How much does it cost to reupholster a chair in the UK?

Throwing away your old antique armchairs can be a waste, as you may still have them reupholstered to make them look brand-new again. It’s one way you can preserve cherished furniture antiques and heirlooms without spending huge bucks on new furniture. 

This guide shares how much it costs to reupholster a chair to help you set the right budget for the labour, materials, and other expenses involved. 

What’s the difference between chair reupholstery and recovering?

Before we dive into details of how much reupholstering a chair costs, let us first differentiate furniture reupholstering and recovering since these two are often mistaken as the same thing. 

To put it straight, reupholstering involves stripping the whole furniture, from the spring, padding, and foam down to its frame, while recovering involves replacing the outer fabric with a new material. Since the latter involves less labour and requires fewer materials, the cost to recover a chair is much lower than reupholstering. Knowing this helps prevent misunderstandings when requesting quotes from upholsterers. 

Giving old furniture a fresh look with expert reupholstery. (Source: iStock)

What are the average labour costs to reupholster a chair in the UK?

The cost of reupholstering a chair in the UK can vary widely, especially considering the different labour costs in cities. As one would expect, prices are higher in London because it’s considered an urban area with higher wages. 

However, other areas can have higher chair reupholstering costs as well. For instance, the low competition in rural or less populated areas can drive up costs. Not to mention, chair reupholstering prices can still change depending on other factors.

What factors affect the costs of chair reupholstery?

Here are some factors to consider to understand the actual costs of reupholstering a chair: 

Fabric choice

Your choice of fabric is a major factor affecting chair reupholstery prices. Typically, high-quality upholstery fabrics made from genuine leather cost more because of their durability and premium feel. But this doesn’t mean all the synthetic ones are of less quality. In fact, some of the blended synthetic upholstery fabrics are as durable as their natural counterparts. 

However, to better evaluate which you should choose, it is crucial to learn about the different types of upholstery fabric and their prices, starting with natural fabrics. 

Natural fabrics

Among all the natural fabrics for upholstering, cotton is the most affordable. You can find one for as low as £9 per metre, but prices increase further if made from 100% pure cotton with a higher thread count and finer weave for a softer and more luxurious feel. 

Meanwhile, linen and wool are considered mid-range to high-cost upholstery fabrics. They appear more formal and stylish than cotton fabrics. But between the two, wool is more durable, especially wool-nylon blends, because, unlike linen, it doesn’t pile, fade, or wrinkle easily. 

Natural leather also belongs to the high-cost category, as it is highly durable and ages beautifully with proper care and maintenance. Such fabrics are crafted from animal hides, giving them a unique grain pattern and supple feel. 

Here’s a price breakdown of natural upholstery fabrics in the UK. (Note that designer upholstery fabrics were included in the average costs, so the maximum prices go beyond £100).

Synthetic fabrics

Synthetic upholstery fabrics are one of the most affordable options without skimping on the quality. Polyester fabrics, in particular, improve the durability of other fabrics when blended. For example, if polyester is blended with pure cotton fabric, it helps prevent the cotton fabric from wrinkling easily, enhancing its durability. However, one downside of polyester fabrics is they are prone to piling and staining. 

Classic elegance meets comfort in this tufted leather chair. (Source: iStock)

Faux leather is another synthetic fabric you might want to consider if genuine leather is too expensive for you. Although it’s not as long-lasting as real leather, some faux leather variants like polyurethane (PU) leather are good enough if you’re looking for a water-resistant and easy-to-clean upholstery fabric. What’s also good about PU leather is that it looks and feels like genuine leather. 

You can also choose faux wool as an alternative to pure wool. It is significantly cheaper and has the same cosy look as pure wool. But, of course, since it costs less, it is generally less breathable and not as long-lasting. 

Below is a price table showing the average costs of synthetic upholstery fabrics per metre: 

Specially weaved fabrics

These upholstery fabrics have unique and distinctive patterns and textures because they were created using advanced and intricate weaving methods. Because of their more complex construction, they are considered premium upholstery fabrics.  

One thing to know about specially weaved fabrics is that they can be made from natural or synthetic upholstery or a blend of both. This is why you’ll notice that their fibre compositions can sometimes overlap, and their prices vary widely.

Chair type and size

The type of chair you choose can also affect chair reupholstery prices. For instance, reupholstering dining room chairs costs less (often around £50) than larger chairs like recliners and wingback chairs. For reference, the average cost to reupholster a wingback chair is around £580.

Meanwhile, the average cost to reupholster a recliner chair is £665. This is because larger chairs require larger yards of fabric and more time-consuming labour than smaller ones.

Moreover, accent chairs like Wingback and Bergère armchairs have more complex designs. Some even require deep-button tufting, which involves adding buttons to the reupholstered furniture to create aesthetic geometric patterns. Others have rolled arms, requiring upholsterers to work with precision to ensure clean and symmetrical placement. 

The cost can increase further if your chair is an antique piece. Antique chairs typically cost 25%–50% more than modern chairs, as they require special handling to maintain their historical look and feel. 

You can check out some of the average reupholstery prices for other chair types listed below. 

*Includes labour costs only. 

Labour rates

Labour costs account for most of the total chair reupholstery costs, sometimes exceeding the total price of the upholstery fabric and other materials needed. In the UK, labour rates range from £10 to £20 per hour. However, the rates can still increase from £40 to £100 per hour if the upholsterer has several specialisations and certifications.

