Couches are often a focal point in a living room, making them a key part of the overall design. The fabric on a sofa can make or break its style, so updating it with a new look can be a cost-effective way to refresh the furniture. A professional upholstery company can reupholster a couch in any fabric, including velvet, suede, and cotton. The cost of a professional reupholstery can vary, depending on the size of the couch and the fabric used, but it is typically cheaper than buying a brand-new couch.
Before beginning a reupholstery project, it’s important to take some time to study the piece of furniture you’ll be working on. This allows you to get a better idea of how it was constructed and how it will go back together. It can also help you identify any special details, such as tack strips alongside the staples or cardboard pieces underneath a skirt, that should be replicated when re-assembling the furniture.
The first step in reupholstering a couch is to remove the old fabric. Start by turning the sofa upside down or on its side, then take off the dust cloths and any fabric covering the base of the sofa. Once the sofa is standing normally, remove the outside and inside arms, the outside and inside back, and the deck.
When reupholstering a couch, it’s a good idea to use the old fabric as a template for cutting the new material. This will ensure that the pattern is centered correctly and that you have enough material to cover the entire surface of the couch. You’ll also want to check the quality of the foam used in the cushions. Purchasing higher-quality foam can add longevity to your sofa, which will save you money on replacing it in the long run.
Once you have your new fabric, it’s time to begin the reupholstery process. Begin by laying the fabric flat on a large surface, such as the floor or a table. Then, lay the old pieces of fabric on top of it and use them as a template for cutting the new fabric. Be sure to allow for the extra material needed to tuck around the legs and arms of the sofa as well as any areas that weren’t covered by the original piece of fabric.
After measuring and cutting the new fabric, it’s time to attach it to the frame of the couch. When doing this, it’s important to work in the reverse order that you took apart the couch, so that you know where each piece of fabric went before putting it back together. This will save you time and effort in the long run. You’ll also want to keep notes or photos for reference when putting the furniture back together, as you may forget what goes where.
After attaching the fabric, it’s time to staple any excess fabric away. This is the time to be especially careful, since you don’t want any loose threads to cause a tripping hazard later. It’s also a good idea to pull the fabric tight as you work, to avoid it becoming wrinkly or awkwardly draped.