Whether you’re a seasoned upholsterer or simply looking to improve the look of your home, upholstery offers an affordable way to transform your space. If you’re ready to breathe new life into old furniture, you’re in the right place. From figuring out your space to investing in high-quality pieces and mastering the basics of upholstery, there’s no better way to revamp your furniture and make it feel like new.
Look for inspo
Explore Pinterest, browse Google Images, and join home decor, interior design, and upholstery groups for fresh ideas. Flip through an interior design magazine, and check out YouTube for tutorials for more guidance.
Use social media to ask questions, share your journey, and connect with others if you’d like.
Think about space
Before you set off buying materials and furniture, take a moment to consider the space you have. Is there enough room for the pieces you’re eyeing? If so, try to avoid overcrowding unless that’s the style you’re going for.
Start by researching where you want your furniture to be, and which furniture you want to keep or discard. Measure the area you’re working with, and if you haven’t moved in yet, ask your agent for a floor plan to help visualise the space. A good tip is to download interior design apps, one being Planner 5D. This way, you can experiment with different arrangements before committing to certain furniture placements.
Once you have a good idea of how you want to use your space and know which furniture to keep or replace, it’s time to invest in high-quality pieces. Whether new or secondhand, durable, well-made furniture is worth the investment, especially for essentials like a sofa or dining table. If your budget allows, don’t be afraid to spend more if you can afford to on staple pieces that will last for years to come, such as a good quality sofa or dinner table.
Come up with a plan
Don’t buy everything all at once. Make a list of things you would like to work on and work on one project at a time. As tempting as it is to buy everything on your list immediately, it is less work to buy a few things at a time, especially to avoid unfinished upholstery projects. Plus, buying everything at once can be costly and impractical, especially if much of it ends up in storage while work is underway. Stick to a budget, and if you’ve set aside extra funds, use them to gradually add items from your wish list.
Focus on just the staples and what you need. You don’t need to be so cautious of spending that you are sleeping on the floor.
The upholstery toolkit
The upholstery toolkit is everything you need and more to work on any upholstery job. Below is not an exhaustive list, but it is a helpful starting point:
- staple gun and staples
- staple remover
- staple hammer
- air compressor
- scissors
- tape measurer
- sewing machine
- chalk for marking fabric
- upholstery tacks
- spray adhesive
- upholstery glue
- screws and screwdriver
- foam cutter or saw
- upholstery foam
- foam sheet
- dacron batting and cotton batting
- jute webbing
Be prepared to take the time
Before diving into your projects, start small. Focus on beginner-friendly tasks like making cushion covers. Pieces with straight lines, such as footstools and dining chairs, are always a great choice.
Gaining upholstery skills and understanding the trade takes time, so don’t be frustrated if you don’t get it 100% how you like it the first time.
With time, you will be able to work on any upholstery project, as upholstery is for everyone and you don’t need any training to get started. But starting upholstery classes might help you in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Upholstery can breathe new life into your furniture and home, while also giving you the opportunity to express yourself through restored pieces.
All it takes is a bit of inspiration, some learning, and preparation. Start small and gradually work your way up to more complex projects. Making mistakes along the way is all part of the journey.
Don’t forget to join interior design and upholstery groups, where you can ask questions, share your progress, and connect with others.
So, what are you waiting for? Your old furniture is just begging for a whole new look.