The Top Four Reasons For Choosing Reupholstery Rather Than Replacement

If you have a favourite armchair or other piece of furniture around your home and its age is starting to show, it’s always worth considering whether an upholsterer in Ludlow might be able to help. Furniture these days can be highly affordable, making it tempting to splash out on new sofas, chairs and other items rather than make do with stained, broken or shabby furnishings. But the fact is that very often, modern pieces just aren’t the same. Here are our top four reasons for recommending a traditional upholsterer rather than swapping old for new.

Sentimental Value

If you’ve had this particular piece for any length of time, or perhaps it’s been passed down by a relative or good friend, then it’s likely you hold it in a certain amount of affection. It may have been around when your kids were born, or when you moved into your first ever home. Whatever the reason, reupholstery can let you hang onto all those memories while still having a piece of furniture that looks almost as good as new.

Quality of Build

Older pieces more often than not were built with traditional craftsmanship, sometimes even by hand. Stripped down of their tired old fabric, upholsters usually find that the frame beneath is still solid as a rock. Even if a few adjustments are necessary, to tighten the frame or carry out sofa spring repairs, for instance, the piece as a whole is still worth saving. New coverings will give the piece a new lease of life and you’ll get many more years of pleasure out of it.

Antique or Vintage Items

Possibly, that set of dining chairs, piano stool or ottoman has a financial value because it’s an antique. You shouldn’t write it off just because on the surface it looks past its best. Sensitive antique restoration by a master craftsman could have that piece returned to as near its original condition as possible. In the right hands, the item may even gain in value by having some clever restoration work carried out on it.

Helping the Environment

We’re all increasingly aware of the damage we’re doing to the environment from constantly discarding old goods and buying new. By salvaging an older piece and upcycling it, you’re doing your bit to help the planet. Buying new furniture contributes towards your carbon footprint as new items are manufactured and transported, often long distances, which all takes its toll on the environment. Some modern furniture is also treated with unpleasant chemicals that you wouldn’t necessarily want to invite into your home; older items crafted from wood tend to be healthier to live with. There’s even recent research to show that natural materials in the home such as wood can reduce stress levels!

Ask a Time-Served Upholsterer Whether Reupholstery Is a Viable Option

If you’re not sure whether the benefits will outweigh the cost when considering whether to reupholster a favourite chair or other piece, look for an upholsterer that offers free estimates for the work and ask their advice. But generally, if you love it and it can be saved, it’s always worth doing so.