Rethink Reupholstery

Being located a block away from an antique mall, and having fabric swatches hanging in the back of the store, we get a lot of people asking if we offer reupholstering services. Also, because of the nature of our design business, we get just as many asking for reupholstering advice (e.g., "How much yardage do you think a chair 'yay' big would need?")

Of course, we don't reupholster here at our retail shop, as this arduous task is clearly best left to the skilled professionals with a workshop and years of experience. However, what I can offer is some insight because it seems that there are many misconceptions about the reupholstering process. There is a great interview of an upholsterer's perspective in this month's issue of Real Simple magazine (February 2012) that got me thinking about the subject.

Here are some quick tips:

1.) Reupholstering furniture probably won't save you money. In fact, it could cost you more when it's all said and done. Buying a "steal of a deal" from the antique store may not always be so great if your goal is to spend less than you would on a new piece. Once you factor in the cost of your piece, the cost of fabric and labor, it may be a wash. Other factors that you should consider are: the need for any new painting/staining, repairs/reinforcements, or new cushioning/springs -- all of which could send you over the edge.

2.) Good quality fabric is expensive. Manufacturing fabric is a labor and resource intense process, especially if it is anything worth putting on a piece of furniture. Buying enough yardage to cover an occasional chair or sofa will be costly.

3.) Reupholstering is not a DIY job. Unless you are looking at something like a little bench seat or a small inset cushion, upholstering should be done by professionals. It is a skilled trade and one can easily tell the difference between a good and bad upholstery job.

That said, there are many great reasons to reupholster antique and vintage furniture. For one, mixing in older furnishings adds character, depth and style to your home. Antique and vintage furniture can possess certain qualities that newer items seem to lack. I myself have had pieces reupholstered for my home, and we occasionally sell refurbished items in the store or have pieces reupholstered for design clients, and the results have always been well worth it. Giving a second life to an older piece is creatively rewarding and inherently eco-conscious. As an added bonus, utilizing antique and vintage furniture will make your interior unique and enviable with one-of-a-kind treasures.

xo, Amanda

Image from House Beautiful magazine. The homeowner chose to leave the backs of the chairs sans upholstery :)