Reupholstery 101

In today's world of "I want everything new,"it's rare to find someone searching for a business that specializes in upholstery.

It's unfortunate. But not surprising.

There are different reasons for this. One is that people today aren't as interested in purchasing for a lifetime. People see furniture like food, with a shelf life. Years ago, that wasn't the case. People bought furniture to pass down to their children.
Another is because of quality. Today, you actually have to search out companies that sell high quality goods. Casegoods that aren't made of out particle board or sofas with plastic legs. That's not to say that everyone should look to high end for everything. It's true that places like IKEA, Pottery Barn and Ethan Allen have their time and place.
But there are those out there that have a sofa, chair or ottoman that they just can't get rid of. Maybe it's the scale, style or history behind it that tugs at the heart strings. Whatever the reason, reupholstering is a great option.

I'm not going to lie and say it's a cheap fix. A good upholsterer is going to cost you. To make sure you're getting a fair price, shop around. Get several bids to make sure you're getting a fair price. But be aware that a much lower bid can mean much lower quality.

Talk with your upholsterer about your fabric choices before you purchase it. If possible bring in a sample. A good upholsterer will tell you if a fabric won't wear well and be able to recommend other options. Always wash fabric for slipcovers before dropping it off at the shop. The first time you take them to the dry cleaners or throw them in the wash, they will shrink and won't fit.

Something else to consider are the cushions. What do you want them to be filled with? How do you want it to sit? If you didn't love the sit of the piece before, now is the time to speak up. Maybe you want it firmer, softer, or have a more relaxed look. Ask what your options are. One of, if not the most popular, cushion inserts is a foam center with a down fill wrap around it. That way you get both the stability and softness. For a down fill, I recommend a 60-40 ratio. 60 being down and 40 being feather.

Remember, the world of upholstery is not just about applying a new fabric. They also repair and replace springs, joints, coils, fill, and padding. So make sure you take that special piece to someone you trust!