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Reupholstery has been a topic that&#;s come up in my DM&#;s lately as I shared the reupholstered chairs in my office reveal, and one of the most common questions I receive is &#;how much does it cost to reupholster?&#;

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While it varies by location/upholsterer and depends on so many factors, I thought I&#;d address this in a blog post, because there&#;s not that much information about reupholstery online. 

I&#;m going to break down some scenarios and costs using the chairs that Christine of Nouvelle Vie reupholstered

Scenario 1: REUPHOLSTERING ONE ARM CHAIR IN DESIGNER FABRIC

• Price for Hickory chair from FB MP: $150
• Yards needed: 10 (more yards are required for a gathered skirt)
• Total fabric cost: $1,700 (note, I did receive a very small discount from Kravet, but it was still a big chunk of change out of my pocket)
• Labor: $650
  • Adding a ruffled skirt usually costs extra
  • Self-welt (piping along curves and cushion in same fabric)
  • Adding down feathers to existing cushion (it was in good shape so the cushion fill was mostly repurposed)
  • Slimming down the scroll back

Total price: $2,500

Of course, the total cost would be significantly lower if I went with a cheaper fabric. With a $40/yd fabric (which you can easily find at these places), the chair would cost $1,200. You can still find gorgeous designer fabric at secondhand fabric stores or my personal favorite, eBay!

I&#;ve never spent so much on a single item before. But this is my DREAM chair and while I was worried I&#;d regret this big purchase, I don&#;t regret a single thing. It brings me so much joy and will last for years and years. 

Scenario 2: PAINTING AND REUPHOLSTERING A SINGLE DESK/DINING ROOM CHAIR

• Chair from Facebook Marketplace: $25
• Yards needed: 1.5
• Fabric: $160
• Trim: $9
• Labor (painting and reupholstering): $190 

Total price: $384

Scenario 3: REUPHOLSTERING A 72&#; LOVESEAT (quote)

• 14 yards of fabric 
• Labor: $1,200

Note, I also received a slipcover quote for this, which was $1,100. I think there&#;s a misconception that getting a slipcover made will be cheaper than upholstery, but there&#;s a lot of sewing and labor involved with slipcovers! 

OTHER COST SCENARIOS BY LOCATION

I gathered some market research on costs for upholstery around the country and am sharing those responses below. Note, these costs are for LABOR only. It does not include the cost of fabric.

Take these with a grain of salt, it&#;s for contextual purposes only, and my hope is that I can provide you with enough information to make an informed decision!

• South Carolina: Club chair $350 (9 yds)
• Idaho: 70&#; English Roll Arm sofa $1,500 (15 yds)
• St. Louis MO: Armchair and ottoman $500 (11 yds)
• Atlanta GA: King bed frame with channeling $1,300 (16 yds)
• Philadelphia PA: Six 90&#;s style parsons dining chairs $3,500 
• Boston MA: Two armchairs $1,500 (24 yds)
• Morristown NJ: 65&#; loveseat $900 (15-18 yards)
• Asheville NC: Small accent chair $325 (3 yds)
• Rochester NY: Slipcover sofa $700 (18 yards)
• GA: Sofa $900 (15 yards)
• MD: Ballard nursery glider $625 (9 yards)
• Savannah GA: skirted entry table $175 (6 yds) 
• Charlotte NC: skirted chair $450 + $100 for new springs (10 yds)
• Bucks County PA: wing chair $595
• Lancaster PA: 12 Louis dining chairs $300/ chair 
• Seattle WA: bench for the end of a king-size bed $700 (6 yds)
• Dallas TX: sofa $1,440 (24 yds)
• Houston TX: round 40&#; ottoman that needed new foam $400
• Phoenix AZ: skirted sleeper sofa $1,100 (24 yds)
• Boston MA: large sofa $2,000 (20 yds) 
• Milwaukee WI: 6 faux bois dining chairs $275/chair Milwaukee 
• Kansas City MO: 6 dining chairs $175 per chair (1.5 yds/chair)
• Washington D.C.: Club chair 8.5 yds $625 

An interior designer sent me this message and I thought it was worth sharing:

