Upholstery is the art and craft of covering furniture — sofas, chairs, headboards, ottomans, and more — with fabric, leather, or other materials. Whether you are breathing new life into a cherished family heirloom, transforming a charity shop find, or commissioning a bespoke piece, a skilled upholsterer can deliver results that mass-produced furniture simply cannot match.
Reupholstery has experienced a significant revival in recent years, driven by sustainability consciousness, the desire for unique interiors, and the recognition that a well-made frame outlasts many covers. A quality hardwood sofa frame can last 50 years or more, but the upholstery typically needs refreshing every 10-15 years. Reupholstering costs a fraction of buying new premium furniture and allows you to choose exactly the fabric, colour, and finish you want.
Professional upholsterers offer a range of services: full reupholstery (stripping the piece back to the frame and rebuilding from scratch), loose cover making (removable, washable covers), cushion refilling, leather repair and restoration, and bespoke furniture construction. The best upholsterers are highly skilled craftspeople who understand traditional techniques (hand-tied springs, horsehair stuffing, buttoned backs) as well as modern methods and materials.
HouseJester's directory features verified upholsterers across the UK, from traditional craftspeople working with antique furniture to contemporary upholstery studios offering modern designs. Browse, compare, and find the right specialist for your project.
Choosing reupholstery over replacement is one of the most environmentally responsible decisions you can make in home furnishing. It prevents a bulky item from going to landfill, avoids the carbon footprint of manufacturing and transporting new furniture, and often supports local craftspeople. With increasing emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy, professional upholstery is more relevant than ever.
Browse upholstery companies on HouseJester
How Much Does Upholstery Cost in the UK?
| Service | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reupholster armchair | £400 – £700 | £700 – £1,200 | £1,200 – £2,500+ |
| Reupholster 3-seat sofa | £800 – £1,500 | £1,500 – £2,500 | £2,500 – £5,000+ |
| Dining chair seat pad | £40 – £80 | £80 – £150 | £150 – £300+ |
| Headboard (king size) | £300 – £600 | £600 – £1,200 | £1,200 – £2,500+ |
| Loose covers (3-seat sofa) | £600 – £1,000 | £1,000 – £1,800 | £1,800 – £3,000+ |
| Cushion refill (per cushion) | £30 – £60 | £60 – £120 | £120 – £200+ |
Prices include labour and basic fabric. Premium fabrics (velvet, designer prints, leather) add significantly to the total.
What to Look For When Choosing an Upholsterer
- Portfolio — Review examples of completed work, ideally similar to your project (e.g. antique restoration, modern reupholstery, leather work).
- Experience with your furniture type — Antique pieces require different skills from modern sofas. Ensure the upholsterer has relevant experience.
- Fabric sourcing — Good upholsterers have access to trade fabric suppliers and can guide you through the selection process.
- Construction methods — Ask whether they rebuild the internal structure (springs, webbing, stuffing) or simply re-cover. A full rebuild costs more but lasts longer.
- Collection and delivery — Most upholsterers collect and deliver furniture. Check whether this is included in the quote.
- Timeline — Reupholstery typically takes 3-8 weeks. Clarify the expected timeline upfront.
- Fabric quantity — An experienced upholsterer will calculate fabric requirements accurately, minimising waste.
- Fire regulations — All upholstered furniture must comply with UK fire safety regulations. Ensure the upholsterer uses compliant materials.
- Warranty — Look for a guarantee of at least 2 years on workmanship.
- Reviews — Read reviews on HouseJester, focusing on quality of finish, communication, and timeline adherence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy new?
For budget furniture, buying new is usually cheaper. But for quality pieces — those with solid hardwood frames, hand-tied springs, and good proportions — reupholstering is almost always better value. A quality 3-seat sofa with a hardwood frame might cost £2,500-£5,000 to buy new, but £1,500-£2,500 to fully reupholster, resulting in a piece that matches or exceeds the quality of a new purchase. Reupholstery also gives you unlimited fabric choice and the satisfaction of extending the life of a well-made piece.
How do I know if my furniture is worth reupholstering?
Check the frame: lift one end of the sofa — if it feels solid and heavy, the frame is likely hardwood and worth preserving. Sit on it — if it still supports you well without sagging excessively, the internal structure (springs, webbing) is probably sound. Look underneath: kiln-dried hardwood frames with dowel or mortise-and-tenon joints are indicators of quality. If the frame is chipboard or softwood, or if it creaks and wobbles, it may not be worth the investment. An experienced upholsterer can assess the frame and advise honestly whether reupholstery is worthwhile.
How long does reupholstery take?
A dining chair typically takes 1-2 weeks. An armchair takes 2-4 weeks. A 3-seat sofa takes 4-8 weeks, depending on complexity and the upholsterer's workload. If the internal structure needs rebuilding (new springs, webbing, or stuffing), add 1-2 weeks. Fabric sourcing can also affect the timeline — popular fabrics may be in stock, while designer fabrics can have lead times of 2-4 weeks. Discuss the timeline before committing and confirm whether the quoted time starts from order or from fabric arrival.
What is the best upholstery fabric for everyday use?
For high-use pieces like family sofas, choose fabrics with a Martindale rub count of 25,000+ (the higher the number, the more durable the fabric). Cotton and linen blends are comfortable but less durable than synthetic blends. Performance fabrics (Crypton, Aquaclean) are specifically engineered for stain resistance and easy cleaning. Leather is extremely durable and easy to maintain but requires occasional conditioning. Velvet is luxurious and surprisingly durable (crushed velvet shows wear less than flat velvet) but attracts pet hair. For the best combination of comfort, durability, and cleanability, a polyester-cotton blend or performance fabric is the practical choice for family homes.
Can leather furniture be reupholstered?
Yes, but it requires a specialist. Leather upholstery demands different skills and tools from fabric upholstery — precise cutting (mistakes cannot be hidden), specialist stitching, and knowledge of leather types and their working properties. Reupholstering a sofa in leather costs 50-100% more than fabric due to the higher material cost and specialist labour. Alternatively, leather can often be restored rather than replaced — professional leather repair services can fix cracks, scratches, fading, and colour loss at a fraction of the cost of full reupholstery, typically £200-£500 for a sofa.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the HouseJester editorial team for accuracy and relevance.