Re-Upholstery
Most people choose furniture
based on lifestyle requirements, size, design and comfort.
More often than not, the mass-produced furniture of
today cannot replace the timeless quality and design
of furniture made as recently as a generation ago. In
many cases, people that are shopping for new furniture
are unable to differentiate quality furniture from pieces
that only appear to look good. Furniture that has provided
them with several years of dependability and satisfaction
has already proven itself to be a quality piece. Replacing
it with today’s furniture may often result in disappointment
down the road.
Custom re-upholstery can raise your existing furniture
to better than new standards. Existing furniture with
years of proven reliability, quality pieces that may
have been passed down from previous generations or pieces
needing restoration purchased at thrift shops may be
better suited for custom re-upholstery than you thought.
The fabric selection is often one of the most important
yet most overlooked decisions when re-upholstering furniture.
As all fabrics are not created equal, compare specifications
for abrasion ratings, stain repellant finishes and whether
the pattern and color are appropriate for the usage.
Make sure that what is selected in the end gives you
some flexibility should you decide to change colors
in the room down the road. Once the fabric has been
selected, other options to consider might include the
introduction of fringes and other trimmings to complete
the transformation.
Planning
The planning process for custom re-upholstery initially begins with an assessment of the furniture item to determine if the frame construction is worth the effort. If so, the next step is to consider the needs of those using the furniture to identify whether some modification of the piece is required prior to recovering. Perhaps the design could use minor alterations to give it a more up to date look. Extra padding in the arms, revising the cut across the back and even adjusting the height of the piece are some of the changes that can generate enormous benefits and value. The quality of the foam should also be looked at as this is the best time to change it. If it is worn out or of poor quality, there is no use changing the fabric without the padding. Ensure that the new foam is at least a 2.0 pound quality or better, (2.5 pound or greater is ideal). The last item to decide on is the firmness of the padding which can be determined by both the usage and thickness of the cushion.
Other questions to ponder:
- How do you use the furniture? (everyday or occasionally)
- What room is the furniture placed in?
- Do small children, teenagers or pets use the furniture?
- How often do I intend on changing the fabric covering?
- What is the budget for the total project?