The area where an upholsterer is based can also affect labour costs. Rates are higher for those based in metropolitan areas like London, while less-populated cities like Manchester and Birmingham often have lower rates. 

Additional materials and services

A skilled artisan transforms a chair with new upholstery. (Source: iStock)

Since reupholstery involves stripping the chair down to its frame, you’ll have to consider the additional materials and services you may have to pay for. These can be simple add-ons like incorporating base linings to extend the durability of the reupholstered chair or using fire-retardant barrier cloths. 

Most upholsterers also offer decorative nail trims, which can add to the total chair reupholstery cost. Aside from improving the aesthetic aspect of the chair, others may offer hypoallergenic padding and stuffing for added comfort. Usually, this specific service ranges from £20 to £50.

Simple furniture repairs are also sometimes offered by many upholsterers. In the UK, chair repairs that involve fixing the frame and adding reinforcements often result in a 20-25% higher total reupholstery cost.

Lastly, you may have to consider cleaning upholstery costs, especially for antique pieces. For reference, this can range from £10 to £100. 

Transportation fees

The extra transportation fees are often overlooked in chair reupholstery. However, they cover a significant portion of the total chair reupholstery cost, sometimes even exceeding the total labour cost. Local furniture deliveries cost around £40 to £80, while long-distance deliveries cost more since delivery companies usually charge based on miles. 

In the UK, a long-distance delivery can range from £100 to £200 or more. If you compare this to the price of dining chair reupholstery (which costs around £50), it’s more expensive. 

Moreover, the prices can increase further if you have a large or heavy chair since this requires extra equipment and special handling on furniture removals. Expect additional costs if you opt for a same-day delivery or a next-day pick-up.  

What are some ways to save on chair reupholstery?

Having your old chairs reupholstered doesn’t have to break the bank. There are several ways to save money if you want to give your furniture a fresh look. 

Choose nearby upholsterers

Since furniture deliveries can cost a lot, choosing an upholsterer near your location is best. Find someone within your city and inquire about transportation costs ahead of time. If you’re lucky, some can offer free deliveries since you’re only nearby. Here’s a tip: Offer them a flexible project and delivery timeline to get better rates.  

Provide your own fabric

A palette of colors and textures for custom upholstery projects. (Source: iStock)

Directly buying upholstery fabric from fabric outlets and warehouse stores can help, which is better than purchasing additional fabric materials from upholsterers. These stores often provide discounts and promos if you buy fabric in bulk.  Moreover, some upholsterers charge a markup on the fabric, further increasing the total cost to get a chair reupholstered. 

If you’re unsure which type of upholstery fabric to buy, you can always consult the upholsterer. They can provide cost-effective substitutes for the fabric, padding, and other upholstery materials. 

Discuss partial upholstery options

If you own a chair with a sturdy frame, try asking the upholsterer for a partial upholstery to reduce costs. Although most upholsterers provide flat rates based on the type of chair, you can still negotiate for the price and request fixing certain parts only. This can reduce your total expenses on the fabric and labour. 

Select simpler designs

Adding decorative finishes such as diamond tufting, piping, and trimming can make reupholstered furniture look more stunning. However, if your only goal is to restore the functionality of your antique chair, you may opt out of labour-intensive decorative finishes. This way, you can save more on the labour and extra materials. 

What should you look for in a professional upholsterer? 

Evaluating an upholsterer’s experience and skills is as important as knowing about chair reupholstering costs in the UK. Look for these qualities to ensure you only choose a reliable one. 

Experience and credentials

An extensive portfolio is one thing to look for when choosing an upholsterer. This shows that they have handled multiple projects in the past while showcasing their craftsmanship. Bonus points if the upholsterer has a certification from the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF), as this indicates that they completed a comprehensive program, gaining practical skills on upholstery and soft furnishings that meet current industry standards. 

Specialisation

From color to texture, every detail matters in upholstery design. (Source: iStock)

Like other professionals, upholsterers each have their specialisation. Some are experts in traditional upholstery, typically restoring antique or Victorian furniture, while others are more adept in reupholstering modern and mid-century pieces using foam or synthetic materials. 

You can even find upholsterers well-versed in period restoration and leather furniture repair. Since each upholsterer is different, it is best to research and check out their services ahead of time. 

Transparent pricing

Asking for detailed quotes is vital to know how much it is to reupholster a chair. Make sure to carefully review them all and check for hidden charges, especially if you decide to have large chairs like couches since reupholstering a sofa costs more. This is why you should look for an upholsterer who can provide a cost breakdown for the labour, materials, fabric, and additional services such as upholstery cleaning. 

Fabric and material guidance

Since there are so many types of upholstery fabrics and materials, it would be great if the upholsterer you choose could help you with the fabric selection. Their advice should go beyond the aesthetic value of the fabric and consider its durability. It would also be better if they could recommend an upholstery fabric that complies with the UK fire regulations on home furnishings.

Breathe new life into your well-used chairs with Airtasker

Furniture is one of your biggest investments in the house, so instead of discarding old and worn-out antique chairs, consider having them reupholstered by a professional. They can help you restore the beauty of your antiques while ensuring their durability and safety. 

Conveniently find these professionals by posting a task on Airtasker. Include a detailed summary of your reupholstery needs in the post, and you’ll eventually receive offers from various Taskers who are experts in furniture and upholstery repair. Bring back the glory of your old furniture today!