Our furniture’s upholstery may become discolored, worn out, or simply out of style over time. Reupholstering that comfortable old sofa or dining room chair is a popular alternative to replacing them.
Your furniture can be given new life through reupholstery for a much lower price than purchasing new.
However, with so many reupholstery services available, how can you locate a reputable one in your area? This blog will share some helpful tips.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a reliable reupholstery shop is by asking friends, family, or coworkers if they have any personal recommendations.
Chances are someone you know has had a positive experience getting furniture reupholstered.
Recommendations from others can point you toward skilled upholsterers doing quality work in your local area.
Check Online Reviews
The majority of businesses in the modern digital era have an online presence that includes client reviews. Take some time to check popular review sites and the social media pages of any reupholstery services near you.
Positive reviews highlighting quick turnarounds, good customer service, and beautiful finished products are obviously a plus. But negative reviews can be just as enlightening about which shops to avoid.
Visit Their Showroom
For residential reupholstery projects like a sofa or armchair, it’s often worth visiting a service provider’s showroom in person if possible. This lets you check out examples of their completed work up close.
You can get a feel for their standards, fabric selections, and skills at recreating tufting, nailhead trim, and other custom details. Meet the staff and get a sense of their level of knowledge and professionalism.
Look at Specialized Capabilities
Depending on the upholstery items you need to be done, it may be wise to find a shop that specializes in that type of work.
For example, car and boat upholsterers will have unique expertise in using marine-grade vinyls and working with awkward spaces.
For antique furniture reupholstery, look for services experienced in traditional techniques like hand-tying springs and period trim styles.
Evaluate Service Timelines
Nobody wants their reupholstery project to take months. Most reputable services should be able to provide an estimated turnaround time after seeing your pieces.
If their current backlog would delay your project much longer than 4-6 weeks, you may want to look elsewhere unless you have flexible timing.
Consider Mobile Services
For the ultimate convenience on smaller jobs, consider mobile reupholstery services that come directly to your home or office.
These companies are equipped to take care of basic reupholstery on-site, like re-wrapping cushions or replacing furniture fabric. It eliminates having to carry bulky pieces around town.
Conclusion
From giving new life to an inherited family sofa to re-covering commercial waiting room seating, reupholstery is a great way to enhance furniture on a budget.
Following the tips above, like seeking personal recommendations, researching reviews, evaluating service capabilities, and getting quotes, will help you more easily find a quality reupholstery shop near you to meet all your upholstery needs close to home.
