HELPFUL UPHOLSTERY TIPS

We are pleased to provide the following information to assist you with your upholstery and related questions.

Prioritise stain resistance. Go for performance fabrics such as treated cottons, which are stain-resistant and easy to clean – ideal for spaces with kids, pets or heavy traffic.

Choose durable materials. Fabrics such as synthetic blends, leather or even denim are great choices for busy homes as they resist wear and stand up well to daily use.

Look for pet-friendly options. Leather and tight weaves (like canvas) are great for pet owners, as they resist scratching and don't easily trap pet hair.

Select breathable fabrics. In warm climates, fabrics like cotton and linen blends feel cool and are breathable, making them comfortable in busy, often-used rooms.

Choosing fabrics for formal spaces and businesses.

Opt for luxurious fabrics. Silk, velvet and brocade are timeless classics which add elegance and sophistication, although these are best reserved for low-traffic areas due to their delicate nature.

Consider neutral colours. Soft neutrals and subdued colours create a timeless, refined look, allowing you to add colour accents with accessories like cushions, blinds or curtains.

Focus on textures and detail. Intricate weaves and subtle patterns add depth and interest, enhancing the elegance of formal areas without overpowering them.

Consider blends for durability. Silk or velvet blends with synthetic fibres will make the fabric more durable while retaining a formal appearance, making them practical for rooms that combine formal elegance with occasional use.

Fabric Maintenance Tips.

Regular vacuuming. Weekly vacuuming prevents dirt and dust from settling deep into the fabric. Use a soft brush attachment to stop damaging the fibres, and pay extra attention to seams and crevices where debris tends to collect.

Treat stains properly. Gently blot stains with a clean, white cloth to prevent them from spreading. Avoid rubbing, as it can set the stain deeper.

Rotate cushions. Rotating and flipping cushions weekly helps maintain their shape and prevents uneven wear. Swap cushions from one area to another if you notice certain spots getting more use.

Protect against sun damage. Direct sunlight can cause fading, especially for natural fibres. Position upholstery away from windows, or use UV-blocking curtains. Applying a fabric protectant can add a UV barrier, helping to slow fading in sun-exposed rooms.

Reduce pet hair and dander. Lint rollers or pet brushes will help to remove pet hair effectively, keeping the fabric fresh. If you have removable slip covers, wash them regularly to reduce pet odours and allergens.

Professional cleaning. Every 12-18 months, a professional cleaning will help remove deeply embedded dirt, oils and allergens.

Maintenance Tips for Rattan Furniture.

Regular dusting and cleaning. Use a soft brush (or vacuum with a brush attachment) to remove dust and dirt from the rattan's crevices. Wipe the rattan with a damp cloth (never soaked) every 2-3 weeks, and make sure to dry the rattan immediately with a soft towel to prevent moisture absorption.

Protect from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can dry out and fade rattan, making it brittle. Position indoor rattan furniture away from windows, or use curtains or blinds to diffuse sunlight. Rotating furniture occasionally also helps to ensure even exposure to light and air, which can extend its lifespan.

Condition periodically. Rattan can dry out over time, so lightly misting it every few months helps maintain flexibility. Apply a small amount of protective oil with a cloth to natural rattan surfaces every year or so, as this helps keep the fibres supple and prevents cracking.

Check and tighten joints. Rattan can contract and expand over time, loosening joints. Check them periodically and, if you find loose parts, tighten screws or add a small amount of wood glue if appropriate.

Handle stains gently. For small stains, mix a little mild soap and warm water, dip a soft cloth into the solution, and gently blot the stain. Abrasive or chemical cleaning fluids can weaken and discolour rattan, so stick to mild, natural solutions.

Prevent fraying and splitting. Rattan fibres can start to fray and splinter over time, so make sure to inspect your furniture every few months and trim any small loose fibres with scissors.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Upholstery Services.

What is upholstery?

Upholstery is the craft of providing furniture, particularly seating, with padding, springs, webbing, fabric, or leather covers. This includes the materials used to cushion and cover furniture, such as:

Fabric

Leather

Padding

Foam

Springs

Webbing

It also includes the actual work of covering furniture with these materials.

Upholstery is commonly done on items like:

Sofas and couches

Chairs

Ottomans

Car seats

Boat seats

Headboards

Professional upholsterers can either create new upholstered furniture or restore/re-upholster existing pieces by removing old materials and replacing them with new ones. This can be a great way to update the look of furniture or restore antique pieces while maintaining their original structure.

What is the cost of re-upholstering a piece of furniture?

Typical reupholstery costs include:

Labour (£15-£30 per hour)

Fabric (£30-£200+ per metre)

New padding/springs if needed

Repairs to the frame if required

For example, re-upholstering a sofa often costs £800-£2,000+, while dining chairs might cost £70-£250+ each. Meanwhile, new sofas range from £400-£4,000+, and new dining chairs from £50-£500+ each.

The main value in reupholstering isn't usually cost savings, but rather preserving a quality piece of furniture while getting exactly the look you want.

Please get in touch if you would like us to help you evaluate a specific piece you're considering.

Is it cheaper to re-upholster or to buy new furniture?

The cost comparison between re-upholstering and buying new furniture depends on several factors, but here's a general breakdown...

Reupholstering is typically MORE expensive or similar in cost to buying new when:

The piece is from a mass-market retailer (like IKEA or Wayfair)

The furniture is made with lower-quality materials or particleboard

You're working with a simple piece like a basic dining chair

Reupholstering makes more financial sense when:

The piece is high-end or designer furniture

It's an antique or has significant sentimental value

The furniture has a solid wood frame

The piece is uniquely sized for your space

The original construction quality is excellent

What is upholstery fabric?

Upholstery fabric is specialised material designed specifically for furniture covering. Here are the key characteristics:

Heavier and more durable than regular fabric

Higher thread count for durability

Often treated with stain-resistant finishes

Designed to withstand frequent use and wear

Usually wider than standard fabrics

Common types of upholstery fabric:

Natural fibres

Cotton: breathable but can stain easily

Linen: elegant but wrinkles and soils easily

Wool: durable and naturally stain-resistant

Leather: extremely durable, ages well

Synthetic fibres

Polyester: durable and affordable

Nylon: very strong and stain-resistant

Olefin: fade-resistant and good for outdoor use

Microfibre: soft, durable, and easy to clean

Upholstery fabrics often come with performance ratings for:

Martindale rub test (durability measure)

Light fastness (fade resistance)

Pilling resistance

Seam slippage

For residential use, look for fabrics rated at a minimum of 15,000 Martindale rubs. Commercial spaces typically need a durability rating of at least 30,000+ Martindale rubs.

Please get in touch if you would like us to advise on the right upholstery fabric for a specific piece of furniture.