Reupholstering your furniture is one of the best ways to give new life to old pieces and create a more personalized look in your home. However, there are several misconceptions about the process that can discourage homeowners from taking the plunge. Some people believe it to be too expensive, time-consuming, or simply not worth it. In this article, we'll debunk some of the most common myths about reupholstering furniture so that you can make a more informed decision about whether it's right for you.
One of the most common misconceptions about reupholstering furniture is that it's more expensive than buying new pieces. While this may be true in some cases, it's not necessarily the case for all furniture.
Older pieces of high-quality furniture are built to last, sadly ‘they just don’t make them like they used to’. In most cases, high-quality furniture can be reupholstered and restored multiple times over the course of its lifetime. The cost of reupholstering a piece of furniture is usually comparable to purchasing a new piece of furniture, and often cheaper. But when looking at the overall lifespan of a quality piece of older furniture you are absolutely getting your money's worth.
In addition, if you're looking for a custom piece that perfectly matches your decor, reupholstering may be a more cost-effective solution than buying something new. You also have the advantage of keeping a beloved piece of furniture that you already have, rather than buying something new and unknown which also helps the environment too!
Another common misconception about reupholstering furniture is that it’s a long and drawn-out process. While reupholstering does require a bit of time and effort, the process can be streamlined. Most professional upholsterers can complete the job in a matter of weeks and in some cases, days. If you're doing it yourself, you can usually complete the job within a weekend.
While there are certainly some DIY-ers who have successfully reupholstered their furniture, it's often a more complicated process than it may seem. Often, there are hidden elements such as springs that must be addressed during the reupholstering process. An experienced upholsterer has both the tools and skills necessary to tackle these types of issues. Other things to consider include worn frames and getting the right fabric types. A professional will be able to ensure nothing crucial gets missed and the job is done properly.
Some homeowners may feel that reupholstering is not an option for furniture that's too old or too damaged. But this is simply not true. In fact, older furniture is often a better candidate for reupholstering as it's often of a better quality than modern-day pieces. Reupholstering is a good way to keep your family heirloom furniture or antiques from getting damaged. In some cases parts of the frame may need replacing but an experienced upholsterer will be able to identify exactly what is needed to completely refurbish and restore your furniture.
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to reuse the old fabric when reupholstering. If the old fabric is still in good condition and is free from tears or stains, there's no need to discard it. Not only will reusing this fabric save you money, but it also helps you preserve the history of the furniture.
Another misconception about reupholstering furniture is that it negatively affects the value of the piece. If you have a valuable antique, of course reupholstery needs to be carefully considered and we would always recommend seeking advice from an expert when it comes to the value of the piece. However, if the item is badly worn and damaged, a quality restoration in keeping with the original style of the item is likely to increase the value, rather than decrease it. The level or wear and damage will ultimately affect the change in value.
Reupholstering improves the quality of a piece of furniture. By replacing the old and worn-out cushioning and fabric with something fresh and new, you're actually improving the comfort and durability of the piece. Additionally, good upholsterers will often reinforce the frame of a piece to ensure that it is sturdy and well-built.
Some people simply believe that reupholstering furniture isn't worth the effort. However, when done right, the result can be transformative. You can turn an old and tired piece of furniture into something new and exciting. Plus, reupholstery saves you the cost of buying a new piece as well as being the most environmentally friendly option, so it’s really worth the effort.
Reupholstering furniture could be the perfect solution if you want to keep a beloved piece of furniture that is a little dated, reduce your impact on the environment or prolong the life of a good quality piece. By understanding that it’s a simpler and possibly cheaper process (with added benefits) than you may have realised, you may be more willing to tackle it yourself or hire a professional. The result will be a unique piece that’s tailored to your personality. Hopefully, by busting some of the common misconceptions about reupholstering, you’re now ready to take the plunge and get started. If so, reach out to our team about your general upholstery project today!