You might have a favourite sofa that you are absolutely in love with, but is it starting to show signs of wear and tear? Whilst some people might consider replacing it, if it is a treasured item, antique or family heirloom, you might want to think about reupholstering it instead.
In this article, specialists in furniture restoration, Designer Workshop look at some of the key signs that it is time to reupholster your furniture.
Visible damage
If you can see any wear and tear, then it is probably a sign that you need to reupholster your furniture. Sunlight exposure on fabric can cause it to fade unevenly, making your furniture look old and tired, whilst accidental spills and stains can be difficult to remove, particularly on light coloured fabrics.
There may also be some tears and holes which will eventually grow into something much larger making your furniture look tatty. All these signs can be extremely noticeable making reupholstering a practical solution to freshen up your furniture and extend its lifespan.
Sagging or uneven cushions
If the cushions of your furniture are starting to sag or feel uneven, then it can be due to the foam or padding inside breaking down. This makes it uncomfortable to sit on and can even lead to things like poor posture. By reupholstering these cushions, you can replace the foam inside them to provide better support and comfort.
Lingering odours
The fabric and furniture can hold onto unpleasant smells, particularly if you have pets or are a smoker. This can make it very difficult to get your furniture smelling pleasant again, so it could be time to reupholster your furniture for some fresher smelling fabric.
Changing trends
If a piece of furniture has been around for a long time, then it may no longer fit with current fashion. It might boast great structural condition, but an outdated design can mean it no longer fits in with your home.
Instead of getting rid of it, you can reupholster it instead to change the fabric and the style without having to buy something brand new. This can mean switching a dated floral print to a sleek dark velvet or even changing the colour to fit in with the rest of your interior design.
Structural issues
Sometimes reupholstery is necessary for more than just fabrics or cushion padding. If you have noticed any strange noises when you sit on your furniture or there is a change in balance on the furniture piece, then you may have structural issues to deal with. There may also be incorrect support on the bottom or back cushions that needs a little more work.
By reupholstering your furniture, you can also take the opportunity to repair any structural problems before they get worse. A skilled upholsterer can reinforce the frame, replace broken springs, and ensure the furniture is sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Why should you choose reupholstering?
We live in a world where we are used to buying something new as soon as a piece of furniture wears out or falls out of fashion. However, choosing to reupholster can be a more environmentally friendly option as we are not making yet more new furniture or sending the old items to landfill.
It can also be a great way to keep a sentimental piece of furniture in use for longer, and it can save you money, as reupholstering furniture is often much cheaper than investing in a new piece.
Reupholstering can breathe new life into your furniture if it is starting to show some signs of wear and tear. You can make all necessary repairs so that your furniture looks brand new and is comfortable and safe.
