How To Upholster A Really Old Loveseat? Complete Guide

You can’t seem to get rid of that old piece of furniture in your garage, can you? Perhaps it has a personal or family significance for you? Fortunately, there is a method for reupholstering a very old love seat.

How To Upholster A Really Old Loveseat

Fabric for upholstery measurement

Getting organized is the first step in reupholstering an old loveseat. Measure the couch’s fabric, including visible and hidden sections, in order to get a good idea of how the finished product would look. The following are included:

• Outer fabric for the sofa’s cushions and backrest (the upholstery on the shell of the sofa)
• The inside of the garment is covered in a fabric (the upholstery on the inner part where you sit)
• Bifocals (the dust cover, which is often comprised of a thin cloth that covers the underside of the couch and is distinct from the upholstery fabric)
• The crimping (that round, upholstered cord you might see at the seams that adds an accent and also makes the seam stronger)
• How to Make Use of a Bat (the puffy, cushiony layer of material under the upholstery). It isn’t necessary to buy new batting if the old one is still in good working order.

Make a table to record your measurements.

Make sure that the measurements you take are only for the material you can see when reupholstering a really old loveseat. On the inside, you’ll find even more sewn or stapled fabric that’s hidden from view. Hidden seam or overlap necessitates a “allowance” on each piece of material.

4 inches on each side of the total should be added for compensation. Each piece of cloth you cut will be wider and taller by a total of 8 inches. Ensure that your inner arms and outside back have ample area!

Your “cut size” is the total quantity of fabric required for each piece: the fabric measurement plus the allowance. It is not necessary to replace the prior batting if it is still in good condition. If you don’t, you’ll also require the batting dimensions.

Batting is used in a variety of ways depending on the design of the sofa. Measure the amount of batting in all the places where you felt it was necessary to provide cushioning. In addition to the cushions on top of the springs, this included the inside arms, back, and seat.

First, make a plan for the cuts on paper.

To figure out how much cloth you’ll need, sketch out the pieces in tiny size. Ensure that the cloth roll you’ve chosen is the correct size before you begin. So that you can organize the cuts in such a way that as little fabric as possible is wasted.

Obtain supplies

Make sure you have everything you need for your project by consulting the supply list below (changing the measurements, of course, to match your needs). If something goes wrong and you need more fabric or batting, you should buy a few extra yards.

Take careful notes while you dismantle the couch.

To reupholster a very dated loveseat, it is necessary to take it apart. A lot may be learned about how to assemble something by disassembling it. Keeping track of the layers and paying great attention to the seams are essential. Take note of everything you do, including how the sofa parts were arranged.

It shows which sides were stapled and which were tacked down, for example. The order in which the pieces were placed and removed, as well as the side of the component that was placed initially. While putting the couch back together, this will come in helpful.

Flip the couch.

All sofas will be turned upside down as the first phase in the process. Remove the furniture’s legs, then remove the dust cover made of cambric. A loveseat can be dismantled in the following manner.

Remove all of the staples from the couch’s bottom.

Take out all the staples before reupholstering an antique couch. Using pliers, remove all of the staples on the sofa’s bottom so that you can determine which component to remove first. It is likely that this staple removal treatment will take some time to complete. If you can, ask a friend or family member for help.

Take caution while removing old upholstery.

Determine the order in which to remove the various components of the system. The outside back is the first thing you may remove. After removing all of the staples, you’ll notice that the fabric’s short sides were held in place by tack strips..

Insert your pliers into the fold of the cloth where the tack strip is located and gently push up. Repeat this process for the whole length of the tack strip. a Removing further staples will allow you to remove the remaining side of the fabric.

Remove the remaining fabric pieces.

Your couch’s construction will have an impact on how you proceed. Make a list of the steps you take to dismantle it. You can use these scraps of fabric to double-check your measurements if you want to.

Restore the couch’s springs and base.

Start by repairing or replacing the drooping but still fixable couch springs. In order to get the best results, begin by cutting a piece of paper to the correct size, then adding batting. Measure the couch’s foundation and add another layer of batting before repairing the base with my fabric of choice.