&#;As an interior designer, I price things out a LOT, and I have worked on projects in different cities before and after Covid. 1) norms differ by city 2) don&#;t go with the cheapest price. You often get what you pay for. 3) prices have JUMPED in the last 2 years. Things that used to cost me about $175-$200 now cost easily $275-350 (thinking of a specific upholstered dining chair situation for me). I find I am frequently having to justify costs, and the thing is, the cost is the cost. And the factors of cost are cost of living, gas to get to the workroom, price of eggs the workers want to put on their table, material cost (would you believe me if I told you the price of FEATHERS has quadrupled in the last 2 years? Thank you avian bird flu and supply chain. Also, there is a foam shortage due to a freeze that took out a petroleum plant in Texas and a hurricane that badly damaged a plant in Louisiana in , both of which were the primary maker of furniture foam in the southeast. But nobody really knows these things).&#;

General things to keep in mind when considering upholstery:

• Before dropping off with your upholsterer, don&#;t take anything apart (especially cushions). They use existing fabric and foam as a template and may also repurpose foam if possible. 
• Custom is always more. A custom banquet, for example, usually costs more because it usually needs to be made from scratch.
• Depending on the item, you can change the look by:
  • adding or removing tufting (I removed tufting with our green living room chairs)
  • With a sofa, you can switch up the cushions. Do you want one long cushion? Three cushions? Or two? While one long cushion may look great, you should consider how it may sag on one side
  • You can opt for a tailored skirt, ruffled skirt, fringe, and more with a chair or sofa. Here are some examples of finishes &#; depending on which you choose, it would vary in price and yards needed

How do you know if something is worth reupholstering?

The three things I recommend looking for when buying a secondhand sofa or chair (whether you have the intention to reupholster or not) are condition, bones, and brand.

&#;Bones&#; are easy to distinguish and vintage is much better quality. If it&#;s ridiculously heavy, it has good bones. Vintage pieces were not imported like modern-day brands (Wayfair). Modern brands usually use low-quality materials like particleboard, MDF, or soft D1-D2 grade wood, which is junk and will eventually break.

Older furniture is made of heavy wood and the craftsmanship is higher. You can feel rest assured that if a tag says it was made in North Carolina (the furniture capital of the world), it&#;s a solid, quality piece. The frame and arms should be sturdy (no wobbling), as frame repairs are pricey and intrusive, meaning fabrics and cotton/foam must be carefully removed to repair the break and then rebuilt.

I promise; there&#;s a plethora of cheap, solid vintage sofas and chairs on sites like Facebook Marketplace that, with new upholstery, could be way better than any modern-day fast furniture piece. And although it may be a significant cost upfront, you can customize it to your wants and it will last for years and years. 

More upholstery-related blog posts that you may find helpful:

xo

Alisa

Written by

Jennifer Carlson

October 20,

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Cost to reupholster a chair

The cost to reupholster a chair is $200 to $1,500 on average, depending on the size, style, and fabric. The cost to reupholster a dining chair is $100 to $250. The cost to simply recover a chair is less than chair reupholstery cost, which includes replacing the fabric, padding, and support systems.

Average cost to reupholster a chair - ChartAverage cost to reupholster a chairNational Average Cost$900Minimum Cost$50Maximum Cost$2,000Average Range$200 to $1,500

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Cost to reupholster a chair by type

The cost to reupholster a chair depends on the type. Armchairs, wingback chairs, recliners, or any chair made with leather will cost more to reupholster than a simple barstool or dining chair.

Cost to reupholster a chair by type Chair type Average cost Armchair $300 &#; $1,500 Barstool $50 &#; $300 Bergère chair $200 &#; $450 Club chair $300 &#; $900 Dining chair $100 &#; $250 Footstool $70 &#; $500 Leather chair $800 &#; $2,000 Office chair $200 &#; $700 Parsons chair $200 &#; $600 Recliner $450 &#; $1,500 Slipper chair $250 &#; $800 Tub or barrel chair $400 &#; $800 Wingback chair $400 &#; $2,000

Classic antique chairs reupholstered in leather

Armchair

Armchairs cost $300 to $1,500 to reupholster and are available in many sizes, shapes, and styles. The larger the armchair, the more expensive it will be to reupholster. Reupholstering an armchair typically requires 3 to 5 yards of fabric, depending on whether it has roll arms, pillow tops, or cushions.

Barstool

Reupholstering a bar stool costs $50 to $300, depending on the size and the amount of fabric and padding needed. Barstools with a padded back or armrest cost more than stools with a simple padded seat.

Bergère chair

A bergère chair costs $200 to $450 to reupholster and usually needs 2 to 3 yards of fabric. A French bergère chair is an armchair with an upholstered back and closed armrests. Many bergère chairs are antiques, so they require extra time and care.

Club chair

Club chairs cost $300 to $900 to reupholster and usually need 3 to 5 yards of fabric. Club chairs, also called smoking chairs, are usually made of leather. Some club chairs have buttons that take a while to remove and replace, which increases labor costs.

