Should I Buy a New Sofa or Reupholster My Old One?

Torn fabric, sagging cushions, a general vibe of “lived-in” that’s veering dangerously into “worn-out” — sound familiar?

If your sofa looks a little tired, you may feel the urge to buy a new one immediately. But before you spend money on a brand-new replacement, consider the often-overlooked option: reupholstering.

Sofas are among the most used living room furniture, so of course, there are services designed to revive them. In this blog, we’ll guide you through deciding whether it’s better to reupholster or buy a new one and let you in on some crucial information you need to make a choice you won’t regret.

Reupholstering vs. Recovering

Did you know that reupholstering and recovering are not the same thing?

Recovering means replacing the material that covers the sofa. In other words, it’s a surface-level fix. On the other hand, reupholstering includes replacing the cover and other parts to return it to its former glory or improve its structural condition.

Recovering works if your sofa’s foam and frame are still in good shape and just need a new fabric cover. It is also a great option to match your curtain fabric with the rest of your interior design.

But if the structure and most of the sofa’s parts need to be remade, reupholstery is the better choice since it entails mending the frame, replacing springs and padding, restaining wood, and recovering with a new fabric.

To Reupholster or To Buy? Factors to Consider

Buying a new sofa offers instant gratification, while reupholstering an old one takes time. But don’t be too quick to dismiss the latter as it can provide a good – if not better – alternative in certain situations.

In this section, we’ll discuss the factors that can impact your decision to buy or reupholster your sofa.

1. The Cost Factor

Is it worth reupholstering a sofa? There are several things you must consider to determine the answer to this question, but the first – and often most prioritized – is the cost.

How much you’ll spend on a brand-new sofa is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is look at the price tag, add shipping or delivery costs, and you’re good to go.

On the other hand, the price of reupholstery can vary, depending on factors such as:

• The size of the couch
• The upholstery fabric to be used
• The extent of repair needed

The actual price you’ll pay will also depend on what type of fabric you want to use and the level of difficulty of the project.

Professionals may also charge more depending on their reputation and quality guarantee. To be sure, compare quotes from at least two different service providers for the fabric and parts.

2. Value Beyond the Tag Price

A sofa’s value isn’t limited to its price tag — it can also be a one-of-a-kind antique made from rare materials and intricate designs. You may also have difficulty letting the piece go if there’s a certain history or sentimental value attached to it.

In some cases, reupholstering an old sofa may be worth the time, effort, and money. It can be a prized possession that has been with your family for generations. Or it can be a valuable antique piece that represents a significant investment.

In all these cases, reupholstery is the better choice. You just need to ensure that it gets the best material and craftsmanship it deserves.

 

3. The Condition Conditions

Whether or not you should reupholster your sofa also depends on its actual condition.

If you have to turn it inside out or the base frame has already been compromised, buying a new one is probably more cost-effective.

Of course, this also means that when your existing couch just needs some fresh fillings or a new cover, couch reupholstery is more affordable than buying a new one.

Below are some signs that your sofa can still be revived:

• It is crafted from solid wood and features intricate carvings.
• It doesn’t rock or show any signs of cracking or warping.
• It is made with eight-way hand-tied springs.

If you’re unsure, you can ask our upholstery experts at Sedar Global to inspect your furniture. We’re always happy to help.

4. Fit and Customizability

No matter how great a couch or armchair is in the store, it can still feel out of place in your living room.

Finding home furnishings that fit your interior design and specific needs is not easy. 

So, if your old sofa fits like a glove, reupholstering removes the need to scour local furniture shops to find another one suitable for your space. You can even switch up certain fabrics to keep your furniture up-to-date with the latest trends.

Weigh Your Sofa Options

Ultimately, the choice between reupholstering and buying a new sofa boils down to a blend of personal preference and practical considerations. 

Whether you wish to preserve a family heirloom or switch to a brand-new design, consider your sofa’s cost, sentimental value, structural condition, and your desire for customization.

Take a moment to assess your sofa and make a decision you'll love for years to come. If you choose to reupholster, book a consultation at Sedar Global. 

We provide top-quality upholstery fabric with our free upholstery service that’s sure to bring your couch back to its former glory.