Stitching begins with the cloth that covers the spring batting on the inside of the seat. In place of the more expensive suede cloth, you can use an old blue sheet. Cut the corners of the fabric to make it easier to place it over the base.

Prepare the cording

Preparing your cord is the next step in reupholstering an extremely old loveseat. Measure out the appropriate lengths of cording for your project. Sew the fabric over it, matching each component’s requirements. For the front of each arm, each side arm, and the upper back of the sofa, you’ll need one.

Replace the seat and back cushion covers.

After dismantling the coverings, cut cloth pieces that were almost identical in size. The back wall of the seat coverings should then have zippers added to make it easier to remove and wash them. After the zippers were installed, tack and stitch the cushion walls to the cutouts of the seat cushion tops and bottoms.

Reupholstering vs Buying New Sofa

If your old sofa is starting to show its age and wear, it’s time to make a decision about whether or not it’s worth repairing. With either option, there are both advantages and disadvantages. Reupholstering a sofa is less time consuming and less expensive than buying a new one, therefore it’s often a better option. However, if you want to experiment with a new style or shape of sofa, purchasing a new piece may be preferable.

Even though mass-produced couches are sometimes of lower quality, it’s likely that the sofa you bought years ago is of higher quality, which is another incentive to reupholster rather than purchase a new one. For the most part, couches built more than a decade ago are more durable, thus reupholstering them could extend their lifespan. In addition to knowing exactly what you’re getting and whether or not it’ll work in your room, reupholstering eliminates the need to dispose of an old sofa.

It is also possible to safeguard your sofa with our Loose Sofa Covers option, if you don’t have the time or the money to reupholster it.

Determine if a sofa is worth being reupholstered

If you know that the sofa needs reupholstering based on the fabric, you must also take into account the remainder of the sofa’s condition before making a decision. Reupholstering a sofa, even if the fabric is faded and shredded, isn’t worth the effort if other parts of the sofa are beyond repair or it was cheap and damaged to begin with. So, if you want to learn how to restore a sofa, the first step is to determine whether or not it is worth the effort.

1. Examine the frame

The frame of a sofa must be composed of high-quality materials, starting with a hardwood frame that is free of knots and imperfections. As a rule of thumb, wooden dowels, rather than nails, should be used to hold the frame together. Remove the sofa cushions and remove the sofa to see if the frame is hardwood or not. A light sofa is unlikely to be made of hardwood, thus it’s unlikely to be strong enough to last. Solid wood and better materials would be indicated by a weighty sofa.

2. Are the springs broken?

Spring coils and twine are a sign of a high-quality sofa that is worth repairing. Reupholstering a sofa that has runner panels instead of springs or springs that aren’t coiled isn’t likely to be worth the money. If you can’t see the springs, feel for the dust cover on the bottom of the sofa. In general, a well-made book will have a tight cover.

3. Is the foam high quality?

Check the foam quality by pressing and squeezing on the cushions and any padded armrests on the couch. If they’re easy to compress and squash, they’re probably constructed of low-quality foam. As a result, reupholstering the sofa will not be a worthwhile investment of time or money. We, as a reupholstery business, can work with lumpy and stiff foam to make the sofa functional and comfortable again.

4. How much do you like the frame of the sofa?

Consider how much you appreciate the sofa’s frame before making a final decision. Reupholstering the frame vs finding a new sofa that you love as much as the old one is an important consideration if the frame is of high quality. Reupholstering an existing sofa that is the proper size and shape is preferable to searching for something that isn’t quite perfect. Reupholstering an antique couch is also conceivable with its help.

How much will it cost to reupholster a sofa

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, reupholstering is the way to go. When it comes to upholstery, how much does it cost? Reupholstery costs are impacted by a variety of factors, including the size, fabric, style, and age of the piece. The cost of having a three-piece suite recovered is approximately £800, and that cost will last for many years. Things like broken springs or foam may be replaced as well, so it’s absolutely worth the money

The best option for leather and fabric couch reupholstery costs in the UK is to contact us for a free estimate. There are many variables to take into account, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for a free estimate.

