Researching how to reupholster a couch? Reupholstering a couch to give it new life is a great way to save money and add some personality to your living room. It’s also a project that you can complete in a weekend, which is perfect if you’re short on time.
Even the best sofas will be in need of a refresh at some point. But some people wonder is it worth it? Is it cheaper to reupholster a couch or just buy new? If you have the skills, reupholstering will save you a ton of money. Purchasing new fabric, even high-end fabric, will be much more cost-effective than buying a whole new sofa. If you're not sure, do a cost comparison and you'll see the difference.
Another common question people ask is can you reupholster over the existing fabric? If the old fabric is neutral enough or the new fabric is dark then you could feasibly go over the existing fabric. But I wouldn't recommend it. For one, you can remove the old fabric to use as a pattern for the new fabric. Also, you don't want the old fabric to bunch up under the new cover.
So let's get into what steps to take if you're ready to reupholster your couch.
Once the old fabric is removed, clean the couch frame and padding using a vacuum cleaner and a cloth. We've got a guide for how to clean a couch that'll help out here.
Make sure that all of the dirt and dust is removed, as this will help the new fabric to last longer.
(Image credit: Deposit Photos)
3. Choose a new fabric
Now it’s time to choose a new fabric. Make sure that it’s of good quality and is the right color and design for your living room.
You can find affordable fabrics at any fabric store like Joann's or Hobby Lobby. If you’re not sure how much fabric to buy, it’s best to overestimate, as you can always cut off any excess.
Once you have chosen the fabric, cut it to the correct size using the old fabric. Make sure you cut it a little bigger to allow for the seams. You'll want to invest in a good pair of scissors like Singer's fabric scissors from Amazon to make clean cuts.
Once the fabric is cut, spread it out over the couch frame to make sure the cuts are correct. Double-check that the fabric is positioned evenly and that there are no wrinkles.
(Image credit: Deposit Photos)
5. Sew the fabric pieces
Now it’s time to sew the pieces together. Remember to leave the bottom open so you can fit the new material over the frame of the couch. I recommend using a sewing machine – like the Brother CS5055 from Amazon which is super easy to use – for sewing the pattern together, as it will make the job a lot easier.
If you don’t know how to use a sewing machine, there are plenty of online tutorials that can teach you how. Be sure to use a straight stitch and a zig-zag stitch to reinforce the seams.
(Image credit: Deposit Photos)
6. Fit the new couch cover
Once the pieces have been sewn together, fit the cover over the couch. Trim any excess fabric using a pair of scissors. Attach the fabric to the underside of the couch using an easy to use upholstery staple gun like Yeohome's on Amazon.
Make sure that the staples are evenly spaced and that there are no wrinkles in the fabric.
(Image credit: West Elm)
7. Make new cushion covers
To make new cushion covers remove the old fabric and again use it as a pattern to create the new cushion covers.
Sew the pieces together with your sewing machine. I recommend installing zippers, which come in array of colors on Amazon, on the backside of the cushion so you can remove the cover and wash them when needed.
Now stand back and admire your handiwork. You’ve just given your old couch a new lease on life.
How do you reupholster a couch without removable cushions?
But what if you can't remove the cushions from your couch? Reupholstering a couch without removable cushions can be done by following these simple steps:
Carefully remove the fabric from the cushions using a seam ripper. Use it to create a pattern for the new fabric.
Drape the new fabric over the existing cushion and use an upholstery staple gun to attach the fabric to the wood frame back behind the cushion.
Cover up the seam with the new cover you create for the base of the couch.
And that’s a wrap. Your couch is now reupholstered and ready for use. Enjoy!
to reupholster a sofa in this way you will need: a staple gun and staples (7/16" and smaller will work for most). basically all you need to do is cut, tuck, stretch pull and staple the fabric over the existing stuffing and cushions with the goal being to hide all the staples and smooth out all the wrinkles.
to reupholster a sofa in this way you will need: a staple gun and staples (7/16" and smaller will work for most). basically all you need to do is cut, tuck, stretch pull and staple the fabric over the existing stuffing and cushions with the goal being to hide all the staples and smooth out all the wrinkles.
To give a broad estimate, reupholstering a couch (fabric only) will take 15–24 hours of work. Repairing the frame and springs and replacing the stuffing will take extra time. If you employ a furniture repair specialist to do the job, expect your sofa to be with them for around two weeks.
Tuck the fabric as firmly as possible all around the sides and the back. For the front of the couch, tuck the material underneath the cushions about 6 inches (15 cm) or so, but leave enough fabric hanging down to cover the front of the couch so the original fabric isn't visible at all.
You could also go the DIY route and reupholster your couch yourself, which is a more budget-friendly option than having it done professionally. However, it's a difficult and time-consuming project to take on.
If the fabric is moldy, smelly, or soiled, it should be removed. You should also remove the old fabric if it has a bulky texture or will be visible through the new fabric. If the existing fabric is flat and free of stains or smells, feel free to reupholster right over it.
I've read that for every foot of the sofa, you'll need 1.5-2 yards of fabric, but this all depends of the type of furniture you are recovering. Sofas that are completely upholstered in fabric use way more yardage than a chair.
New furniture can be cheaper than reupholstering depending on where you shop. But rest assured, it IS cheaper in quality. It may be less expensive, but it won't last as long or stand up to kids and multiple moves as well as a heritage piece will.
Reupholstering a couch costs between $600 and $4,000, with an average cost of $1,750. Typically, you'll pay $50 to $70 per yard for fabric and between $40 and $100 per hour for labor.
Here are some of the most popular choices for modern sofa colors: Gray, Blue, Beige, Soft White, and Green. Most sofa brands offer these colors or variations on shades of these colors. We encourage you to find a unique color for your sofa.
Upholstery, like any new endeavor can be hard, but your personal learning style might be beneficial and help you catch on quicker. The way you learn skills and techniques will also contribute to how well and quickly you learn upholstery.
Wool. Wool is a very durable natural fiber that is resistant to stains, wear and tear, and wrinkling. It is easy to clean and holds up to heavy use without sacrificing a soft, cozy feel. However, wool is more expensive than other fabrics.
Though the cost to reupholster a couch varies, quality sofa upholstery could cost 50-60% less than replacement when all things are considered. Before calling upholsterers for quotes, measure your sofa and research fabrics. While pricier upfront, replacement sofas start cheaper but don't last as long.
Materials make up between 40% and 45% of the cost, with the remaining 55% to 60% for labor, generally between $40 and $100 per hour. The average sofa takes between eight and 12 hours to complete. However, you could pay anywhere from $600 and $4,000 just for the fabric.
A heavy-duty synthetic microfiber will be the most stain-resistant and easiest to care for, so it's an excellent choice for often-used sofas or chairs. Still, high-thread-count cotton will have enough durability for less-frequently used seating in a formal dining space.
Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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