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Design Dilemma
melyndas

Reupholster or custom slipcover?

Melynda
9 anni fa
Closed on the new house yesterday, and already going through my furniture to decide what will make the move! I really love my big couch (well, not exactly a couch...it is the right and left sides of a sofa-lounge so it is more of a giant bed with arms and a back...super comfortable for people who never "sit" on a sofa) but I really would like a different color. It is less than 2 years old, in perfect structural shape and the fabric is in quite good shape, but it the color was a compromise when I bought it and I don't want to design my new place around something I don't love. I am very handy with power tools, but me and sewing machines do not get along, so this is one project I can't do myself. Any suggestions on deciding which option is more practical?
Risposta in evidenza
  • PRO
    Wyland Interior Design Center
    9 anni fa
    Ultima modifica: 9 anni fa

    I was married to an upholsterer at one time and I know more than the average when it comes to reupholstering furniture. I'm sorry to say but majority of the furniture pieces in today's market are not worth reupholstering, unless you have purchased a good quality piece in the first place. Most upholsters will be honest with you and will be able to determine if you have a piece that is worth reupholstering or not. They would not want you to call them back for repairs when the staples start pulling out of the soft wood frame.

    It is sad but true, with many inexpensive furniture lines the frames are not worth anything! Many frames are built from soft woods instead of a hardwood frame, along with poor quality springs, inferior fabrics and the least expensive low density foam cushions they can find. Most of these pieces will show wear and fail in about 3 to 5 years. I call them the "Throw Away Furniture" lines. They sell them at a high cost and then they fall apart.

    The industry is filled with imported furniture. Many of the popular online companies are selling these poor quality imports, as well as some of the Big Furniture Box Stores that offer no interest for 2 years. It is SO TRUE, you get what you pay for when it comes to upholstered furniture! Buyer's beware. Find out who the manufacturer is and do your research before you make the purchase!!!!!

    ALWAYS.......Look for USA made pieces and research how they are built. The American pieces are made show much better, just like everything else.

    However, when you compare purchasing a good quality 6 ft sofa with hardwood construction, eight way hand tied spring system, high density foam with good quality fabric, you are looking at a price tag of $2,500 to $4,000 or more. In some cases, you will probably get around 10 to 15 years use before showing signs of wear. And it will be worth reupholstering it later on.

    If you have an older sofa, chair or antique piece that has good bones as they say, it will be worth reupholstering it and would be about the same price as a POOR quality piece of furniture. So really it is all relevant.

    Another sad note, in 100 years from now there will be very few antique furniture pieces for this time period due to the poor quality that is being built.

    Commenti (17)

    • PRO
      Decorative Philosophy
      9 anni fa
      Shouldn't be that expensive to slip cover. But think about doing it in a fabric you can throw in the washing machine. Maybe this piece is used in a casual room and you have some fun with pillows........
      Regards,
      Karen & Joseph
      for Decorative Philosophy
      Melynda ha ringraziato Decorative Philosophy
    • Jean Benelli
      9 anni fa
      Decorative Philosophy I don't know where you live but here in San Diego the labor and fabric cost of making slipcovers can be the same as upholstery. The size and style of the couch would take over 20 yards of fabric and up to $800 in labor. Total cost of slipcovers may cost $1200. Melynda you might want to buy generic slipcovers and live with the furniture until you can buy what you want.
      Melynda ha ringraziato Jean Benelli
    • PRO
      SK Designs
      9 anni fa
      I advise my clients that slipcovers can be more expensive than upholstery (same amount of fabric as upholstery, but labor can be more expensive), but slipcovers offer the flexibility of changing the look of the sofa and can be washed (with the correct fabric selection).
      Melynda ha ringraziato SK Designs
    • Melynda
      Autore originale
      9 anni fa
      If costs are close, I would probably prefer slipcovers so I have the option of washing the fabric and I don't have to transport big awkward furniture all over the place.
    • PRO
      Wyland Interior Design Center
      9 anni fa
      Ultima modifica: 9 anni fa
      In the Pacific Northwest, reupholstering sofas and chairs will take less fabric and less in labor than slip covering them.
      * Typically a slipcover can take 15% to 20% more yardage.
      * Keep in mind, if you choose a stripe, plaid or floral you will need to add extra for pattern matching also.
      * Look for a fabric that is railroaded, it will take less fabric.
    • Melynda
      Autore originale
      9 anni fa