How long does it take to reupholster a sofa

The process of reupholstering a sofa is a one-of-a-kind one, thus it takes time. In order to ensure your satisfaction with every area of the project, including the textiles, we work with you from beginning to end. If extra repairs are needed, we can usually get a sofa back to you within 14 days.

Environmental impacts of buying new and reupholstering

Buying a new piece of furniture for your home will have a significant environmental impact. An item of furniture’s carbon footprint, as well as its journey distance, and the resources it is made from. We could avoid 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the UK alone if we all started reusing what we had instead of dumping it in the trash.

On the other hand, reupholstering can be good for the environment. In addition to reducing the impact of global warming, reusing reduces the need for new materials and saves plants, forests, and trees. Reusing and avoiding the purchase of new items when they are not required can save us money and help the environment.

What’s the best fabrics to use

Reupholstering a piece of furniture can be difficult because there are so many options to pick from when it comes to fabric. Reupholstery materials are largely determined by personal taste and financial constraints, although there are a few standouts.

Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, are far more long-lasting than natural ones. There’s a chance they won’t give you the look you want. When it comes to natural fibers, leather and linen are two of the most popular. If you don’t mind a bit synthetic, you can also go with a polyester blend. Our selection can be influenced by the amount of wear and tear on the item and how much use it will receive.

How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster Furniture on Average?

Reupholstering furniture costs, on average, $715 each piece, although the price can range from $50 to $4,000, depending on the extent of the repairs required. Materials will cost between $50 and $70 per yard, while labor will cost between $40 and $100 per hour.

How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster Furniture Near You?

The cost of reupholstering furniture varies slightly from one state to the next. You should anticipate to pay a local furniture reupholstery service a few hundred dollars for their services.

• Alabama: $250–$500
• Arizona: $390–$1,025
• California: $400–$1,520
• Colorado: $290–$1,060
• Kansas: $395–$825
• Michigan: $270–$520
• From $425 to $1,240
• $ 270 – $ 700 in North Carolina
• Pennsylvania: $355–$1,275
• Texas: $425–$830

What Furniture Can I Reupholster on My Budget?

Reupholstering small pieces of furniture like chairs and outdoor cushions is less expensive than reupholstering larger pieces of furniture like leather couches and ottomans, which are more expensive. Here’s a brief analysis to show you what you can and can’t afford:

$50 to $500

You can fix just about any outdoor cushion in this pricing range. Small leather goods and certain (but not all) chair, headboard, and ottoman repairs will also be covered by this policy.

$500 to $1,000

Smaller pieces of furniture, such as a sofa’s detachable cushions or the armrest of your favorite lounge chair, can be repaired with this amount.

$1,000+

You can reupholster just about anything with this amount of money, no matter how damaged it is. This includes large furniture like couches and headboards, which can be more expensive to fix.

How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster Furniture Yourself?

Reupholstering furniture at home can save you a significant amount of money because labor and transportation costs account for more than half of the total cost. There are many inventive methods to reuse your old furniture, such as repurposing old couch fabrics to produce new pillows. It is possible to pay anything from $50 to $70 for a yard of fabric.

To complete the job, you’ll need to gather the necessary equipment and supplies for repairing any torn padding or broken frames. The price of a yard of padding can range from $5 to $50. (polyester is inexpensive, cotton is more costly). It’ll only cost you $20 to $40 to buy twine and buttons, for example.

It’s also important to have tools such as pliers, hammers and screwdrivers, and sewing equipment like as needles and thread. While a complete toolbox might cost anywhere from $50 to $200, you’re almost certainly already in possession of some of the essentials.

Despite the fact that doing it yourself will save you money, it will also take a lot of time. Before committing to a project, make sure you have the necessary skills and resources to complete it. When it comes to remodeling your furniture, there are lots of guides and recommendations available that may help you out. However, hiring a reupholstery firm will ensure that no serious mistakes are made.

What Factors Influence Reupholstery Costs?

The cost of furniture reupholstery depends on a variety of factors, including the item’s size, fabric, labor, and condition.

Fabric Prices

Fabric will cost between $50 and $70 per yard on average. Polyester can cost as little as $10 per yard, whereas silk and velvet can cost as much as $100 per yard for a single yard.

