Loose Covers v Re-upholstery

silvasava

We have a lovely hand built suite of 2 & 3 seater settees, recliner chair & armchair that is getting shabby after about 20 years! We love the shape & size & I can't make up my mind whether to have the whole suit reupholstered (which would cost as much as a new one?) or to have loose covers on the settees & just the two chairs reupholstered. Keep seeing adverts for people like Plumbs but dont know of anyone with any experience of them (workmanship & costs) Any advice/info would be greatly appreciated!

ormus

if your really like your present suite and its good quality, then it maybe worth doing.
bear in mind it aint cheap and even plumbs loose covers are very expensive.

Errata

Have a look at these people http://www.lynplan.com/?gclid=COfM9av9tZ8CFcZe4wodz03QzQ

May be better quality than Plumbs for little more cost.

silvasava

Thanks Errata & Ormus - I'll take a look at Lynplan too as the suite is in excellent condition. I've also just remembered that there is a local guy who does reupholstery so I'll get him to give me an estimate too.

Suzy_M

You should be alright with loose covers BUT if the original is showing any signs of wearing through (usually edge of arms go first) you'd do better to have it recovered to preserve the integrity of the wadding and padding etc.

If you do get it recovered order some extra fabric for running repairs etc. AND if you only get the two chairs done buy enough material to do the rest at a later date. - Cos you can bet your life you won't be able to find matching fabric in two years never mind another twenty.

silvasava

Thanks Suzy - the suite has no signs of wear as I had arm caps made for it. Its just that the fabric is quite a dark colour & looks dated now. We have a super 'outlet' locally for Blendworth Fabrics so I'm going to take a look there too as they have some real bargains - but I take on board your comment about getting enough fabric - good tip!

dander

I think if it's a good quality suite that you love then it's worth stumping up for the proper reupholster. I think you'll notice the movement in even well-fitted loose covers and by the time you've had loose covers made specially to fit your sofa it will probably not be a lot cheaper than reupholstery.