Furniture Upholstery –What Does it Cost?

Instead of buying new furniture every time one of your existing pieces looks tired and dated, why not get it reupholstered? If you start off buying quality, well-made pieces with solid structures you can save tons of money over time by reupholstering them when the fabric gets old or dated-looking.

With that said, it's important to know furniture upholstery costs so you can weigh the pros and cons with each individual piece.

In some cases it might be worth it to start fresh with a new piece of furniture.

The following costs are general and will not always be accurate depending on where you live and what furniture upholstery company you use. But it's a very good starting point and will give you an idea of common costs.

Upholstering Sofas

The sofa is often the most expensive piece of furniture in the house.

It takes up a lot of room and it also often takes a lot of abuse. A really good quality sofa should last about 25 years, but over that period of time the fabric can get worn and dated. Reupholstering is often a really good option.

If you have a classic three-seat sofa you can expect to pay approximately $600 in labor plus the fabric costs. The cost of fabric can vary wildly so there's no way to give an average. Most three-seaters will require about 18 yards of fabric so keep that in mind when choosing. Remember also that a fabric with a large-scale pattern might require a bit more.

There are two ways to get fabric. Some upholsterers will want you to buy it from them. Sometimes this can be a bit more expensive but you don't have to worry about finding the proper amount or anything like that.

The furniture upholstery company will take care of it for you. The other option is to find your own. This is known as COM (customers own material). You'll need to get an estimate from the upholsterer to make sure you buy the right amount. This can be less expensive but it requires a little more work on your part.

(Also make sure that the fabric you buy is durable enough to use for furniture upholstery – you don't want anything too thin).

All of the same considerations should apply to loveseats. Keep in mind the cost will be a bit lower. Labor should be approximately $500 and you'll need roughly 14 yards of fabric. Again, be sure to get a proper estimate before buying. Remember that it's always better to have too much fabric instead of too little. If you have some leftover you can always have pillows made.

Upholstering Chairs

Large armchairs such as wingback chairs or bergeres will cost a similar amount to a loveseat. This is because there's just as much work that goes into them. You'll be looking at approximately $400 for one chair. Usually seven yards of fabric is a good amount, but again, chairs vary in size so be sure to get an estimate first.

Wood chairs (such as dining room chairs) can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 to have the seats redone. It depends on whether or not you want to have trim or other details. (If they're pop out seats it's significantly cheaper – and it's really easy to do it yourself!). If you're doing the seats and the backs you'll need anywhere from one to three yards of fabric.

Slipcovers

Sometimes you might find that having a slipcover made is preferable to reupholstering.Slipcovers can be great because they can be taken off and washed, but it's important to know that it's not any cheaper. The labor costs will be roughly the same for sofas loveseats and chairs and will take about the same amount of fabric.

Ottomans

Ottomans, whether they're large ones you're using instead of a coffee table or small ones that are being used as footstools, can be costly. Prices can vary greatly due to the extra work that often goes into making them. Ottomans are often tufted and have details like nail-head trim and these things can take a lot of work. Prices can go as high as $1000. That said, they can also go as low as $500. The amount of fabric will depend wholly on the size of the piece.

December first to February first

10% off any golf carts enclosure, seats and auto upholstery

WHY USE UPHOLSTERY BUTTONS?

Do you know why you need a strong covered button for upholstery work?



Of course, you can make up your own buttons from kits bought from your haberdashery store but they won’t stand up to the tough life needed for chairs, sofas or caravan seats.

A covered button used in upholstery is pulled tight into a deep cavity or pulled against a firm cushion pad. This can cause the backs to separate from the tops and leave an ugly skeleton. J A Milton will cover buttons for you in your own fabric. They will be made using a die and lever press machine, from especially manufactured blanks that will withstand the tough life of an upholstery button.

We can of course sell you a button press machine, dyes and cutters so that you can make your own buttons but this may be too large an outlay if you only use them occasionally. So why not simply ask J A Milton to make them for you. Buttons can be made in different sizes, with loop backs with split prong backs or with a nail back. These buttons will ensure that the end result and all your hard work will produce a piece of work with a professional finish. One that will withstand the rigours required of a well used piece of furniture.



When you have your buttons made we have a range of buttoning needles and Button Twine to attach them to your furniture.

