When Reupholstering a Chair Makes More Sense Than Replacing It

Even a worn-out chair may look like a perfectly good one if you look at its fabric, shape, and cushions. In those cases, it is better to see whether the chair can be restored instead of throwing it away immediately. Restoration can be the most efficient way to update furniture that already has good qualities, like a stable frame, a suitable size, or sentimental value.

Checking the Frame First

First, check the chair frame to see if it's still solid and comfortable to sit on. Check for signs of damage, such as cracks, wobbling, or loose joints. If the chair frame is in good shape and the dimensions are still correct, you can reupholster it to make it look new.

Is Reupholstery More Economical Than Purchasing a Chair?

Sometimes, it may seem like the cheapest option is to buy new furniture instead of restoring the old one. However, sometimes the old chair may be much more economical than purchasing a new one. In addition, it may be best to buy an expensive, quality chair if it cannot be replaced easily or costs significantly more to restore. Be sure to get an estimate that includes the price of fabric, labor, possible repairs, and foam for the chair cushions.

Looking Beyond the Upholstery

Sometimes, you need to replace not only the fabric but also the cushion itself. Seat cushions may flatten and lose their ability to provide proper support. Ask whether the cushion can be restored by replacing the foam or reused. If the cushions are removable, you may only need to replace the fabric cover or foam. Also, custom cushion covers can be an excellent choice if the chair has unusual sizes or shapes.

Choosing Fabric Depending on How the Chair Is Used

Each chair has its own purpose, and the upholstery fabric should match the chair's location and how often it's used. An accent chair needs different fabric than a dining chair or a comfortable reading chair. Factors like frequency of use, contact with animals and children, and ease of cleaning should determine the fabric type. Texture, pattern, and color are also significant but not the most important. One Fabrica Kraft customer, Alexandra Gilroy, described the services as "fantastic quality" and said, "I am so glad I found them for all my upholstering needs!"

When Should You Replace the Chair?

In some cases, replacement is the most obvious option if the chair frame is in very bad condition or the chair becomes uncomfortable because of its design. Replacement is also needed if the total cost of restoration becomes too high. Of course, you don't need to restore every old chair. It is important to know when a chair needs to be replaced. Before discarding the chair, check the frame, its comfort level, and the cost of restoration. If the chair frame is in good condition, changing the upholstery can be enough to extend its useful life.