloom, you probably know at least a little bit of its history (or at least know someone who knows its history). If you bought it from a reputable antique dealer, then there’s a good chance you were given a little backstory that intrigued you enough to purchase it. Don’t know a thing about it? That’s okay, too! While understanding some history regarding your possession is helpful, it doesn’t mean you have to have every little detail in order to decide if you’re going to salvage the piece or not.
As far as the condition goes, there are three main conditions that will automatically mean new upholstery: cigarette smoke, mold, and bug infestation. If the piece was ever housed in an environment that exposed them to any of those three conditions, it is in your best interest to strip it bare and rebuild. If you see a lot of dollar signs, you might want to look for a replacement that will fit your budget a bit better.
You’ve Decided to Keep It. Now What?
If the piece passes both the history and condition test, then your next decision is whether you just want to give it a deep cleaning or give it an update by reupholstering it with fabric that suits your personal style.
There is no guarantee that the piece will be cleaned to your satisfaction, but if it suits your space, then cleaning it should be one of the first options you consider. With that said, it’s unlikely that the fabric will suit your home’s decor, especially if it’s extremely dated.
The cost of reupholstering is what usually holds people back. Depending on the piece involved, reupholstering it can vary anywhere from $40 to $200 and up for a yard of fabric. What does this mean? It means that a reupholstered piece can end up costing the same as something new. So why not just pitch it and go with something new? You’ve probably heard the phrase, “They just don’t make it like they used to.” Well, this applies to furniture as well. The difference between that newly upholstered piece and that newly purchased piece is that your old piece will have a much more solid frame than a mass-produced piece right off the assembly line. Unless you buy a custom piece of furniture, reupholstering something that’s of quality construction is the next best thing.
Fabric Can Work Miracles on Old Furniture
The right fabric can breathe new life into an old or dated piece of furniture. In order to make the right choice, it’s very important that you determine how the piece will be used. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk look and feel great, but they aren’t the most durable or the easiest to clean. Those fabrics are best left for more formal spaces or lightly-used rooms. Synthetic fabrics, such as Ultrasuede and other microfibers, as well as leather, will stand up much better under heavy use. Keep in mind that reupholstering allows you to mix and match fabrics in a way you’ve never thought of, so take your time and have fun narrowing down your choices.
When you are looking for a fabric store near you in Tomball, stop by our Interior Fabrics locations in Houston, TX for great deals on discount designer fabrics. You will find something for every home interior project from gorgeous drapery fabrics to lightweight cotton fabrics and luxurious Dupioni silk fabrics.
