Upholstery FAQs

1. How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa in the UK?

Reupholstering a 3-seat sofa costs £800-£1,500 at the budget end using standard fabrics, £1,500-£2,500 mid-range with quality fabrics and a full internal rebuild, and £2,500-£5,000+ for premium fabrics (designer prints, top-grain leather) or complex structures (Chesterfields, button-backed designs). The cost breaks down roughly as 40% labour, 40% fabric, and 20% sundries (springs, webbing, foam, fire-retardant interliner). A 2-seat sofa costs approximately 25% less, and an armchair 50% less than a 3-seater. Collection and delivery adds £50-£150 depending on distance. Get quotes from verified upholsterers on HouseJester — visit with photos and measurements for the most accurate estimate.

2. How much fabric do I need to reupholster a sofa?

A standard 3-seat sofa requires approximately 12-16 metres of 137cm-wide fabric. A 2-seat sofa needs 10-13 metres. An armchair needs 6-8 metres. These are approximate figures — the actual requirement depends on the sofa's dimensions, the number of cushions, whether there are piping details, and whether the fabric has a pattern repeat (patterned fabrics require 10-20% more material to match the pattern across seams). An experienced upholsterer will calculate the exact requirement after seeing your furniture. Over-ordering by 0.5-1 metre is advisable to allow for cutting errors and future repairs.

3. What is the difference between reupholstery and loose covers?

Reupholstery involves stripping the existing cover off the furniture, rebuilding the internal structure if necessary, and fitting a new permanent cover that is stretched and tacked or stapled to the frame. It is the most thorough and long-lasting option. Loose covers (also called slipcovers) are removable fabric covers tailored to fit over the existing upholstery. They can be washed, dry-cleaned, or replaced without disturbing the underlying structure. Loose covers are ideal for protecting good upholstery, changing the look seasonally, or covering worn furniture when the internal structure is still sound. They cost slightly more than basic reupholstery due to the tailoring and fitting complexity but offer unmatched versatility.

4. How do I choose between traditional and modern upholstery methods?

Traditional upholstery uses natural materials — hessian webbing, coil springs, horsehair or coir stuffing, and cotton wadding — hand-applied over many hours. It is the appropriate method for antique and period furniture and produces a distinctive, firm comfort. Modern upholstery uses rubber webbing or zig-zag springs, polyester wadding, and foam cushions — it is faster, lighter, and generally cheaper. Both methods produce excellent results when done well. For an Edwardian armchair or Victorian Chesterfield, traditional methods are essential to maintain authenticity and value. For a 1970s sofa or a contemporary piece, modern methods are appropriate and more cost-effective.

5. Can I supply my own fabric for reupholstery?

Yes, most upholsterers accept customer-supplied fabric (known as COM — Customer's Own Material). This allows you to choose from any source, including designer fabrics, vintage finds, or even repurposed textiles. However, the upholsterer cannot be held responsible if a customer-supplied fabric performs poorly (e.g. stretching, fraying, or insufficient durability). Ensure your chosen fabric is suitable for upholstery — it should have a Martindale rub count of at least 15,000 for light use or 25,000+ for everyday furniture. Furnishing fabric is different from dressmaking fabric — it is heavier, more tightly woven, and treated for durability. Discuss your fabric choice with the upholsterer before purchasing.

6. How often does upholstery need replacing?

The lifespan of upholstery depends on fabric quality, usage intensity, and maintenance. A quality fabric on a regularly used sofa typically lasts 7-15 years. Leather lasts longer — 15-25 years with proper conditioning. Heavy-use pieces (the family sofa, a favourite armchair) wear faster than occasional-use pieces (dining chairs, guest room furniture). Signs that reupholstery is needed include visible wear-through on arms and seat edges, fabric pilling or thinning, loss of colour, sagging cushions that no longer spring back, and springs that can be felt through the seat. Regular vacuuming, rotating cushions, and protecting from direct sunlight extend upholstery life significantly.

7. Is it worth reupholstering dining chairs?

Dining chairs are among the most cost-effective items to reupholster. Drop-in seat pads (the most common type on traditional dining chairs) cost just £40-£80 each, transforming the entire look of a dining set. Fully upholstered dining chairs cost £150-£400 each to recover. Given that a quality wooden dining chair can last 50+ years while seat fabric wears out every 10-15 years, reupholstery is almost always the right choice. It is also an opportunity to update the colour scheme — recovering dining chairs in a new fabric is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to refresh a dining room without buying new furniture.

8. What is the best foam for sofa cushions?

Foam density and hardness are the key specifications. For sofa seat cushions, use high-resilience (HR) foam with a density of at least 35 kg/m³ — this maintains its shape and support over years of use. Lower density foam (under 30 kg/m³) compresses permanently within 2-3 years. For back cushions, a softer density (25-30 kg/m³) provides comfortable support. Foam is often wrapped in a layer of polyester fibre (Dacron) or bonded polyester to soften the feel and prevent the foam from gripping the fabric cover. For the most luxurious feel, foam cores wrapped in feather-and-fibre jackets combine lasting support with soft, sink-in comfort. Memory foam is occasionally used in seat cushions but can feel warm and is not to everyone's taste.

9. How do UK fire safety regulations affect upholstery?

All upholstered furniture sold or supplied in the UK must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations. These regulations require filling materials to pass cigarette and match ignition tests. The 2024 amendments moved away from chemical flame retardants (which posed health and environmental concerns) towards an approach based on ignition source testing, barrier interliners, and inherently fire-resistant materials. Professional upholsterers must use compliant materials and can supply a compliance label for the finished piece. If you are supplying your own fabric, the upholsterer will advise whether it needs a fire-retardant treatment or barrier interliner to meet regulations. Non-compliant furniture cannot legally be sold or given away.

10. Is reupholstery environmentally sustainable?

Reupholstery is one of the most sustainable choices in home furnishing. It prevents a large, bulky item from going to landfill — the UK discards an estimated 22 million pieces of furniture annually, with sofas being among the hardest items to recycle. It avoids the carbon footprint of manufacturing and transporting new furniture (estimated at 90-200 kg CO2 for a new sofa). It supports local craftsmanship and the circular economy. For maximum environmental benefit, choose natural or recycled-content fabrics, ask about foam alternatives (natural latex, recycled foam), and select an upholsterer who responsibly disposes of or recycles old materials. Reupholstery aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on sustainability in UK homes.