      After spending a month looking for the best way to re-cover this sofa - and getting quite excited about the creative possibilities - I finally had the chance to measure the space it was slated for...and there is no way it will fit into the room! So, while it was a bit of a wild goosechase, I learned a lot and it is already coming in handy with other projects. Many thanks to everyone who shared information here!

    • kathleen MK
      9 anni fa
      What I don't get is how it cost the same or more to recover a sofa than buy a new one. Isn't the frame worth anything.
    • Melynda
      Autore originale
      9 anni fa
      Kathleen - it is a bit surprising at first, isn't it? But then again, it used to be a lot cheaper to sew your own clothing rather than buy it - and that isn't generally true anymore.

      Material and labor costs in the third world countries many companies use now are so much lower than what we can get here (often low quality goes with that low price - and poor pay/quality of life for those workers) that to replace or repair part of anything made in those circumstances is not cost effective.

      I admit that there may be less than amazing quality workmanship on my next couch...but that will be because I am going to be building it myself. I can live with that! LOL
    • originaljerseygirl
      8 anni fa

      I always choose to custom slipcover my pieces; unless the furniture is sagging or broken or somehow not salvageable. This way I get exactly what I want; fabric, colors. And...I can change design style on a whim if I feel like it. The hardest part, for me, is deciding on fabric. Check this site out, they are awesome: http://customalleyslipcovers.com/

    • PRO
      Comfort Works Custom Slipcovers
      6 anni fa

      Hey! Custom slipcovers are definitely the alternative to upholstery - we'd know since we make them :)

      Check out how we do it here: https://comfort-works.com/en/home/customized-sofa-slipcover-541

      Cheers!

      Chuck | Client Service Dude
      Comfort Works

    • PRO
      coverissimo custom slipcovers
      6 anni fa

      Hello Melynda, I think that if your couch is is less than 2 years old, the best solution is a custom slipcover easily removable and washable. Here you can give a look at our list price : https://www.coverissimo.net/prices-slipcovers. Cheers! Coverissimo

    • Nona Fox
      6 anni fa

      We make custom slipcovers from measurements and ship nationwide. Buyers provide their own fabric and we are SO much less expensive than upholstery! DIYslipcovers and you can find us on Etsy.

    • PRO
      Subrtex Houseware INC
      5 anni fa
      Ultima modifica: 5 anni fa

      For an affordable solution, we suggest you could try Subrtex Ready-made Slipcovers start from 29$.



    • Kat Kelson
      4 anni fa

      Looking for advice . I bought two Lee industry sofas on a basically yard sale sight . I paid 600 a piece . They are beautiful but have a fabric that stains easily and cannot be washed . I had them evaluated at our local lee dealer and they told me each sofa would cost approx 8 to 10000 to replace as they are completely down and have a top fabric etc. The colour is discontinued and lee industries does not make slip covers for this style. Had a quote from a local craftsman for slip covers .. 8000 for both . Top pick for material (1000 rubes ) do I make the investment or buy something new . thanks

    • Anne Duke
      4 anni fa

      TttttGgggg, you should start a new post of your own. Your question is interesting and you’ll get more comments. My 1992 Lee sofa is out to the reupholster right now. I’m changing the back profile a bit and am really looking forward to seeing it.

    • Kat Kelson
      4 anni fa

      Thanks Anne , I will do that . Looking forward to some opinions.

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