At a Glance:
How Much to Reupholster a Fabric Couch?
How Much to Reupholster a Leather Couch?
The Downside of Couch Reupholstery
From Fido to family members, the couch gets a lot of use and abuse. While the average lifespan of a couch is between seven and 15 years, reupholstering is one way to give a sofa extra life, helping to save money from having to purchase a new sofa. The problem is it’s a dying art, and like all things that have become a special craft, the project can get expensive.
By now, you’re probably wondering, “How much does it cost to reupholster a couch?” and we’re one step ahead of you. We’ve done the research for you, along with details on what the job entails, that way you can decide whether to give your couch a makeover or start new. As an added bonus, we’ve included a few of our favorite couch picks as inspiration, just in case you decide new is the better choice.
What is Couch Reupholstery?
In simplest terms, couch reupholstery is the process of renewing the exterior of a sofa. Depending on the material used, that could mean draping a sofa in fabric or leather. Additionally, extra embellishments might be included in the process, such as tufting, pleating, sewing buttons, and adding a skirt to the bottom of the couch.
For couches that need intensive reupholstery, new cushioning might be added to the seats. Together, the project can provide a drastic makeover and give an old sofa new life again.
Explore Sofa Styles
SofasHow Much to Reupholster a Fabric Couch?
Fewer artisans are around to provide reupholstery services, which means the job can add up quickly. Fabric couches are the least expensive to reupholster, although, depending on the material, the process can still be pricey. For instance, reupholstering a sofa in cotton costs less than it does to reupholster it in velvet or a specialty fabric.
All the same, experts suggest the price to reupholster a couch in fabric costs between $1,175 and $1,375.
How Much to Reupholster a Leather Couch?
Leather is luxury, and that means you’ll pay a lot more to drape an old couch in a new layer of leather versus dressing it in fabric. How much more? The results are optimistic, with prices starting around $600, but the price shoots steeply from there with quotes as high as $4,000 or more. Generally speaking, you should plan for a bigger budget if you want to splurge on a leather couch upholstery.
The Downside of Couch Reupholstery
We’re all for celebrating craftsmanship, but in some cases, reupholster couch projects are a bigger hassle than they are a solution.
For instance:
✗ You Probably Need to Transport the Couch Yourself
Prepare to rent a U-Haul or borrow the truck from the in-laws because chances are you’ll be bringing your couch to the reupholstery shop to do the job. Some businesses might pick it up for you, but don’t expect the service to be free of cost.
✗ The Job Can Take a While
As the virtue goes, good things come to those who wait. Except, having a living room without seating can be a major inconvenience, and with the reupholstery jobs taking a few days or even weeks, you and your family might be lounging on the floor until the job is done.
✗ You Need to Shop Around for Fabric & Materials
Okay, shopping for fabrics can actually be fun, but remember, you’re being charged per yard. It can become a real pain to weigh out each option to see which material won’t put you over budget.
✗ Reupholstery Doesn’t Guarantee a Brand-New Look
Even skilled furniture upholsters can only do so much with what they’re given. You might be able to spruce up a couch that’s in bad shape, but that won’t recover the foundation, silhouette, or how comfortable it is to sit on.
When to Buy a New Couch
Now that we can check “how much to reupholster a couch” off our learning list let’s segue into identifying when it’s better to just start new. There are a few tell-tale signs that your couch is beyond repair, and any reupholstery will only be a waste of money.
- The frame is damaged.
- Your couch has a strange smell that you can get rid of.
- It’s not comfortable anymore.
- The couch is making your home look dated.
- It costs more to reupholster a couch than it does to buy a new one.
If any (or multiple) of these signs sound like your situation, it might be worth looking into a new couch rather than sticking a Band-Aid over it. Here are a few stylish options that will give your home a fresh new look for a price that is comparable to a couch reupholstery.
The Behold Washington Avery Sofa
For roughly the same price to reupholster a fabric couch, you can upgrade to an entirely new seating arrangement like this cool number from Behold Washington. While it’s a bargain, you’ll be starting off with a quality piece that’s reinforced with a mostly solid wood frame and spring seat support for years of comfort. Fashioned in a subtle contemporary design, this three-seater sofa is a handsome addition in casual or formal living rooms and a joy to enjoy during your downtime.
The Fusion Furniture Mitchell Sofa
From Cottagecore to farmhouse interior settings, this white sofa is sure to give you warm and fuzzy feelings while you nestle in on its amply sized seats. Recessed track arms let you really settle in against the overstuffed back cushions whether you’re relaxing solo or with the whole family. While this sofa costs more than a high-end reupholstery job, it provides nearly 100 inches of seating that’s worth every cent of comfort.
The Traditions Artisan Sofa
You will only find this black sofa at select Traditions furniture suppliers, and Bob Mills is your hookup. As the largest sofa on our list, this pick offers the most sprawling space, and its plush upholstery makes stretching out a truly plush delight. While we suggest this sofa for casual living rooms, its neutral tone and graceful lines complement any setting. You won’t have to think twice about indulging in this soft and comfortable sofa.
In the end, we suggest you wonder how much does it cost to reupholster a couch only if your current sofa is in good condition. With that said, most sofas manufactured these days are made to last a limited lifetime of around 10 years. Unless you have an heirloom sofa made with solid wood, a durable foundation, and premium upholstery, it might not be worth the trouble. Luckily, shopping for a new sofa at Bob Mills is anything but complicated.
Whether you shop online or visit our store location, we offer a beautiful lineup of sofas from leaders in the industry — plus a few brands that only Bob Mills carries. Get inspired by our latest looks today!
Why Trust Bob Mills Furniture?
At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 50 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.
Shop Couches at Bob Mills
Start reveling in endless comfort and shop sofas online for unbeatable prices at Bob Mills. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn how much does it cost to reupholster a couch — whether you call the Bob Mills Furniture store nearest you or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our showrooms throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to discover why we are everyone’s favorite local furniture store. Visit us today!
Learn More: The Average Cost of Living Room Furniture