Existing Condition

If a furniture piece is in poor condition, it will cost more to fix. As the amount of wear and tear increases, so does the cost. The cost of services such as refinishing or cleaning may also affect your final bill. To guarantee that your furniture is always in excellent condition, contact an upholstery cleaning service in your area.

• Upholstery cleaning costs between $125 and $225.
• Furniture refinishing costs between $350 and $900.

Furniture Transportation

When it comes to transporting furniture to and from a re-upholstering facility, the costs might vary greatly. However, if you have a car and are willing to take on the risk of ruining your favorite ottoman once again, moving it yourself can save you money. If you want it relocated by professionals, you’ll have to shell out anywhere from $100 to $300.

Structural Repairs

Frames, tufts and nail heads are among the most expensive repair materials. Here are the prices for each.

• Cost of frame repair: $200-$400
• Adding tufting and nailheads to the $715 national average costs an additional $100–500.

Labor

It costs between $40 and $100 an hour to hire a professional to reupholster your sofa or chair. When it comes to small goods like chairs and cushions, repairs can be completed in a week or two, but more substantial furniture repairs may take up to two months. You may expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for an ordinary chair or couch.

How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster Furniture by Type?

The cost of furniture reupholstery varies greatly depending on what you’re having repaired. A sofa or a headboard is often more expensive than a chair or a cushion for the patio.

Sofa

It might cost anywhere from $600 to $4,000 to reupholster a sofa or loveseat. Loveseats can cost between $600 and $2,000, while sectionals can cost between $2,000 and $4,000.

Chair

Upholstering a chair can cost anything from $50 to $2,000 or more. Armchairs will cost between $1,000 and $2,000, with dining room seats costing between $50 and $250.

Outdoor Cushions

Reupholstering outdoor cushions is less expensive than reupholstering other goods, but the cost can be high if you don’t know what you’re working with. An outdoor lounge chair’s pillow, for example, might cost anywhere from $50 to $500. Reupholstering an interior couch is more expensive than fixing up a patio with a couch-like setup.

Ottoman

Upholstering an ottoman can run you $300-$700. Repairing smaller models will be cheaper than larger versions, while larger models will cost more.

Chaise Lounge

From $900 to $1,500, it is possible to reupholster a chaise lounge. Because they don’t have a back or loose cushions, they’re generally less expensive to fix than couches. However, repairing vintage automobiles might be more expensive.

Leather Furniture

Leather furniture reupholstery isn’t that much more expensive than repairing non-leather options. Compared to other fabrics, it’s less expensive per yard, costing $30 to $60 instead of $50 to $70. Small leather goods can be repaired for as low as $100.

Headboards

You should expect to pay between $200 and $2,000 for the majority of headboard reupholstery jobs. The cost of repairing a smaller headboard will be cheaper than that of fixing a larger headboard that is created with more expensive materials and sophisticated decorations.

FAQs About Reupholstering Furniture

Is it more affordable to reupholster or buy new?

If you were to simply buy new furniture, would it cost cheaper to have it reupholstered? The short answer is no.

The amount you pay will be determined by the item’s level of damage. You may save money if the repairs are minor or merely aesthetic, such as a fabric switch. It’s preferable to get a new couch than to keep an old one that will need to be totally redone.

Reupholstering furniture that holds sentimental value to you, such as a family heirloom or a vintage chair you found on your travels, is generally an investment worth making.

Is this a project I can easily DIY?

While it’s possible to reupholster minor objects like outdoor cushions or pillows on your own, it’s recommended to leave larger projects to the specialists. Your furniture will be mended correctly if you hire a professional.

So how to upholster a really old loveseat? Final thoughts

We hope these ways on how to upholster a really old loveseat have helped you bring new life to your old loveseat. It’s not always about buying the latest furniture. Sometimes, all you need is to fix them and add a bit of decor.

Your old loveseat can be given a new lease on life with the help of these upholstering techniques. Furniture purchases aren’t always necessary. It’s sometimes all that’s needed is a little TLC and a dash of decor.