Reupholstering a sofa can transform tired and worn-out seating. Instead of removing the whole couch, why not use a new fabric to match your home's aesthetic and design? But the question is... how much does it cost to reupholster a sofa or couch?
After speaking to the experts, we've concluded that the best sofas are well worth reupholstering to extend their lives and appearance. But in doing so, it can fall under a pricier bracket for a professional-looking result. Oftentimes, the final cost depends on the fabric you've chosen, the sofa’s design, and even the age of your sofa.
So... is it really worth it, and what is the cost of reupholstering a sofa? Here is everything you need to know about refreshing your cozy furniture.
Is it Worth Reupholstering a Sofa?
Before we dive into the cost of reupholstering a sofa, we want to know if it's really worth it. Ella Hall, founder of Stitchroom, a NY workroom that offers custom pieces, reupholstering, and more, tells us that reupholstering a sofa can definitely be worth it — but says that it depends on several factors. "From a pricing perspective, the cost of reupholstering might be comparable to purchasing a new, mid-range sofa. However, when you factor in the quality of materials and the craftsmanship involved, reupholstering can be more cost-effective in the long run," says Ella.
She continues: "The benefits of reupholstering include giving new life to a beloved piece, maintaining a cohesive look with existing decor, and the ability to customize fabrics, colors, and finishes. If the frame is structurally sound, especially for older, well-made sofas, reupholstering ensures you keep a high-quality item while achieving a fresh, updated appearance."
What is the Cost of Reupholstering a Sofa?
Reupholstering your living room sofa or couch isn’t going to be a low spend option. “The cost of reupholstering a couch can range (on average) from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on factors like fabric choice, labor, and location,” explains Ella. ”The wide range reflects the differences in quality, craftsmanship, and materials available.”
Bear in mind that reupholstering does not necessarily save money over buying new. “If you inherit a beautiful high-end sofa or score a great vintage find, re-covering it can be a great way to update its look and be sustainable,” advises Janelle Patton, the lead designer at Lark Interiors, a design and architecture firm in Dallas, Texas. ”However, since fabric and labor are expensive, you won’t save much re-covering a big-box store sofa vs purchasing one new.”
Below are the factors that will affect the cost of reupholstering a sofa.
1. Factor in Fabric
The fabric selected to create a sofa’s new look has a major influence on what you’ll pay for the project of reupholstering it. “Fabrics can vary widely, from $30 per yard to $500 per yard,” says Ella Hall.
What’s more it’s not just the purchase price of the material itself that matters. “Higher-end materials like leather, velvet, and mohair not only increase the fabric cost but also require more expertise to work with, adding about 15 to 20 per cent to the overall labor cost,” she says. The best thing about velvet, however, is that its one of the most low maintenance couch materials.
2. Sofa Design Matters
The design of the sofa also factors into the total cost of the task. And with tufted couches stealing this year's sofa trends, it seems that it might be a little costly if you're hoping to reupholster it.
“Couches with intricate designs — like curved sofas, tufting, or traditional details — are more time-consuming to work on, leading to higher labor costs,” says Ella Hall.
But there is a benefit if yours is modern living room furniture. “Simple, modern designs tend to be easier and faster to reupholster, which can reduce labor costs,” explains Ella.
3. Sofa Size Matters
An obvious influence on the cost of reupholstering is sofa size, but it’s easy to overlook just how much difference this makes. Keep an eye out for your sofa's depth, too.
“Sofa size is a major factor in cost to re-cover a sofa,” says Janelle Patton. “The bigger the sofa, the more fabric you need. With a good upholstery fabric running $60 plus a yard, that can add up quickly.”
5. Consider Your Sofa’s Age
A sometimes forgotten element of the cost to reupholster a sofa is its age.
“The age of the piece can be a significant factor,” says Ella Hall. “Older furniture, while often well-constructed, may contain historical materials like horsehair or springs, which can complicate reconstruction."
Older materials can sometimes be more expensive than modern alternatives like foam and webbing — so make sure to keep this in mind when thinking about refreshing your couch and sofa.
6. Think About the Sofa Condition
While a sofa you’re considering reupholstering is typically in good condition, a piece that’s special may be an exception. In this case it’s important to weigh up the comparative cost.
“When the quality of the frame and cushion construction is still solid, but you need to refresh the fabric on the outside, typically reupholstery is the way to go,” say Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos, principals of Williams Papadopoulos Design.
Mark continues: “If the piece seems to be collapsing, the reupholstery cost of also rebuilding the cushions from scratch or reinforcing the frame make it less likely that reupholstery will be the economical option. Of course, if something has sentimental value, or has a beautiful unique shape, it can be worth the time and expense to rebuild it.”
FAQs
How to Save on Reupholstering
A simple modern shape, a smaller size, and a more economical fabric choice can all mean a reupholstering project can be less expensive.
Be mindful, however, that there is seating for which it just won’t be worthwhile. Colleen Bennett of CBB Designs distinguishes between more expensive sofas and casual budget couches and says: “I reupholster sofas. I don’t reupholster couches because it’ll cost just as much as the couch. A typical sofa, if it’s a good quality and a good brand, you can reupholster many times because the frame should last the lifetime of the person who bought it.”
Ella tells us in order to save money, you should do the following:
Choose the right fabric: "Opt for durable, mid-range fabrics that are less expensive but still provide the look and feel you want," says Ella. "Consider remnants or recycled fabric for an eco-friendly, cost-effective option."
Simplify the design: Ella says keeping the design straightforward, such as avoiding complicated details or intricate patterns, can also reduce labor costs.
Evaluate the condition: You should also "ensure that the sofa frame and cushioning are in good shape so you only need to invest in fabric and labor, not extensive repairs."
DIY minor repairs: Lastly, "if you’re handy, taking on small repairs yourself before bringing the piece to a professional can cut down costs," says Ella.
