Reupholster your sofa or buy a new one?

The frame makes the difference

Reupholstery is particularly worthwhile when the frame is sound or can be professionally repaired. A well-made solid wood frame can last a long time. Repairing damaged chipboard or thin battens can be labour-intensive. The material and workmanship need to be assessed together.

• Carefully check that the sofa stands firmly and whether the armrests or backrest move noticeably. Do not lift heavy furniture on your own.
• Look underneath the sofa where accessible: wood grain and compressed chips at exposed edges can help identify the material.
• Creaking, twisting or loose joints are reasons to have the sofa assessed by a professional. Joints in wooden frames can often be repaired.

Suspension and padding can be renewed

Sagging seats do not automatically mean you need a new sofa. During reupholstery, foam and padding layers can be replaced; depending on the construction, coil springs or zigzag springs can be repaired or replaced. This involves renewing the padding as well as the cover. The right construction is chosen according to the sofa's condition and the seating comfort you want.

When reupholstery is worthwhile

• The frame is sound and the existing construction is worth preserving.
• The shape and dimensions fit your room perfectly.
• The sofa is an heirloom, a design classic or has a shape you particularly like.
• You want to use your furniture for longer and throw less away.
• A new sofa of comparable quality would cost considerably more.

When a new sofa makes more sense

• The frame is badly damaged or made of chipboard that is falling apart.
• Reupholstery would cost more than a new sofa of comparable quality.
• The dimensions no longer fit after a move, or you need a different shape, such as a corner sofa.
• Odours such as smoke or damp are deeply embedded in the padding and frame.

In these cases, a made-to-measure sofa may be a sensible choice because it is designed for your room.

What determines the work involved

The work involved depends mainly on the sofa's size and shape, the amount and type of upholstery fabric, details such as button tufting or piping, and the condition of the padding. A two-seater with plain surfaces is usually quicker to reupholster than a Chesterfield with deep button tufting. A reliable assessment therefore requires a look at your sofa first.

How reupholstery works at Sofastil

• Send photos: Send us front, side and detail photos by WhatsApp or email, together with approximate dimensions.
• Receive a quote: After assessing the sofa, we will send you a quote specifying the work, materials, price and date.
• Choose your fabric: View real fabric and leather samples at our showroom at Wilmersdorfer Straße 142 in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Mon–Sat 12:00–18:00, no appointment needed. Before 12:00 and after 18:00 by prior arrangement only. Closed on Sunday.
• Collection and return delivery: If you would like these services, they will be included in the quote with their prices.
• Hidden damage: If we discover damage to the frame or suspension when opening the sofa, we will speak to you first. We only carry out additional work with your approval.

Checklist

• Does the sofa stand firmly, and are the armrests and backrest secure?
• Do the shape and dimensions fit your home?
• Are you attached to the sofa, or is it an heirloom?
• Would a new sofa of the same quality cost considerably more?

The more often you answer yes, the more likely reupholstery is to be worthwhile. Send us photos – we can help you assess your options.