Reupholstery is major surgery -- the furniture is stripped down to the frame, then rebuilt, which explains the project's cost. However, you get a "new" piece of furniture as a result. We checked in with the upholstering experts at Calico Corners for more information.
What to Look For
- Look at the bottom frame and make sure it's hardwood and kiln-dried. Check for strong, intact corner braces and stable construction.
- Ask if the furniture was made with 8-way hand-tied springs. They are tailored to each piece for prime comfort and support.
- Test the furniture to make sure it doesn't rock during use.
- Look for a recognizable brand name. Halligan, Decor Rest, El Ran and others produce furniture worthy of reupholstering and using again.
- The weight of the fabric depends on where and how the piece will be used. Furniture for the bedroom doesn't need to be heavy-duty, but livinfg room furniture does. Non-upholstery-weight fabric works for a purely decorative piece.
- Take a look at the back of your fabric swatch for the Weisenbeck rating. The rating is determined by an abrasion resistance test; a machine rubs the fabric and keeps track of the number of rubs before the fabric is worn through. A heavy-duty rating translates to 30,000 double rubs. The Weisenbeck rating is most commonly used for commercial fabrics.
- Take home a fabric sample and tuck in existing furniture to see if you like it. Ask to borrow a bolt or a large hanging sample to cover as much of the piece as possible. Live with it for a few days before making your decision.
- Choose a fabric that will truly update the piece, not just copy the look it had before. Choose a different color, go from a solid to a pattern, or change pattern scales.
- Here are some ways to really change the shape and contour of a piece:
- Add a contrast welt to define lines. This looks best on a sculptural piece.
- Try a mingled cord (three colorstwisted together) or a cord with a lip instead of a contrast welt.
- Change the skirt (or add or remove one). This works great on older furniture that now look squat because of their short skirts. Have an upholsterer install a skirt higher up on the piece for a more graceful look.
- Add banding to the bottom of the skirt.
- Take the channeling or tufting out for a more modern look.
Remember, costs will vary according to region, fabric choice, and project details.
