Reupholstering your armchair is an affordable way to give your old furniture a new lease on life. This process can be done on your own with a little bit of time and patience, or you can hire an upholsterer to do it for you. When choosing an upholsterer, make sure they have good communication and aren’t too busy to answer your questions. Also, consider the type of material they are using and the cost. Some upholsterers charge a nominal fee, while others will charge a flat rate, depending on the amount of work required.
To reupholster your armchair, you’ll need some basic tools and materials. First, you’ll need to disassemble the chair to get a better idea of how it works. You’ll want to make a note of each piece, and where it’s attached. If you’re lucky, you’ll find some sturdily made pieces with dowels, screws, or glue holding them together.
Once you’ve gotten a clear picture of the inside of your armchair, you can start the actual reupholstering. Start by removing the padding, and then unpicking the fabric. A slip joint pliers, or even a box cutter, are handy for this task. Use a soft tape measure to ensure you’re getting accurate measurements.
The reupholstering process will take about ten to fifteen hours, depending on the size of your furniture. Make sure you have plenty of space for the job. After all, you don’t want to be bending over your armchair! It will also help if you’re working in a clean, closed room.
The reupholstering procedure isn’t as complicated as it sounds. There are a few steps, but most of them are relatively simple. Depending on your experience, it may take a little extra work. However, it’s well worth the effort. By reupholstering your armchair, you’ll get a refreshed look that will keep your favorite piece looking like it’s brand new for a long time.
The best part of this process is that you can repurpose the leftover fabric. You’ll also want to reuse the batting, which is the padding inside a cushion. While you’re at it, you can also use the foam backing to smooth out the edges.
It’s important to choose the correct type of upholstery fabric for your armchair. In general, a heavy-duty fabric is best. These types of materials are better suited for everyday use. They’re also a bit more expensive, but they’ll last longer. For a stylish and durable solution, look for synthetic or natural fibers.
Other steps include stapling the fabric to the frame. You can choose to staple the fabric around the bottom, or you can staple it along the sides. Depending on your upholsterer, you might want to use a pneumatic stapler, which is more powerful and more precise. Lastly, it’s a good idea to have some tack strips on hand to secure the fabric.
The most important step in reupholstering your armchair is the right fabric. You’ll need to find a fabric that has the functionality, as well as the style, to suit your taste.