Furniture Upholstery: What to Ask When Starting a New Project

Starting a new furniture upholstery project can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re looking to refresh a cherished heirloom, update a secondhand treasure, or transform your everyday couch, upholstery services can breathe new life into your home furnishings.

By understanding the right questions to ask before getting started, you’ll be able to plan your project efficiently, choose the best upholstery shop for your needs, and ensure your finished piece brings long-lasting comfort and style. Below, we will explore the key considerations every homeowner should keep in mind as they initiate furniture upholstery projects.

We’ll also cover how to choose the right materials, budget effectively, and find an upholstery shop that aligns with your expectations.

What Is Your Budget and Timeline?

Before diving into any furniture upholstery project, it’s crucial to establish a clear budget. While the cost of upholstering a piece can sometimes surprise new customers, determining how much you’re willing to spend will guide decisions related to material selection, design complexity, and scope of work.

Budget Considerations

Type of Furniture: A simple chair reupholster typically costs less than an elaborate couch upholstery job.

Material Cost: Fabric prices vary widely based on type, quality, and brand. High-performance fabrics designed for heavy traffic or outdoor use may cost more, but they can extend the life of your furniture.

Labor Fees: Skilled upholstery shop labor is worth the price, as professionals pay meticulous attention to detail and ensure a flawless finish.

Establishing a realistic budget helps your upholsterer recommend the best materials and techniques. After you have a ballpark figure, discuss your timeline. Some upholstery shops have waiting lists or busy seasons. A conversation about expected turnaround times helps avoid disappointment, especially if you’re planning around events such as holidays or home renovations.

Which Upholstery Services Do You Need?

Upholstery services can span a broad range of tasks, from routine fabric updates to complete structural repairs. Determining the scope of your furniture upholstery project will help guide the conversation with your upholstery shop.

Fabric-Only Update: If the piece is in good structural shape and you only want to change the fabric, you’ll likely need a simple reupholster service.

Structural Repairs: Over time, frames and springs can weaken. A reputable upholstery shop can assess whether interior repairs or replacements are needed.

Refinishing: Some upholstery projects also involve wooden frames or metal legs. If the piece requires refinishing or painting, discuss the details ahead of time to plan a seamless project.

Make a list of the tasks you think your piece needs. From the initial discussion with the shop, you’ll be able to refine this list as a professional examines your furniture and provides feedback.

What Design Direction Do You Have in Mind?

The aesthetics of furniture upholstery can completely redefine a space. Before starting your upholstery projects, outline the design direction you wish to pursue.

Fabric Selection

Color and Pattern: Decide if you want a statement piece or a more subtle addition to your decor. Geometric prints, florals, solids, and textured fabrics all bring different energy to a room.

Material Durability: Consider the environment and usage. For a heavily used family couch, a durable performance fabric might be ideal. For accent chairs, you could opt for more delicate (but eye-catching) textiles.

Maintenance: Ask about stain resistance and cleaning requirements for various fabric options.

Style Coordination

Existing Décor: Think about how your newly upholstered piece will fit with the overall design scheme in your home.

Customization: Discuss potential add-ons like tufting, decorative trim, or nail-head finishes. These elements can elevate and personalize your piece.

By having a clear vision before you visit an upholstery shop, you’ll save time and streamline the selection process. Plus, your upholstery team can better guide you toward materials and designs that match your desired look.

Check out our assortment of fabrics here.

How Will You Use This Furniture?

A vital question when planning furniture upholstery is understanding the function of the piece. Is it in a high-traffic living room where kids and pets spend time? Is it a statement accent chair in a formal sitting area? Or is it a cozy reading nook couch that demands superior comfort and durability?

Lifestyle Factors

Pets and Children: Choose robust materials that can handle frequent cleaning, potential claw marks, and accidental spills.

Allergies: Some fabrics are hypoallergenic or more resistant to dust mites, which can be beneficial if allergies are a concern.

Outdoor vs. Indoor: Outdoor furniture upholstery requires materials that can withstand humidity, direct sunlight, and temperature fluctuations.

Traffic and Frequency of Use: Pieces in bustling family rooms need tougher fabric and firm seat cushions. Formal areas or rarely used guest rooms might allow for more delicate materials with unique or intricate designs.

This functional analysis helps your upholstery services professional recommend materials with the right balance of aesthetics, comfort, and durability.

Do You Want to Preserve the Original Structure?

For antiques or heirloom items, the question of preserving original aspects—like the old springs, horsehair stuffing, or even the existing frame—often arises. Some clients prefer to keep as many original components as possible to maintain the piece’s authenticity, while others prioritize comfort and longevity.

Heirloom Preservation: If the piece has sentimental or historical value, ask your upholsterer how they handle heritage projects.

