Reupholstering your old furniture is a great way to breathe fresh life into it. But getting it done professionally can get quite expensive, so why not just do it yourself? This will not only save you some cash but also give you more room for creativity. Personalize your home with fabrics and styles that match your taste.
Whether you're refreshing a worn-out couch or revamping a thrift store find, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of reupholstering your furniture. Take your time with each step for a high-quality finish that looks professional and lasts for years.
Tools and materials you’ll need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials to make the process smoother. Here’s a list of the things you’ll need:
- Upholstery fabric
- Staple gun and staples
- Fabric scissors
- Seam ripper
- Measuring tape
- Upholstery foam (if needed)
- Batting (optional for additional cushioning)
- Upholstery tacks or decorative trim (optional)
- Screwdriver or pliers
- Sandpaper or wood polish
- Chalk or fabric marker
Reupholster furniture step-by-step
To make this creative process easier, let’s break it into steps. If you’re working on a simple dining chair, it should take only about 3-5 hours. Meanwhile, a full couch reupholstery might need to be spread out over a couple of days. Below is a guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Assess your furniture
Before starting, thoroughly examine your chair or couch to make sure it is ready for reupholstering:
- Check if the frame is sturdy and not damaged. A wobbly or cracked frame may need repair first.
- Look for any signs of wood rot, loose joints, or unstable legs.
- Assess the current padding and foam. If it is worn out, you’ll probably need to replace it.
Step 2: Choose your upholstery fabric
After making sure your furniture is in good condition, it’s time to choose your upholstery fabric. Here are some things to consider:
- Durability. Furniture has to withstand a lot of daily wear and tear. Microfiber, leather, and performance fabrics are some of the best options. Give our blog post on upholstery fabric a read for more tips.
- Design and style. Choose a fabric color, texture, or pattern that matches your home’s decor and personal style.
- Measurements. To calculate how much fabric is needed, measure each section of the furniture separately. Account for the extra fabric that will be needed for seam allowance, wrapping the fabric around curved areas, and, if necessary, pattern matching. For peace of mind, we recommend always purchasing a little extra fabric, around 10-20 %, in case of errors. For patterned fabric, increase this to 30 % to make sure the designs can be matched accurately.
Step 3: Remove old fabric or padding
- Use a seam ripper or pliers to carefully remove the existing fabric. Be careful not to damage the frame or padding.
- Take photos or notes to remember how the fabric was originally attached.
- Label and save old fabric pieces to use as cutting templates for the new fabric.
- If the foam and batting are compressed or deteriorating, replace them with new materials for a refreshed look and more comfort.
Step 4: Prepare the frame
- Remove all old staples, nails, and glue residue using pliers or a staple remover.
- Sand any rough wooden surfaces to smooth out imperfections.
- If necessary, repaint or refinish the exposed frame to restore its appearance.
- Ensure all structural components are solid and secure once more before continuing.
Step 5: Cut and measure the new fabric
- Lay the old fabric over the new material and use it as a template to cut precise pieces.
- Use a fabric marker or chalk to mark the measurements before cutting to ensure accuracy.
- Cut the fabric carefully, adding a few extra inches around the edges to give room for adjustments.
- If the fabric has a pattern, align it carefully so that the design isn’t crooked.
Step 6: Attach the new fabric
- Start by attaching the largest sections, and pulling the fabric tightly to avoid wrinkles.
- Secure the fabric with a staple gun, beginning at the center and working your way outward.
- Carefully fold corners and curved edges for a neat look.
- Staple symmetrically, securing each section before moving on to the next.
- Check if there are any loose areas and adjust as needed.
Step 7: Add finishing touches
- Trim any excess fabric.
- Secure any exposed edges with additional staples or upholstery glue.
- Attach decorative elements such as piping, buttons, or trim, if you wish.
- Double-check all fastenings to make sure the fabric is firmly in place before the final step.
Step 8: Reattach the seat
- Carefully align the seat or cushions with the frame before reattaching.
- Use screws, brackets, or fasteners to secure the seat back into place, making sure that it is stable and evenly positioned.
- Test the seat by applying pressure to confirm that it holds firm and does not shift.
Common mistakes to avoid
It is also useful to be aware of some common pitfalls. Be mindful of these things, and your DIY upholstery project will look as great as one done by a professional:
- Choosing the wrong fabric. Fabric that is too thin or unsuitable for upholstery can result in premature wear and tear. For example, using lightweight cotton on a heavily used chair may result in fraying within months.
- Not securing fabric properly. Failing to staple or stretch the fabric evenly can result in sagging, wrinkles, or a loose fit. Not pulling the fabric tight enough can also make the finished product look untidy.
- Skipping padding replacement. Old, flattened padding can make a beautifully reupholstered piece uncomfortable to use.
- Rushing the process. Cutting fabric inaccurately or not taking proper measurements can lead to wasted material or an improper fit. Take your time aligning and stapling to ensure that the completed product looks professional.
- Ignoring fabric pattern. Each fabric has a natural grain or pattern direction. Misaligning it might result in a distorted appearance, particularly with striped or patterned textiles.
- Overstretching the fabric. Pulling fabric too tightly while stapling can result in uneven tension. This can distort the pattern and potentially cause the seams to rip over time. This is particularly problematic with delicate fabrics or ones with woven designs.
Conclusion: Is it difficult to reupholster furniture?
Reupholstering furniture may seem a bit frightening at first, but with the right tools, materials, and guidance, it becomes a rewarding DIY project. Whether you're a beginner working on a simple dining chair or tackling a more complex couch reupholstering project, patience and attention to detail are key to a great outcome. If you're unsure where to start, browse the wide range of Fabric Mill textiles for inspiration and refer back to this guide whenever needed.
FAQ
Can you just reupholster over existing fabric?
It’s possible, but we generally wouldn’t recommend it. Reupholstering over old fabric can lead to an uneven finish and reduce fabric durability. It might also be more difficult to properly secure it to the frame.
Is it worth reupholstering furniture?
Yes! Reupholstering is a cost-effective way to update the look of old furniture and extend its life. However, if the frame is weak or damaged, purchasing new furniture might be a better investment.
Is reupholstery cheaper than buying new?
It depends on the piece of furniture. High-quality furniture with a sturdy frame is often worth reupholstering and can be cheaper than buying a new, equally well-made piece.
How expensive is reupholstering furniture?
On average, professional chair reupholstering costs between $200-$700, while couch reupholstering ranges from $600-$2,000. Doing it yourself will cost around $50-$300, depending on the size of the project and the materials you choose.
How much fabric do I need for upholstery?
It depends on the size and type of the furniture. A standard dining chair usually requires 1-2 yards, while a larger armchair may need 6-8 yards. A full couch might need anywhere from 10-16 yards. Always measure your existing fabric and add a little extra for adjustments and errors.
What fabric to use for reupholstering?
It depends on the durability and style you’re looking for, as well as the intended use. For high-traffic furniture, performance fabrics like microfiber, canvas, and leather are great options. For decorative chairs, velvet or linen will look more luxurious.
How hard is it to reupholster a chair?
A simple dining chair with a removable seat is beginner-friendly and will most likely take just a few hours. However, chairs with intricate details, tufting, or attached cushions may take longer and might be challenging for complete beginners.
Where can I buy upholstery fabric for reupholstering furniture?
You can buy upholstery fabric at any fabric store, home improvement store, or online fabric retailer. Start by exploring our wide selection of high-quality fabrics, and get inspired for your next project.
