You can fall in love with your furniture all over again by getting it reupholstered. But at what cost?

Take a seat as we run through furniture reupholstery costs for sofas and chairs in fabric and leather.

We also share tips on finding a professional upholsterer near you for a job done right.

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How much does furniture reupholstery cost in 2026?

As you can see from the costs above, prices can vary widely depending on the type of furniture you're planning to restore.

From £40 for re-covering a dining chair right through to £1,100 for reupholstering a wingback armchair.

Add to that the cost of fabric, and you're looking at a fairly sizeable investment.

To help you decide whether it's a project worth taking on, let's break down the costs.

Average reupholstery costs in the UK, by furniture type

First, let's look at furniture reupholstery costs for labour time only.

1. Cost of refurbishing a dining chair

Dining chairs are relatively easy to refurbish and can be given a new lease of life in several different ways:

Dining chair (seat only)

• This is one of the cheapest reupholstery jobs you can have done, with prices working out at £40 per chair

• However, costs soon start to add up depending on how many dining chairs you have

Dining chair (seat and back)

• You're looking at paying a little more for reupholstering a dining chair's seat and back

• For this, you'll need to budget £80 per chair

• While this isn't a huge jump in cost, it will soon start to add up depending on how many dining chairs you have

Dining chair (fully upholstered)

• You'll want to budget approximately £100 per chair for a full reupholstery job

2. Cost of refurbishing an armchair

Next, let's take a look at how much it might cost to breathe new life into that favourite armchair!

Refurbishing an armchair

• The cost of having an armchair reupholstered varies from £500 - £800

• This is because armchairs can vary in size, and some armchair shapes will be more intricate than others

Cost of refurbishing a wingback chair

• You're looking at paying approximately £1,100 for an upholsterer's labour time

• Due to the size of wingback chairs, they tend to be more expensive to reupholster than standard armchairs or tub chairs

Refurbishing a tub chair

• Tub chairs can be reupholstered and returned to their former glory for a relatively affordable price

• Prices will depend on the fabric you choose. But on average, tub chair reupholstery costs range between £400 - £700

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3. Cost to reupholster a sofa

Sofas can be a sizeable investment as far as household furniture goes, so how much would it cost to have your existing sofa reupholstered?

2-seater sofa

• You're looking at paying a professional reupholster approximately £800 to re-cover a 2-seater sofa

• In contrast, buying a brand-new 2-seater fabric sofa would cost around £1,000

3-seater sofa

• To reupholster a 3-seater sofa, you're looking at paying around £1,000

• Remember, this is for the cost of labour, and you'll need to factor in the cost of fabric, too (more on that later)

Large sofa

• The cost for reupholstering a large sofa can be anywhere between £1,750 for a fabric sofa and £2,000 for a leather finish

• If you're considering re-covering your large, L-shaped sofa, it might be more cost-effective to buy a new one

Get an accurate quote for the cost of your furniture upholstery

Ready to get your reupholstery project underway? View reupholstering company profiles, read customer reviews, and request quotes using our free mobile app below.

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Furniture reupholstery cost calculator

Not quite ready to contact a tradesperson and would prefer a rough estimate instead? Why not use our free cost calculator below?

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Furniture reupholstery fabric costs

Your choice of fabric will have a major impact on the overall cost of your upholstery project. Options include:

1. Budget-friendly fabric (cotton and polyester)

• On average, fabric costs anywhere between £25 - £65 per metre, depending on your chosen fabric quality

• This works out at approximately £1,300 for a 2-seater fabric sofa and £1,500 for a 3-seater fabric sofa

2. Premium leather (leather, velvet & boucle)

The labour cost of reupholstering leather furniture is similar to that of any other fabric, as the process is exactly the same.

However, when buying the material, the costs are slightly higher:

• Leather costs on average £75 per metre

• So, you're looking at spending £1,500 for a 2-seater leather sofa and £1,750 for a 3-seater leather sofa

Factors affecting the costs of reupholstery

Reupholstery costs aren't just about the labour time taken. Other factors affecting furniture reupholstery costs include:

1. Type of furniture

The size and type of furniture you need to reupholster will significantly affect the costs. For instance, an antique Regency armchair with craftsmanship dating back over 200 years is a more complex job than having a modern tub chair re-covered.

2. Type of fabric

As explored above, not all fabrics are created (and priced) equally. A large part of what you pay will come down to the size, style and quality of the fabric you choose.

