PLANNING TO REUPHOLSTER?
TIPS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER YOUR PIECE OF FURNITURE IS WORTH THE RE-DO In decorating a room, you’re weighing whether to reupholster a loved piece of furniture you already own (or have found at a steal), versus purchasing something new. If you're eco-conscious and prefer to save something from a landfill, how can you tell if your piece is of good quality? The rule of thumb is: older is better. Maybe furniture that’s at least 15-20 years old is made better than pieces today. If it was going to fall apart, it would have by now. So you can give something worn a facelift, making it usable again and even adding value.
CONSIDER THESE ISSUES • Would it be feasible to just give the piece a good cleaning or make minor repairs? • How much would it cost to replace the item? • Is your piece out of the ordinary or a classic example of craftsmanship (look for important marks or labels that may indicate value)? Check whether the piece wobbles, rocks or feels unsteady. • Are the coil seat springs 8-way and hand-tied? • Do you love the size and scale of the piece in relation to your room?
For a sofa to be worth reupholstering, the frame should be made of hardwood with relatively few knots, and the joints secured with dowels and glue rather than staples. If the piece is heavy for its size, 66 | triangle style
it's likely to be of high quality. Smart sofas also have coiled springs tied with twine in an asterisk pattern. If it has rubber panels or springs in an "s" shape rather than coiled, the piece probably isn't worth reupholstering. If the furniture is sturdy and in good condition with a well-made frame, and you can find both reasonably priced fabric and an upholsterer, then you have the components necessary to successfully refurbish. When the style and lines of your current furniture become so familiar that you just can’t stand to part with them, new upholstery can make it possible to continue using it for many more years. If you love the “bones” of a piece, reupholstering is the way to go. It’s recommended that you keep elements of your piece that work. Smaller scale patterns are right on any size furniture, but a large pattern looks crowded on a small chair. Pillows are an easy way to customize furniture in any space while keeping with trends. And if cushions are saggy or uncomfortable, be sure to replace the foam to add both comfort and clean lines. Reupholstering old foam in questionable condition isn’t a wise use of your design dollars. Written By Kristy Stevenson Photos Provided By Midas Fabric