How to revive and refresh old upholstered furniture

Posted on 24/07/2024

Are you tired of looking at your old, worn out upholstered furniture? Do you cringe at the thought of spending money on new pieces? Don't worry, with a little bit of effort and creativity, you can easily revive and refresh your old upholstered furniture. In this article, we will discuss the steps to bring life back into your outdated pieces to make them look as good as new.

Step 1: Clean and Prep

The first step to reviving old upholstered furniture is to thoroughly clean it. Start by vacuuming off any dust and debris from the surface. For tougher stains, use a mixture of water and mild soap or a fabric cleaner to spot clean. If there are any pet odors, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming it off.

Before beginning any further steps, make sure to remove all loose threads and fix any structural defects, such as wobbly legs or broken springs. This will ensure that you have a sturdy base to work with.

Step 2: Choose the Right Fabric

The next step is to choose the right fabric for your piece of furniture. Consider the style and color scheme of your room, as well as the durability and maintenance needs of the fabric. If you have pets or children, opt for durable fabrics like leather or microfiber that are easy to clean.

You can also get creative and mix and match fabrics for a unique look. For example, use a patterned fabric for the seat cushions and a complementary solid color for the rest of the piece.

Step 3: Reupholstering

Now comes the fun part - reupholstering! Start by carefully removing the old fabric from the piece using pliers or a staple remover. Take note of how each piece was attached so you can easily replicate it when attaching the new fabric.

Next, lay out your chosen fabric on a flat surface and place the old piece of fabric on top. Use it as a template to cut the new fabric to size, leaving an extra inch on each side for a clean finish. Remember to add extra fabric for patterns that need to be matched.

Once you have all the pieces cut out, use a staple gun to attach the fabric onto the furniture frame. Start from one corner and work your way around, pulling the fabric taut as you staple. For a professional look, fold and tuck in the corners like gift wrapping.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

To add some flair to your freshly reupholstered furniture, consider adding decorative elements such as piping or buttons. These details can elevate the look of your piece and give it a more customized feel.

Another tip is to protect your newly upholstered furniture with Scotchgard or a similar fabric protector to prevent stains and spills from setting in.

Tips:
- If you're not comfortable with reupholstering yourself, consider hiring a professional to do the job.
- Always make sure to measure accurately and carefully before cutting any fabric.
- Use a sturdy and high-quality fabric for long-lasting results.

Takeaways:
- Reviving old upholstered furniture is a cost-effective way to update your home d?cor.
- With proper cleaning and preparation, choosing the right fabric, and careful reupholstering, your old furniture can look brand new again.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with different fabrics and patterns for a unique look.

In conclusion, reviving and refreshing old upholstered furniture is a satisfying DIY project that can transform the look of your home. It requires patience and attention to detail, but the end result will be well worth it. So why spend money on new furniture when you can give your old pieces a new lease on life? Follow these tips and takeaways for successful results that will leave you proud of your accomplishment.