Crucial Tips You Need to Know Before Reupholstering Furniture
Reupholstering furniture is an excellent way to give your beloved piece of furniture a new lease of life. However, it’s a project that requires a considerable investment of time, energy, and money. Before you dive into this task, there are several critical tips you need to know to increase your chances of success. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some crucial tips to keep in mind before reupholstering your furniture.
1. Inspect the Furniture
Before reupholstering your furniture, it’s essential to inspect it thoroughly. Look for any damages or cracks in the frame, such as warped or broken springs, rusted hardware, and rotten wood. If the frame is damaged, it will be challenging to get a good final product. Take note of the extent of the damage and determine if the repair is worth the cost and effort involved. Additionally, inspecting the furniture will enable you to choose the right type of fabric as well.
2. Decide Whether to DIY or Hire a Professional
Reupholstering furniture is a time-consuming and labor-intensive project. If you’re not proficient in handling tools, sewing, staple gun usage and have little experience with upholstery work, it is advisable to seek professional custom upholstery help. Experienced upholsterers have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and expertise to do a great job. On the other hand, DIY reupholstering can save you money, and you’ll feel proud of the finished product, but it may not be perfect in every detail.
3. Choose the Right Fabric
Choosing the fabric is a crucial aspect of reupholstering furniture. The fabric you choose must be durable while still looking amazing. The fabric you pick must also enchant you and should speak to your preferred style. Color, texture, and pattern should be chosen carefully, ensuring it blends well with the décor in your home. Bear in mind that some fabrics may clash with the room’s style, while others may fade quickly or react poorly with sunlight, pets, or moisture.
4. Measure the Furniture Accurately
It is essential to measure the furniture, including any cushions, accurately. Incorrect measurements will lead to an ill-fitting cover that looks unfinished. Use a measuring tape or a ruler and take multiple measurements. Record the dimensions on paper and double-check to ensure they are accurate. Keep in mind that you may need to add extra fabric to allow for seam allowances during construction.
5. Calculate the Cost Involved
Reupholstering a piece of furniture is not cheap, especially if you choose an experienced upholsterer to handle the job. Materials such as fabric, foam, embellishments, and tools needed can quickly add up. Before taking on the project, research the costs associated with reupholstering properly. This can include labor costs, sourcing of materials costs, transportation costs. Consider getting quotes from multiple professionals before making a final decision about proceeding.
6. Use Quality Materials
When it comes to reupholstering furniture, it is essential to use good quality materials. Don’t skimp on any details such as foam, fabric, and accessories as this decision will impact the durability, feel, and finished look of your piece. Seek out high-quality materials that you wouldn’t worry about the durability or longevity . This is a long-term investment and requires you to spare a reasonable budget.
7. Keep It Simple
If you are taking up the task of reupholstering for the first time, it’s essential to keep it simple. Pick a piece with fewer curves or elevation changes and not too large or too small. Complicated pieces with lots of curves and contours, such as ornate sofas or chairs, can be challenging and may require a lot more time and skill to perfect. Upholstering walls and ceilings should only be left to professionals and nowhere else.
Final Thoughts
Reupholstering furniture is an excellent way to save your beloved furniture pieces while upgrading your interior design. Although it may seem like a daunting task, taking into account these essential tips should give you a head start to reach a near-perfect product. Inspection of the furniture to determine the extent of damages present, picking quality materials, accurate measurements, and keeping it simple are crucial steps to achieving the desired result. Finally, consider reaching out to an experienced upholsterer if you lack the necessary tools, skills, and confidence to do the job yourself.