Dear CJ,

I just moved into a new condo. I’m wondering is it worth getting a sofa reupholstered that my parents gave me. Or should I just buy a new one? What are the benefits to one over the other? Which one would be more economical?

Thanks in advance,

Andrew B.

Dear Andrew B.,

I’m so glad you asked. This is a question that almost every one of my client’s has solicited my advice on at some time or another. There are many things in favor of reupholstering. I’d like to advise you just like I have advised my clients over the years that have asked me is it worth getting a sofa reupholstered.

There are 5 Things you need to consider First …..

Quality

Is the sofa your parents gave you good quality? It’s likely that if it was purchased in the 60’s, 70’s or 80’s that the quality is very good. In those decades almost all furniture was made to last. Furniture lines like Baker, Henredon, Drexel Heritage and Century Furniture were all made in North Carolina. Some of these lines are still around making great quality furniture but the cost is expensive. These lines and others of this era were made with good bones. They have kiln-dried hardwood frames. This process removes the moisture from the wood enabling it to retain it’s shape and stability.

If the sofa you have is high quality it’s definitely worth considering reupholstering.

Style

The next thing to consider is… do you like the style? Does the sofa your parents gave you have a classic style that will take on a new personality with some fresh fabric? Is it worth getting a sofa reupholstered if you don’t love the style?

The arms play heavily on determining the style. A sofa with track arms like the one shown in the photo or with rolled arms that aren’t too bulky are considered classic. Both styles are easy to work into a room without overpowering the space.

Do you like the style of the back? Back cushions can be loose like the one shown or a tight back like this one. Loose cushions provide more comfort. Tight back is less fuss because you don’t have to plump a tight back. If it’s a tight back with tufting like the one shown below you can opt to have it reupholstered without the tufting. A good upholsterer can make some changes to the style.

The seat cushions can be easily changed as well. Whether it currently has a single bench cushion, 2 cushions or 3 cushions most of the time an upholstered can modify a sofa to your cushion preference. If you tend to lay on the sofa a single bench cushion might be your preference. If you plan to entertain a lot 3 cushions provides better seating. If it’s just you and your honey 2 cushions might give you each a corner to hug and still stretch out your legs.

The important thing is that you are happy with the basic lines of the sofa your parents gave to you. A good upholsterer can make modifications to a certain extent but you have to like the bones.

Recycling

Is recycling and re-purposing important to you?

In this day and age we are a lot more aware of the ramifications of things ending up in a landfill. Reupholstering is definitely a good contribution to the environment.

Was your parents sofa passed down from another generation? An heirloom sofa can add to the character of your new condo. It might even be the inspiration for the space.

Your Body Type

Does the sofa conform to your body?

If the sofa is the primary place you will be sitting to watch TV and relax be sure it is right for your body type. The cushions will be improved when you have it reupholstered but the thing to consider is the depth of the seat and the height of the back.

If you are tall … the back of your thighs need to lay nicely on the cushion. Do they?

If you are short…your feet need to touch the floor. Do they?

Do you feel that the back cushion is high enough to support your back? Would you prefer to have it higher?

Floor Plan

Does the sofa your parents gave you fit into your floorplan nicely? An 84” sofa generally will fit just about anywhere and suit most floorplans well. Is it worth getting your sofa reupholstered if it’s not a great fit in the space. Probably not. Before you spend the money on reupholstering be sure it’s the right size for the room.

If you answered yes to most of these questions than it’s certainly worth reupholstering.

The next step is to find a good upholsterer. Ask around first. There is nothing better than someone that comes with a referral from a family member or friend. If you are looking for one online make sure they have several positive reviews.

Not all upholsterers are equal. When I first went on my own and broke away from the design firm I worked with for 8 years I had a non-compete clause in my contract. Because of this I couldn’t work with any of the workrooms we had worked with there. Sadly, I was the one who had found the upholster we worked with because I did not care for the one our firm had been working with for years.

So, I went on a wild goose chase.

I had an antique sofa of my own that I wanted reupholstered for our vintage home. I visited 10, yes 10 upholsterers. Some of them I never even got out of my car to walk in. I could see furniture stock piled in a heap. The thought of having my antique sofa added to their heap was appalling to me.

So, I forged on.

I found one that I was very impressed with but his price was outrageous. Finally, I called the upholsterer I had worked with from the firm I had left. I asked him if there was any way he could conceal the fact that we were working together by avoiding putting any labels on my furniture. I wanted to avoid conflict with my former employer. He agreed. I have worked with them since then. That was 1999.

The point is, you might have to do a little leg work to find a good upholsterer. I doubt it will be 10. But maybe 3. I promise it will be well worth it because a good upholsterer will restore your sofa to look like it’s brand new.

A good upholsterer will also have a nice selection of quality fabrics. They can guide you on an appropriate fabric choice. You want to select a fabric that has been approved for a minimum of 45,000 double rubs using the Wyzenbeek Method. This is a standard test used in the United States. It tests the ability of a fabric to resist surface wear caused by flat rubbing contact with another fabric….like your jeans.

Generally a good fabric choice will be a cotton polyester mix. Make sure you select something that is comfortable to your hand. Not scratchy.

The cost of the fabric per yard will have a major impact on the total price. If you compare it to buying a new piece you need to compare apples to apples.

Honestly, there is a lot of cheap, imported furniture out there. This kind of furniture will not last the test of time. If that is important to you and you answered yes to most of my questions to consider. The answer to is it worth getting my sofa reupholstered is a resounding “yes” .

I hope this has helped you on your quest, Andrew. Good luck with your search and enjoy your new Condo.

If you’re still struggling, consider my Local or Online Design Services!

I’m here to help!

Your Home Loving Expert,

CJ