Reupholstery Magic
- Customer Service
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
Furniture prices are increasing due to new tariffs and will directly impact upholstered items. Within a one-year period spanning August 2024 to August 2025, furniture overall increased by 4.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A closer look reveals that living room and dining room furniture has risen by 9.5% over the same period, according to BLS. Effective January 1, 2026, upholstered furniture will increase to 30%, with a real possibility of further price hikes…Yikes!!!
What is the implication for us as consumers? In the midst of a chaotic world, we seek comfort and restoration within our homes. The furniture we use daily—for rest, relaxation, and social gatherings—naturally experiences wear over time. When it becomes necessary to replace these furnishings, careful consideration of available options is essential.
Entering the chat now, reupholstering. Reupholstering is a very viable and sustainable option, extending the life cycle and delaying its final resting place in a landfill. Many of us have either experienced reupholstering or are familiar with someone who has undergone the process. The important factors to consider include whether the furniture piece holds significant value, sentimental meaning, or is an heirloom. If any of these conditions apply, reupholstering may be worth considering.
I had a client couple who purchased a sofa at a VERY reasonable price from a model home furniture outlet. Very well constructed, their family experienced many years of enjoyment. That piece was headed to the landfill believing they had gotten their money’s worth. I asked them to hold off, send pics and check the bottom for a manufacturer’s label. Long story short, the sofa was from a well-known mid-century modern brand, Directional (see 1stdibs.com), worth thousands of dollars! Needless to say, they kept it!
Reupholstering does represent a significant investment; however, when compared to high tariffs, escalating costs by at least 30%, it is a viable option worth considering. The typical labor cost for reupholstering a sofa is approximately $1,200, while a chair averages $500. Fabric expenses vary from $30 to over $100 per yard. The results can be highly satisfactory, offering the opportunity to customize furniture with a selection of fabrics and embellishments. Additional items such as pillows or bolsters may also be incorporated to enhance the final finish.
I'd love to introduce you to my longtime upholstery craftsman, Lester Brathwaite.
After arriving in the US from Guyana in his mid-twenties, Lester brought with him expertise in building furniture frames and cabinets—a trade he learned from his uncle back home.
With over 45 years of upholstery experience, Lester has proven himself to be a master craftsman. His distinguished career includes serving Presidents Nixon, H.W. Bush, Clinton, and Vice President Quayle, with his craft featured at The White House, Blair House, and Camp David.
Over the years, Lester’s precise workmanship and traditional approach have earned him a loyal base of highly satisfied customers.
Check out Lester restoring an heirloom chair using old-school materials, burlap and hay!
Let's have a chat about how we can work some magic for you! Be well.
Lorra <3
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