Dining chair

The cost to upholster dining chairs is $100 to $250 each, depending on the size and type of fabric. Some dining room chairs have only a cushioned seat covered in fabric, while some have upholstered backs. Reupholstering a dining chair seat usually requires half a yard of fabric.

Reupholstering a footstool costs $70 to $500, depending on the style. A footstool with only an upholstered top costs less to reupholster than a footstool with material and padding surrounding the entire stool, which would need 2 to 3 yards of fabric.

Leather chair

Leather chair reupholstery costs $800 to $2,000, depending on the size and style. Leather is more expensive than other fabrics but can last for many years with proper care. Homeowners with pets should consider avoiding leather furniture because dog or cat claws easily damage the material, resulting in costly repairs.

Office chair

The cost to reupholster an office chair is $200 to $700. Larger office chairs with heavily padded backs, armrests, and seats require more material and cost more to reupholster than simple office chairs that just have a padded seat.

Parsons chair

A Parsons chair costs $200 to $600 to reupholster and is a type of armless dining room chair with a padded back and seat. Reupholstering Parsons chairs typically requires 2 to 4 yards of fabric. The clean lines and sharp angles of the design make these chairs somewhat difficult to reupholster.

Recliner

Reupholstering a recliner costs $450 to $1,500, depending on the size, style, and fabric. Reupholstering a recliner is time-consuming and requires more padding and fabric than average to cover the chair, footrest, and additional cushions. Reupholstering a recliner takes 6 to 10 yards of fabric.

Slipper chair

A slipper chair costs $250 to $800 to reupholster and is a wide chair with a high back, no arms, and short legs. Slipper chairs often have more cushioning than average, which requires additional material to reupholster.

Tub chair

Tub chairs, also called barrel chairs, cost $400 to $800 to reupholster. This chair has a curved back that wraps around the seat to form the armrests. Reupholstering tub chairs typically takes 2 to 4 yards of fabric, depending on the amount of padding.

Wingback chair

Wingback chairs cost $400 to $2,000 to reupholster. These chairs have curved &#;wings&#; on the side to shield from drafts and typically need 6 to 8 yards of fabric to reupholster. Wingback chairs can cost much more than other chairs because they&#;re usually larger, older, and have more ornate detailing.

A stylish chair reupholstered in new gray fabric

Ask the reupholsterer if they offer any discounts for bundling. If your couch or other chairs need to be reupholstered, you could save money by getting them done at the same time.

Want more information on Chair Wholesale? Feel free to contact us.

Cost to reupholster a chair by fabric

Reupholstering a chair costs $10 to $100 per yard for fabric alone. This does not include labor or other materials like padding, buttons, caning, or trim.

Cost to reupholster a chair by fabric Fabric type Price per yard (materials only) Acrylic $40 &#; $70 Bamboo $25 &#; $50 Chenille $20 &#; $45 Cotton $10 &#; $30 Cotton blend $25 &#; $60 Crypton $20 &#; $40 Denim $25 &#; $50 Faux leather $10 &#; $20 Faux suede $15 &#; $25 Leather $40 &#; $70 Linen $20 &#; $35 Linen blend $15 &#; $30 Mohair $20 &#; $80 Nylon $10 &#; $15 Olefin $15 &#; $35 Polyester $10 &#; $45 Rayon $40 &#; $60 Silk $60 &#; $100 Suede $25 &#; $40 Sunbrella $25 &#; $45 Twill $30 &#; $60 Velvet $50 &#; $70 Wool $60 &#; $100

Natural vs. synthetic reupholstery fabrics

Natural fabrics include cotton, linen, silk, denim, bamboo, wool, leather, suede, and mohair. Silk, wool, and leather typically cost more or require a professional who knows how to handle such fabrics. Cotton and cotton blends are durable and easy to maintain.

Synthetic fabrics include polyester, acrylic, vinyl, olefin, nylon, and faux leather. Some synthetic fabrics are budget-friendly, stain-resistant, and more durable than natural fabrics, but some are prone to pilling and cracking. Vinyl fabric is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like dining rooms and kitchens.

Buying your own fabric can help save money on material markups and ensure you get a pattern or style you like.

A set of Baroque dining chairs reupholstered with new fabric and cushion stuffing

Chair reupholstery cost factors

The following factors affect the overall reupholstery cost:

• Fabric amount &#; Reupholstering chairs typically takes 1 to 10 yards of fabric, depending on the type and size of the chair. The more material needed, the more the reupholstery job will cost.

