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Reupholstery involves completely transforming a piece of furniture by removing the old fabric, padding, and trim and replacing them with new materials. A professional upholsterer removes the existing upholstery, inspects and repairs the frame if necessary, and then applies new fabric and trim to enhance the piece's appearance and durability.

Custom slipcovers cost between $200 and $1,000 for a chair or couch. They offer a cost-effective way to refresh furniture with a personalized fit and design, costing less than full reupholstery while providing aesthetic appeal and protection.

Reupholstering furniture works by completely dismantling the existing upholstery and then restoring every component with new materials. A skilled professional removes the old fabric, inspects and replaces the padding, springs, and webbing, repairs any damaged joints or supports, and then install new fabric and trim to achieve a refreshed, structurally sound, and visually appealing result.

To save money on furniture upholstery:

• Choose simple, single-color fabrics to reduce labor costs associated with pattern matching.

• Shop for fabric sales or clearance deals to lower material expenses.

• Transport your furniture to and from the upholsterer yourself to save on pickup and delivery fees.

• Consider having multiple pieces upholstered at once to potentially receive a volume discount.

The time it takes to reupholster furniture depends on the piece's size and complexity. A professional can reupholster a small dining chair in 2 to 4 hours, while a full-sized sofa may take 15 to 20 hours. If you choose to DIY, expect 2 to 4 hours for a dining chair, several days for a recliner, and several weeks for a sofa.

In some cases, it's possible to reupholster directly over existing fabric, but it's not always recommended. This method works best when the original fabric is smooth and not heavily textured, and when the new fabric is dark enough to conceal the old material. However, it may not provide the best results, and a professional upholsterer can advise whether this approach is suitable for your furniture.