Your sofa is often the focal point of your living room - you want it to look its best. But after years of spilled snacks, movie nights, and family gatherings, even the nicest sofa can start to look a little worn. The fabric may be faded or stained, and the cushions just aren’t as plump and comfortable anymore.
Don’t despair - you don’t have to buy a brand-new sofa just yet. Upholstery services are a great way to give your sofa a fresh new look and help it last for years to come. Professional upholsterers can replace the fabric, foam, and other materials, making your sofa look and feel brand new.
Follow these do’s and don’ts when using upholstery services to ensure you get the best results:
Choose High-Quality Durable Fabrics
When selecting new upholstery fabric, durability should be your top priority. Opt for thick, tightly woven fabrics like leather, microfiber, or cotton-polyester blends. Avoid more delicate materials like silk or velvet - they may feel luxurious at first but won’t hold up well to heavy use.
Leather and vinyl are great options for families with kids and pets thanks to their stain resistance. Just be aware they can show scratches over time. Microfiber stands up to spills and stains too and comes in great colors and patterns.
Discuss Stain Protection
Many upholstery shops offer optional stain protection treatments for fabrics. This can provide an extra layer of defense against spills and accidents. Stain protection is highly recommended for light-colored fabrics which show stains easily.
For more delicate upholstery fabrics like silk, ask your upholsterer about special cleaning codes. This specifies the best cleaning methods to preserve the fabric.
Ask About Warranties
Quality upholstery jobs should come with some type of material warranty. Most range from 1-5 years. This protects you in case the fabric proves defective prematurely. Be sure to ask upholsterers about the specific warranty coverage before starting a job.
Leather upholstery may have warranties exceeding 10 years. This shows real confidence in the leather’s durability.
Provide Detailed Instructions
Don’t be afraid to give your Singapore sofa upholstery very specific instructions to get the look you want. Provide photos or fabric samples if needed. Key details include:
- Exact fabric pattern placement and alignment
- Cushion style - attached or loose? Knife edge or box style?
- Piping color and placement
- Skirt style and length
- Pleat and Tuft locations
Your upholsterer can make recommendations too. But providing clear instructions upfront prevents mistakes and do-overs.
Allow Plenty of Time
Quality upholstery work takes time - typically 4-6 weeks minimum. The upholsterer has to fully dismantle the sofa, replace worn padding and springs, apply new fabric, and sew every inch meticulously. Attempting to rush the timeline usually results in mistakes or subpar work. Be patient for the best results.
Don’t Neglect Sofa Prep
Before bringing your sofa to the upholsterer, do a thorough cleaning at home. Vacuum between and under all cushions. Pretreat any stubborn stains. This will make the upholsterer’s job much easier, allowing them to focus on the upholstery work itself.
Measure Precisely
To select the fabric and ensure proper fit, provide the upholsterer with precise sofa measurements: length, height, width, depth, and arm width. Missing or wrong measurements can result in an imperfect fit with the new fabric. If possible, have the upholsterer confirm measurements in person before starting the work.
Quality Over Cost
It can be tempting to choose a cheap fabric just to save on costs. But lower quality fabrics won’t wear well. Splurge on a high-quality fabric you really love - your new upholstery should last 5+ years with proper care and regular vacuuming. This is not a place to cut corners.
With some patience and communication, your skilled upholsterer can transform that worn-out sofa into a beautiful new showpiece. Follow these tips to ensure you get the most from upholstery services. Soon you’ll have a sofa that looks and feels brand new - at a fraction of the price of buying new one.
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