"by jamilton"

10 Rules for Arranging Furniture

Arranging furniture can be a daunting task. When you're faced with an empty room knowing how to fill it can seem overwhelming. But all you need to do is follow these common sense rules and you'll find that arranging furniture isn't so scary after all.

Choose a Focal Point

Never underestimate the power of a focal point. Sometimes they appear naturally as windows or built-in mantels, while other times you create them yourself, as with media units and televisions.

Whatever your focal point is, make a decision and stick with it. You’ll need to arrange the furniture around it.

Don’t Push Furniture Against the Walls

The size of the room will dictate how far you can pull your furniture away from the walls, but even in a small room you’ll want to allow a few inches between the backs of furniture pieces and the walls.

It allows for breathing room and can make the room look a bit bigger. Of course if you have a larger space feel free to arrange seating areas in the middle of the room leaving several feet between the walls and the furniture.

Create Conversation Areas

People should naturally be able to talk to each other without having to crane their necks or shout across the room. You want the sofas and chairs to face each other (not necessarily straight on, but close), and they should be close enough that you can have a natural conversation with the person seated across from you without having to raise your voice. If the room is too large, create multiple conversation areas.

Find Balance

Balance is always important in decorating and when it comes to arranging furniture in yourliving room you’ll want to consider both size and placement of the various pieces.

Don’t group all the large or small pieces in one area of the room. Also make sure there’s variety in the shapes. If you’ve got straight-lined seating consider a round coffee table – or vice versa.

Consider Traffic Flow

People should not be tripping over furniture, or each other, to pass through the room.

Make sure there are a couple feet (give or take a few inches) between the coffee table and sofa, and between chairs.

Use the Right Size Rug

Area rugs belong under the furniture – all the furniture. Exposing some flooring around the edges of the room is fine, but when using an area rug you want to make sure it’s big enough that all the furniture in a seating arrangement can sit on it. At the very least you want the front legs of large pieces to sit on the rug (the backs can be on the floor if it’s absolutely necessary).

Get a Big Coffee Table

When it comes to coffee tables bigger is better. A large coffee table in the middle of a seating area is great for both aesthetics and function. It acts like an anchor for the room and it leaves plenty of space for people to put down drinks or to display favored accessories. It’s also easier to access from all the seats around it.  That said, make sure to leave enough room between seating and the coffee table for people to pass through.  And if you can’t find a suitable large coffee table, two smaller tables can be a good substitute.

Put Tables at Arm’s Length

Every seat should have easy access to either a side table or coffee table. People shouldn’t have to get up out of their seats to put their drink down.  When it comes to table height, side tables should be approximately the same height as the chair arms they’re next to (if that’s not possible, lower is better). When it comes to coffee tables, the height should be the same height as chair/sofa seats or lower.

Let There Be Light

Lighting is one of the most important elements of any room and it’s often not properly thought out. Always use a mix of overhead lighting, floor lamps and table lamps (and sconces if you can). A floor lamp looks great at the end of a sofa or behind an accent chair. Table lamps look lovely on side tables, shelves, and even mantels. Lighting needs to be placed at different levels in order to be properly balanced so use it liberally throughout your room.

Use the Right Size Artwork 

Things that are hung on the wall, whether it’s art, mirrors, or sculptural objects, need to be placed in relation to the furniture. Don’t hang a tiny photo over the back of your sofa. Use either a large piece that is approximately two thirds the length of the sofa, or use a grouping of pieces. If you’re absolutely determined to use a particular piece of art and it’s too small, put it in a larger frame with a large matte around it. (For every problem there is a solution!).

When it comes to arranging furniture it's best to plan ahead. Either use an online floor planner or old-fashioned graph paper to sketch out your desired floor plan. It's the only surefire way to know whether or not things will fit the way you want.

How to Salvage Furniture After Flooding

While flooding can happen for many different reasons, it can leave your home in a damaged state. However, it may still be possible to rescue your furniture. If flooding occurs as a result of a severe storm or hurricane, you may even get some warning ahead of time to secure your furniture to prevent any damage in the first place. However, we all know it is not always possible to do so.

Post flooding, before you do anything, make sure it is safe to re-enter your home and that you are dressed appropriately.

You can also download a PDF about flood cleanup from the US Environmental Protection Agency to help you prepare better.