Discuss whether they can reuse original trim or incorporate a portion of the old fabric into the new design.

Comfort Upgrades: While antiques often have a certain charm, you may want a plush, modern seat.

Talk to your upholstery shop about replacing old stuffing or padding with newer, more comfortable materials without sacrificing the piece’s original character.

Balancing tradition and modern comfort ensures your furniture not only looks stunning but remains functional and inviting.

Are You Working With a Reputable Upholstery Shop?

If you’re thinking of Fabrics and Findings — you sure are!

Choosing the right professionals for furniture upholstery is crucial. A quality upholsterer will have the experience and skill to handle everything from couch upholstery to complex custom builds. As you evaluate upholstery services, keep in mind:

Portfolio and Reviews: Read online reviews and ask for references or testimonials from past customers.

Expertise in Specialty Fabrics: If you’re considering specialty textiles such as leather, velvet, or performance fabrics, ensure the shop has experience working with those materials. Ask them how they handle challenging shapes like tufted or curved backs.

Professionalism and Communication: Do they listen to your concerns and make recommendations accordingly? Are they transparent about pricing, timelines, and potential challenges?

Selecting a trustworthy shop that aligns with your vision can make the reupholstering process smooth and gratifying.

How Can You Protect and Maintain the New Upholstery?

Once your furniture is beautifully reupholstered, you’ll want it to remain in prime condition. Ask your upholstery services provider for practical tips on maintaining the integrity of the fabric and frame.

Protecting Against Spills and Stains: Inquire about fabric protectants or treatments to resist liquids. Use removable covers for armrests or seat cushions in high-use areas.

Regular Cleaning: Vacuum upholstery with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Follow the care instructions for any spot cleaning or professional services if necessary.

Furniture Placement: Keep upholstered pieces away from direct sunlight to minimize fading. Maintain a stable humidity level to prevent mold and mildew on fabric or internal padding. Proper aftercare will keep your upholstered furniture looking vibrant and comfortable for years to come.

Should You Reupholster or Buy New?

One common question consumers often ask is whether it’s more economical to reupholster an existing piece or simply purchase a new one. The answer depends on several factors:

Quality and Sentiment: If the piece is well-made or has sentimental value, reupholstering can be more cost-effective than buying a lower-quality new item. If you’re redecorating a room and need a quick, budget-friendly option, a new purchase might be simpler.

Environmental Considerations: Reupholstering keeps furniture out of landfills and reduces waste. Many upholstery shops also offer sustainable fabric options that are eco-friendly.

Customization: When you reupholster, you have complete control over the design. New furniture often comes in limited fabric and color options, making customization costly or impossible.

Ultimately, if the piece has a solid frame and suits your style, reupholstering can be a fulfilling choice that reflects your personal taste while preserving a high-quality piece of furniture.

Will the Upholstery Shop Handle Pickup and Delivery?

Logistics can become a headache if you have to figure out how to move a bulky couch or multiple chairs on your own. Many upholstery services include pickup and delivery options to simplify the process.

Transportation: Confirm how the furniture will be moved to and from the shop. Make sure your home is accessible for pick-up if your piece is particularly large or located upstairs.

Safety Measures: Check whether the shop provides protective coverings during transportation. Inquire about insurance or liability in case of damage en route.

Having clarity on these details ensures a seamless, worry-free handover from your home to the upholstery shop and back again.

What Is the Company’s Warranty or Guarantee?

Finally, clarify the warranty or guarantee policies the upholstery shop provides. A reliable shop stands by its craftsmanship, ensuring any issues that arise from the upholstery process (like loose seams or irregular patterns) are handled promptly and professionally.

Fabric Warranty: Most fabric manufacturers offer warranties against defects, like early wear or fading.

Workmanship Guarantee: Ask how long the shop will cover repairs for issues that stem from their labor.

Communication Protocol: Make sure you know whom to contact at the upholstery shop if you have concerns after the work is complete.

A transparent warranty or guarantee policy reflects the company’s confidence in its own work and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Embarking on a furniture upholstery project involves more than just picking out pretty fabric. By asking the right questions—about budget, design, functionality, preservation, and maintenance—you set a strong foundation for successful results. Whether you’re undertaking a simple reupholster or a major restoration, being informed about each step in the process helps you collaborate effectively with your chosen upholstery shop.

When you’re ready to rejuvenate your treasured family heirloom or modernize a beloved sofa, don’t settle for anything less than exceptional upholstery services.

Fabrics and Findings has a seasoned team of professionals who specialize in everything from couch upholstery to custom furniture redesign. We’d love to transform your vision into a tangible reality. Contact us today to discuss your upholstery projects—and let’s give your furniture the fresh, stylish look it deserves!