More often than not, the frame of upholstered furniture turns out to be much sturdier than its fabric. And finding a new sofa or armchair with a similar design can sometimes be harder than simply restoring their original look. This can be done by replacing the upholstery. At the same time, the owner gets to choose the fabric according to their preference. In this article, we will discuss how to reupholster a sofa yourself and what material is best to use for it.
Advantages of DIY Reupholstery
Reupholstering a sofa yourself offers several advantages:
- Unlimited design options. You can choose any fabric, color, or decorative elements you like. This way, even a dull sofa can turn into a designer piece.
- Opportunity to repair internal parts. During the process, it’s easy to spot issues with the springs or frame and fix them right away.
- Preserving a beloved sofa. Your familiar furniture continues to please the eye. The owner doesn’t need deep knowledge – just a basic understanding of reupholstery will suffice.
What’s the Best Material for Reupholstering a Sofa?
Ordinary fabric won’t work here. You need a material that is durable against wear and tear, while also being pleasant to the touch. Some fabrics come with water- and stain-resistant coatings for added protection. So, what are the best options for reupholstering a sofa?
Velour
Lasts up to 20 years, easy to clean from dirt and pet hair. It has dirt-repellent properties and can be cleaned with dry or chemical methods. Various embossing options expand the design possibilities. Its elastic, durable fibers resist creasing during use.
Flock
Resistant to mechanical damage and doesn’t fade. Cleaning is done with a vacuum or soapy solution. This fabric consists of a non-woven dense base with a glued-on pile. For added strength, rubber is layered between them. Flock can be thick, dense, rigid, or soft and can be dyed in any color. It’s often used for modular sofas in dining rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and lounge areas.
Jacquard
A hypoallergenic, breathable, and eco-friendly fabric. Special weaving techniques create original double-sided patterns, sometimes giving the impression that the fabric was handwoven. Additional coatings protect vibrant jacquard from fading and stains.
Leather
Low-maintenance and often found on kitchen furniture. It handles wet cleaning well and gives a luxurious appearance. A more durable variation is eco-leather, which is made with a cotton base, making it easy to upholster sofas of any shape. Eco-leather comes in matte and glossy finishes, and you can choose extra-soft materials.
Leatherette (Dermantin)
An affordable upholstery option. It’s a three-layer material with a synthetic or cotton knit base. The outer layer is made of nitrocellulose, which can imitate various textures, including natural leather. The porous surface allows leatherette to breathe while repelling water. Leatherette (trans. from Latv “dermantīns”) comes in a wide variety and can be purchased from Tehaudumi, a company offering up to 3,000 articles of various technical fabrics. All products are supplied from their warehouses in Riga.
Scotchgard
This is a jacquard-woven fabric treated with dirt-, dust-, and water-repellent coatings, making it highly resistant to stains. It looks similar to jacquard but has a distinct transparent layer, making it ideal for homes with children or pets. The fabric’s eco-friendly properties make it non-allergenic for sensitive individuals.
How to Reupholster a Sofa Yourself:
- Remove the old upholstery. You’ll need to pull out the nails or staples. If necessary, save the old fabric pieces as patterns for the new upholstery.
- Inspect the springs and frame. Repair or replace any damaged components.
- Create new patterns. Using the old material as a template, cut out new pieces of fabric.
- Start reupholstering and stretching the fabric. Secure the fabric to the frame, starting from the center. Gradually stretch it toward the edges, fastening it with staples.
- Finishing touches. Cover the seams with decorative elements like ribbons, buttons, or wooden trims.
In the end, you’ll have a designer creation that doesn’t require much investment, and the satisfaction of having done it yourself is priceless. The materials mentioned require minimal care, look great, and last a long time.