General Guidelines

It is best to survey and evaluate the damage as quickly as possible, as time is of the essence. Bring a camera along to photograph everything, because you will need to file a report for insurance.

When it is safe to do so, inspect your furniture and separate what is salvageable from what cannot be saved. Be aware that water damage may not be restricted to furniture that has been sitting in water. Excessive moisture in the atmosphere can also cause damage.

To determine whether a piece of furniture is worth saving you have to look at the extent of damage. Take into account the cost of the item in relation to the cost of restoration. Finally, you have to also take into account its sentimental value to you. You may want to keep and repair a family heirloom despite damage.

Set aside furniture that is beyond repair for evaluation for insurance claims. Upholstered furniture that has been sitting in water for too long may be hard to salvage as water can encourage the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, all of which which can have a long term bad effect on your health.

Wood furniture that has become warped may also be difficult to save.

Move furniture to a dry area to facilitate drying. If it is too heavy to move place aluminum foil or wood blocks under the legs to keep it away from a damp carpet.

Upholstered Furniture

If there was only slight flooding and the furniture did not sit in water for too long, begin by separating upholstery fabrics and other colored items to prevent or stop any chance of color bleeding.

It should be dried completely to prevent mold and mildew from forming which happens if it is more than 20% wet.

Unfortunately, by its very nature, it is easy for upholstered furniture to absorb contaminants from flood waters. Again, before investing a lot of money in it get a cost estimate to evaluate if it is worth saving. Usually, flood-soaked upholstered furniture should be thrown away unless it is an antique or very valuable.

If you do decide to keep your upholstered furniture owing to its high worth, it is best to have it cleaned only by a professional. The cleaning may involve stripping it down to its frame. Springs and webbing may have to be replaced depending on the extent of water damage.

Mattresses

Mattresses present the same problem as upholstered furniture. However, if the mattress was exposed to water for only a short time, and if the water was clean it may be salvaged. You can do so by cleaning the surface and putting the mattress out in the sun. Keep the wet side up to dry as much and as quickly as as possible.

Blocks that keep a mattress suspended above the ground will help facilitate drying. A fan can also help speed up the drying process. Any musty odor is an indication of mildew and you will then need a professional to sanitize it properly. If the odor still persists the mattress should be discarded.

If unfortunately, your mattress or boxspring has been submerged or sat in water for a long time, there is no option but to replace it. Mold will grow, and the mattress might have absorbed contaminants that might be hazardous to your health.

Wood Furniture

Wood furniture may fare better, especially if it hasn't been sitting in water for too long. It is possible to restore solid wood furniture unless it has suffered severe damage.

It will need to be cleaned and dried at the very least. If it has been exposed to water for a long period, joints or veneers may have to be re-glued.

The first step is to clean and dry it so that you may be better able to assess the damage. Moisture in wood furniture can also encourage fungus and mold growth so drying it is crucial. Remove excess moisture by blotting or wiping wood furniture for furniture that is not submerged and was only lightly damaged.

White mildew spots may be cleaned with turpentine or a mixture of equal parts household ammonia and water. Wipe dry at once. Cream wood restorers with lanolin will help restore wood furniture. Lightly damaged veneers can be glued back on.

For heavily damaged wood furniture that was exposed to water for a longer time, expedite drying by removing all parts that are easy to take apart including back panels, drawers, and doors. Do not try to force them if they are sticking. You can take them apart later when the furniture has dried somewhat and the wood has begun shrinking back.

Hose off the mud and dirt and dry in a ventilated place away from the sun. Drying out in the sun may cause warping. Drying out time may run into several weeks or months. Only when the furniture is completely dry can you begin to repair and refinish.

Best Upholstery Choices for Cat and Dog Owners

As a proud owner of a cat or a dog, you know that selecting the best upholstery can be a little complicated. If you are a realist, you must have realized that not just your prized sofa, but most of your home is at the mercy of your beloved pet. Even when not trying to destroy your upholstery willfully, simply by climbing, sitting or walking on it your pet can exact a heavy toll. As a cat owner I can certainly attest to that.

Here are some problems you might have had to contend with:

• Claw marks and scratches.
• Pet hair clinging to the upholstery.
• Dirt marks.
• Stains from bathroom accidents or throwing up.

