Why opting to upholster your old furniture is better than buying new.
The cost of upholstering an old piece of furniture can sometimes be more than people expect and understandably this can leave clients wondering if the better option would be to buy something new at a cheaper price. Well it really isn't the case and we are going to breakdown some of our top reasons why choosing to reupholster is best:
Quality prevails
The majority of 'affordable' new furniture available these days is mass produced and of incredibly poor quality, made of cheap components like chipboard (sometimes even cardboard!) and purely just not built to last. Buy yourself a 'cheap' new sofa today and you will be buying again in a couple of years time. Cheap poor quality furniture often isn't worth
upholstering either so like fast fashion will often end up in landfill (or being incinerated due to new legislation!) once its short life has come to an end.
If you have a good quality piece of furniture with a solid wood frame we can upholster this for you using the best quality materials and make it stand the test of time.
If your current piece of furniture needs upholstering but we have advised you that the frame itself is of too poor a quality to upholster then consider buying a good quality second hand piece and getting this upholstered - we are always happy to advise on which pieces to look for.
Preserving history
In the same way a Victorian house offers charm and character
that new builds can't match, older furniture often holds a special allure. Vintage pieces are more than just furniture - they are fragments of history. Whether it's a mid-century cocktail chair or an Edwardian chaise longue, these items can be brought back to life with the same high-quality, natural materials they were crafted with, ensuring they continue to share their unique stories for generations to come. Not to mention vintage and antique furniture pieces have a timeless appeal that can add character and charm to your home.
Cost effective
As already mentioned, while the initial cost of reupholstering old furniture may seem high, the long-term benefits far outweigh the price. Quality furniture that has been properly reupholstered can last for generations, saving you money in the long run. In comparison, cheap new furniture often needs to be replaced after just a few years, resulting in higher costs over time.
A personal touch - the possibilities are endless!
When you opt to get a piece of furniture upholstered you have so much creative freedom , instead of being limited to say 5 different colour options you are open to infinite possibilitIes. We hold trade accounts for many different fabric houses, meaning we have access to thousands of different fabrics in a range of textures and colourways. We can also advise on which fabrics would work best for you and can talk to you about ways to use more natural fabrics and avoid heavily chemical treated fabrics found on most shop bought furniture.Â
Supporting Local Artisans
When you choose to reupholster your old furniture, you are supporting specialist local artisans and craftsmen. These skilled professionals can breathe new life into your old pieces, giving them a fresh look and feel. By investing in their work, you are contributing to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and supporting small businesses in your community.
Sentimental value
Upholstering a sentimental piece of furniture goes beyond mere decor; it's a transformative journey for cherished items. Refreshing the upholstery not only revives its appearance but can also protect the structural integrity. Whether it's a treasured family heirloom or a sentimental one of a kind favourite, updating the upholstery pays homage to its past while preserving its future, preserving it as a muched loved piece in your home for generations to come.Â
SustainabilityÂ
According to a 2018/19 report by The North London Waste Authority, 22 million pieces of furniture are discarded each year in the UK, the majority of which goes directly to landfill. Climate action NGO WRAP estimates this to be the annual fate of 670,000 tonnes of furniture – much of it reusable. In landfill the toxic chemicals much new furniture is treated with easily migrate out, polluting the air, soil and water. The government has acknowledged the environmental risks associated with upholstered furniture and now classifies it as toxic waste, requiring it to be incinerated. However, this method of disposal also presents its own set of environmental implications.
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Health
Choosing to have your furniture upholstered not only benefits the health of the planet, but it can also offers a healthier option in your home. Mass-produced furniture is often made with toxic materials such as flame-retardants and petrochemicals, unlike traditional furniture. By working with an upholsterer, you can reduce exposure to these harmful toxins by selecting better, more natural fillings and fabrics.
To conclude I think you will agree opting to upholster is the most cost effect and sustainable choice, delivery quality results built to last!