• Antiques &#; Antique chair upholstery can save quality furniture from the landfill. However, it takes extra time and care, leading to higher prices.

• Transportation &#; The upholstery shop may charge a travel fee if your chair is too large to fit into your car and needs to be transported to and from the shop. Having it professionally moved can cost $100 to $300 extra.

• Padding &#; Flattened, worn out padding costs $25 to $75 per cushion to replace, depending on the size and fill material.

• Recovering vs. reupholstering &#; Recovering furniture means simply removing the old fabric and putting on new fabric without replacing anything else. Reupholstering means replacing the fabric, padding, and support systems.

• Bundling &#; You may be able to get a better deal if you bundle reupholstery services.

  • Reupholstering a couch costs $600 to $2,000 for a two-cushion couch or $2,000 to $4,000 for a large sectional.

  • Other furniture reupholstery costs $400 to $1,700 on average.

Labor

Upholstery professionals charge $40 and $100 per hour for labor, depending on the chair type, material, and the level of difficulty. This fee typically includes:

• Tear down

• Minor frame repair

• Adding new support systems

• Retying springs

• Replacing the padding and fabric

A professional reupholstering a chair with new fabric

Other reupholstery & repair services

Professional upholsterers often offer additional services, both structural and decorative. Furniture repair costs $100 to $500 for chairs and may include multiple services like fabric cleaning, frame refinishing, and spring or padding replacement. The final cost depends on the changes made or the extent of the damage.

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Chair repair costs Repair type Average cost Refinishing chair frames $150 &#; $200 Retying seat springs (living room chairs) $100 &#; $300 Regluing dining room or kitchen chairs $100 &#; $150 Replacing cushion stuffing (goose down) $100 &#; $200 Replacing cushion stuffing (foam) $25 &#; $75

Chair reupholstery FAQs

How many yards of fabric does it take to reupholster a chair?

Reupholstering a chair or stool takes 1 to 10 yards of fabric, depending on the style:

Reupholstery fabric needed Chair type Fabric needed (yards) Armchairs 3 &#; 5 Bergere 2 &#; 3 Club 3 &#; 5 Parsons 2 &#; 4 Recliner 6 &#; 10 Stools 1 &#; 3 Tub/barrel 2 &#; 4 Wingback 6 &#; 8

Is it worth it to reupholster a chair?

Reupholstering a chair is worth it if the chair is in good condition, or if it would cost more to replace it than have it reupholstered. This includes high-end furniture, antiques, or family heirlooms. Chairs with sturdy frames that don&#;t need any other repairs are excellent candidates for reupholstery.

Reupholstering your chair often costs less than buying new and allows you to customize your space, restore antiques, and use furniture for longer periods of time.

How long does it take to reupholster a chair?

Reupholstering a chair takes 1 to 10 hours on average. However, some professionals are in high demand and could take 2 to 3 weeks or more to complete your project. If your reupholstery job is time-sensitive, consider buying new furniture or temporarily using a chair cover.

How long does chair upholstery last?

Chair upholstery lasts 7 to 15 years, depending on the material quality and how often it&#;s used. High-quality chairs with solid wood frames and dense cushions last longer than average.

Where can I get a chair reupholstered?

You can get a chair reupholstered at a professional upholstery shop. You can find independent upholstery shops and services near you online. Some major furniture retailers offer reupholstery services, too.

Can I DIY chair upholstery?

DIY chair upholstery is possible but requires considerable skill and patience. Beginners may be able to reupholster a dining chair seat or a backless barstool but may struggle with a wingback chair or recliner.

Getting estimates from chair reupholstery professionals

When looking for an upholstery company near you, follow these steps:

• Ask about their experience and qualifications.

• Request a list of references from past clients.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Compare 3+ quotes from different companies.

• Make sure their availability matches your desired timeframe.

• Never pay in full until the job is completed.

Questions to ask a reupholstery professional

Ask these questions to find the best possible reupholstery professional:

• Are you licensed and insured?

• How long have you been in the reupholstery business?

• What are your rates?

• Do you have a portfolio of projects you&#;ve completed?

• Have you worked on chairs similar to this one?

• Is it possible for you to match the fabric on the chair?

• Is this chair a suitable candidate for reupholstery?

• What kind of repairs might the chair need?

• Is the chair&#;s structure in good condition?

• How long will it take for you to finish the reupholstery?

• Will you reuse or replace the existing cushions?

• What are my options for customizations?

• What is your payment plan?

How we get this data

We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.

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