Try and select a fabric that has a tight weave, and one that is not very textured as that can get caught in claws. Also, stay away from very light colors unless you have a well behaved and well trained pet. Select a fabric that you would buy for a heavy usage area.

Here are the top two choices that have worked well in my experience.

Leather

Leather is one of the best coverings you can choose, period. It is long lasting, and if anything improves with age and use. It is easy to maintain, and comes in many colors, feels, and is available in different price points. What more can you ask you ask for?

When it comes to pets, it can stand up to most. I've even noticed that some pets don't care too much for sitting or sleeping on it.

Even when they do climb on it, it is easily cleaned and pet hair is easily cleaned because it doesn't cling to it. It is possible for your cat to leave holes in it if it uses your sofa as a scratching post, but that behavior should be discouraged in any case.

It is easy to clean leather, but if you are having any problems, get it professionally cleaned because leather is relatively expensive.

Microfiber

A close second to leather is microfiber, a synthetic fabric.  It is also a good choice, simply because it is easy to clean and maintain and wears well. Microfiber is also a more affordable choice than leather, and can also be found in many colors.

Your pet's claws won't get caught in it, as there are no loops in the fabric. It is not a hair magnet, which is great if your pet is a long haired breed.

Microfiber is also easy to clean for stains, should accidents happen. Just make sure to blot most of the mess with a clean towel and then clean with a little soap and water. But make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. 

You may find that a patterned fabric might work better than a solid, but I would not recommend buying any fabric that is nubby or heavily textured, as your pet's claws can easily get caught in it. Besides, it might be too much fun to scratch. It goes without saying that fragile fabrics, such as silk, wool or linen should be avoided or used only where your pet is not allowed.

Upholstering Your Ottoman on a Budget

What can hold your feet or your posterior, can be pushed under a table or to the middle of the room, can be round, oval, square or rectangular with affecting it's performance, can fit into anyone's budget, and can be made by even a novice? Give up? It's an ottoman, of course! And it's one of the most versatile furniture pieces you can buy. You can easily find one at second hand stores, yard sales, or thrift stores.

But if you can't even afford to buy it second hand, you can make it yourself (if you want to know how, visit my article on ottoman instructions). And best of all, there are dozens of ways you can upholster your used or newly made creation. Let me give you a few ideas for potential covering for potential work of art:

1. Leather Skirt. An ottoman is small enough that you can use a skirt to cover the surface with soft, quality leather. You can find many good leather examples at thrift shops. Look at the skirt construction and work with the seams to create the best design on the ottoman's top.

2. Rug. Braided or chenille rugs can be a durable covering for an ottoman, especially for a family room. For a more upscale look, use a kilmn or southwestern rug. But take care that the rug isn't too thick to easily attach to the bottom with staples. An alternative method would be heavy duty glue (Tack the bottom until the glue dries).

3. Bedspread. Have a vintage chenille bedspread? It would make a great covering for an ottoman, especially if it has a design in the center.

You can feature the design for a fabulous original ottoman.

4. Towel. Another durable covering for a family room or other high use area is a towel. It is easily cleaned and is soft and cozy. You can even afford a brand new one for the project - especially if you shop at the dollar store.

5. Tablecloth - Fabric or Vinyl. Whether fabric or vinyl, tablecloths can be a colorful and stylish covering for your ottoman.

Vinyl would be good for a high traffic area. It can be washed clean easily with just a wipe of a cloth. Fabric is less easily cleaned, but still a good choice - especially one treated with stain repellent.

6. Drapes. Brocade or velvet drapes from thrift shops are perfect for covering your project. The fabric is usually elegant and long wearing. The fabric is perfect for a living room or bedroom. And you can find braid remnants at your local fabric store which can be used to add a tailored look.

7: Sweater. A heathered wool sweater would make a gorgeous covering for an ottoman. Think of using it in a den or family room.

Remove Chocolate Stains On Clothes, Carpet and Upholstery

Whether it is chocolate mousse or just a chocolate candy bar, chocolate is perfect except when it stains your favorite shirt or lands on the carpet or sofa upholstery.

How To Remove Chocolate Stains On Washable Clothes

Chocolate is a combination stain - a bit of an oil stain, a bit of a dye stain. Start by using a dull knife or edge of a credit card to lift away the dropped chocolate. Do not rub the stain because that will send it deeper into the fabric.

