Upholsterers

Upholsterers are your saving grace when it comes to refreshing your furniture or soft furnishings. It’s true that when redesigning or redecorating a home, it’s tempting to throw everything out and start again with all new furniture and decor. But this requires a big budget and a ruthless attitude, which may not necessarily be needed with all redesigns, so instead, consider hiring furniture upholsterers to reupholster, repair, restore or redesign some key pieces for you. Upcycling has become more and more popular lately, as the fashion for retro and rustic furniture has returned, but doing it yourself can cause all sorts of mishaps, so professional furniture restoration specialists should be called in to handle the job properly, especially if the piece of furniture you’re dealing with is particularly tricky.

Why should I hire upholsterers?

You’d be surprised at the magic furniture upholsterers can do to an old piece of soft furnishing; rips can be mended, worn fabric refreshed and extra elements added, and all probably at a lower price than buying a brand new piece. You can ask for reupholstery or furniture restoration of the item, to match it as closely as possible to its former glory or ask for something completely different to match your redesign. Trims, piping and fringing can be added for additional flourishes, new fabric patterns chosen, extra padding added, chair backs or headboards buttoned and new sofa or duvet covers stitched.

If you’re not quite sure what to do with your old furniture, try taking it to furniture upholsterers and furniture restoration specialists to ask for their advice. Established upholstery services will be able to handle all sorts of fabric upholstery and reupholstery, including leather upholstery, and recommend the fabric that will work with your furniture and design theme. They will also be able to tell you about the durability of the fabric they will use and how to look after your re-upholstered item.

Some upholstery projects may be DIY-friendly, such as making cushion covers or covering a pouffe or stool with new fabric. If you’re itching to get crafty, you can search for fabric suppliers, as well as furniture upholsterers, on Houzz, to source fabrics and fabric decorating accessories. However, try to know your limits – leather upholsterers will be highly skilled and experienced at upholstering your sofa or headboard, but attempting to upholster a tricky fabric onto a difficult shape yourself could lead to a design disaster. Although you can always call on the experts to help with some reupholstery if it does go wrong…

Why would I need a furniture restoration specialist rather than an upholsterer?

Upholsterers deal predominantly with soft furnishings and furniture, such as sofas, padded chairs and padded headboards. For all other pieces of furniture that could be repaired or restored, there are furniture restoration specialists to help you. They can help you upcycle that outdated sideboard into something modern and stylish, or repair your vintage dresser for you. You may find that lots of upholsterers offer furniture restoration and furniture repairers offer upholstery services, too, but always double check the exact services they offer and if they can help you with your furniture before hiring them. Upcycling furniture saves money and waste, and is ever popular in vintage or industrial styled homes, so consider upcycling any old furniture you find, with the help or advice or a furniture restoration specialist, if you want to add a bit of recycled charm to your home.

It’s always a good idea, when renovating, to get the various professionals you hire to discuss plans with each other for a more seamless redesign. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of upholsterers: Interior Designers, Furniture & Home Accessories.

Questions to ask prospective upholsterers or furniture restoration specialists:

• How long have you been a furniture upholsterer or restoring furniture?
  
• What types of furniture do you restore or upholster?
  
• Can you offer reupholstery?
  
• Do you work with your own fabric or can I source fabric myself?
  
• Do you work with other fabric suppliers?
  
• Can you give me a written estimate?
  
• What do your upholstering and restoration services include?
  
• Can you decorate/embellish furniture or do you only repair or upholster?
  
• When will you complete this job?
  
• How durable will the materials be?
  
• Do you have any advice for long term care?
  

Find furniture upholsterers on Houzz.

Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to upholstery and furniture restoration. You can also look through photos for projects similar to yours, and contact the upholsterers or restoration specialists for information.

Find upholsterers and furniture restorers near me on Houzz

Before you hire an upholsterer or furniture restorer, browse through our network of 59 upholsterers and furniture restorers. Read through customer reviews, check their past projects and then request a quote from the best upholsterers and furniture restorers near you.