Next, rub a dab of heavy-duty liquid detergent like Tide, Wisk or Persil or a paste of powdered detergent and water into the stain. Wash garment as usual with an all-fabric bleach and detergent.

How to Remove Chocolate Stains on Dry Clean Only Clothes

Again, lift away as much of the chocolate as possible using a dull knife or credit card edge. Do not rub or add water, you could make matters worse. As soon as possible point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner.

If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the chocolate stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

How to Remove Chocolate Stains On Carpet

Try to lift as much of the chocolate off the carpet as possible with a dull knife or spoon. If it is melted or liquid, place an ice cube on it for a minute to harden the chocolate and make it easier to lift away.

For the remaining stain, dampen a clean white cloth with water and drop a bit of dish washing detergent on the cloth.

Working from the outside edge of the chocolate stain toward the center, rub in the detergent. Do your best to prevent spreading the stain. Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for at least five minutes.

Wet a clean white cloth with water and "rinse" the area to remove the detergent. Repeat until you feel no more soap.

Allow to air dry.

How to Remove Chocolate Stains On Upholstery

Grab that dull knife or spoon and lift away as much chocolate as you can. Unless your couch is silk (if it is, just call a professional), mix one tablespoon dish washing detergent with two cups cold water. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center sponging the solution with a clean white cloth.

Use a dry cloth to blot away the moisture and repeat until the stain is gone. Do one final sponge with clear water and allow to air dry.

How to Clean Leather Furniture

Leather furniture is easy to clean and maintain. At least most of the time. Barring a few emergencies where you are better off calling a professional, you can maintain leather fairly easily. It is a very forgiving material.

While leather furniture is expensive, but the investment pays off as it can easily last a lifetime with just a little everyday care. Before looking elsewhere for tips on cleaning and maintenance, it is best to follow instruction from your manufacturer, because different types of leather furnituremay require different methods of cleaning.

However, if your leather furniture did not come with instructions:

• Try the gentlest cleaning methods first.
• Always test in an inconspicuous spot.
• Consult a professional if the stain is hard to remove.
• Use a wiping motion and don't scrub.
• NEVER use harsh chemicals, alcohol, strong detergents or abrasive cleaners to clean leather. All of these may cause irreparable damage to your leather sofa. Remember that when cleaning leather, gentler is always better, and strong abrasives cause more damage than any stain that may happen.
  
  
  

  Everyday Cleaning and Care

  • Wipe down leather furniture with a clean, soft, white cloth every week or so. Do this more frequently in a dusty environment. Why white? A white cloth ensures that you don't deposit dyes on your leather couch by mistake, and it is also easy to see if you have removed all the dirt.
  • Vacuum your leather furniture from from time to time, just as you would for any other upholstery material.
  • But unlike other upholstery, you can use a damp, soft cloth to remove dirt build up if you have not been cleaning it regularly. Just make sure your cleaning cloth is damp, not soaking wet.

  Grease Stains

  • Grease stains do not call for a damp cleaning cloth, because you will not be able to get the grease out with water. For these it is best to use a dry, soft cloth and use a blotting action. Press down to blot up as much grease from the leather surface as you can.
  • Use talcum powder or cornstarch, and sprinkle on the leather surface. Allow to sit for a while and then brush away using a brush with soft bristles. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times. Do not rub. This technique also works on fabric.

  Water Stains

  • The best remedy is to blot with a soft cloth immediately, as soon as the spill occurs.
  • If the water has dried, use a soft damp cloth and starting from the stain wipe outwards towards the edges of the cushion in all directions. Again, no scrubbing, only wipe gently. Use less and less moisture as you go outward. This technique provides a uniform effect for the entire treated leather surface, while minimizing the stain.

  Ink Stains

  • Ink stains on leather are among the hardest to remove, and may need to be cleaned by a professional depending on the kind of ink, and the severity of the stain. As with any other stain, fresh ink stains are easier to remove.
  • Small marks, such as those from ball point pens, may disappear on their own over a period of time. You can also try cleaning smaller stains using a gentle soap solution.
  • Big blobs of ink will need to be treated professionally. Do not use alcohol to clean your leather furniture, as you could potentially damage the color.