Hidden costs to consider

1. Condition of the furniture

A Victorian armchair picked up from an auctioneer might have seemed like a bargain. However, refurbishing furniture can be costly if repairs are needed. They could include:

• Replacing damaged springs and re-webbing

• Replacing padding

• Frame repair or modifications

• Refinishing and mould mitigation

2. Additional design elements

Many finishing touches can be added, including buttons, zips, piping, and decorative woodwork, which will be an additional cost.

Is professional furniture reupholstery worth it?

Reupholstering a sofa, chair, or armchair is a great way to upcycle old furniture, refresh your home, or give a treasured family piece a second life.

The benefits of furniture reupholstery include:

• Quality and longevity – Well-made furniture can last for generations when professionally restored

• Customisation – Choose from a huge range of fabrics, colours, and finishes

• Sustainability – Reupholstering is often more eco-friendly than buying new

• Fire safety – Modern upholstery fabrics can improve fire resistance

• Sentimental value – Preserve furniture with personal or family history

However, reupholstery isn’t always the cheapest option.

New sofas can often cost less upfront and may include guarantees or stain protection. That said, they’re typically lower quality than older, solidly built furniture.

Reupholstery vs buying new furniture

Reupholstery is best for:

• High-quality furniture

• Bespoke designs and matching sets

• Reducing waste and landfill

Buying new furniture is best for:

• Faster home updates

• Lower upfront costs

• Product guarantees

How to calculate the cost of furniture reupholstery

To calculate the cost of reupholstering your furniture, you'll first need to work out the size of your upholstered area in linear metres of fabric. Here's what to do:

Steps to calculate the cost of reupholstering furniture

Draw each section of your furniture onto a piece of paper (cushions, the side panels, the back, etc)

Measure each panel, cushion or side in cm from top to bottom, then side to side using a tape measure

Write the two measurements for each section inside the corresponding section (remember to measure the widest part, if the area is a 'T' shape, for example)

Convert each measurement into metres (56cm would be .56 metres, and 230cm would be 2.3 metres)

Multiply the two numbers to give you the area in m² for each section measured (add 10-15% for errors/wastage)

Add all the m² areas to give you your total m² of fabric, then divide by 1.4 to give you the linear metres of fabric needed

Add 10-15% more for errors, or if you're reupholstering with a patterned fabric, add 15-20% more again to ensure the design will repeat accurately

Use the total linear metres amount to get an accurate reupholstering quote, or buy your own fabric for the job

Reupholstering cost example: An armchair with repair work needed

A typical armchair will need around 6-8 metres of fabric, with the average cost of fabric coming in at £45 per metre.

• So, if we multiply 8 x £45 we end up with a total fabric cost of £360

• Add this to an average labour cost of £480 for this piece of furniture, and you're at £840

• Then add 20% on top for repairs, and you're looking at an average total cost of around £1,000 to reupholster a typical armchair with repairs needed

Reupholstering cost example: A two-seater sofa in leather

A typical two-seater sofa will need around 12-16 metres of fabric, with the cost of leather being at the high end of the scale, around £75 per metre.

• If we multiply 16 x £75, it gives us a total fabric cost of £1,200

• Add this to an average labour cost of £700 for this piece of furniture, and you arrive at an average total cost of around £1,900 to reupholster a typical two-seater sofa in leather

Ways to save on furniture reupholstery

Costs working out more than you hoped? Here's a few tips to bring things back into budget:

• Try professional upholstery cleaning first – If your furniture is structurally sound and only looks tired or stained, a deep clean could refresh it for a fraction of the cost of reupholstery

• Consider made-to-measure slipcovers – Custom slip-on chair covers can be a cheaper alternative if the frame and padding are still in good condition

• Use fabric remnants – Small chairs and stools can often be upholstered using discounted fabric offcuts or remnants

• Keep detailing simple – Piping, tufting, trims, and decorative finishes can quickly increase upholstery costs

• Choose repairs over full reupholstery– Small tears, scratches, faded areas, or stains may only need patch repairs or recolouring

Find professional reupholstery services near you

Feeling more clued up about the costs and ready to find a professional reupholstery company?

Why use Checkatrade to find furniture reupholstery near you?

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Furniture reupholstery cost checklist

• Shop around: Be sure to get at least three quotes before you hire

• Look for proven experience: Hire local reupholsters with glowing customer reviews

• Plan ahead – A sought-after reupholsterer is likely to have lots of projects on the go

• Send photos of your furniture with measurements – Just make sure you've got your measurements right to get an accurate quote!

• Or arrange a home visit – Visits are often free, and it is easier for measurements to be taken

• Clarify what's included: Padding, repairs, other materials?

• Check if they source fabric: Sourcing fee?

Looking to take on other restoration projects? From furniture repairs and wood flooring restoration to stained glass mends, Checkatrade can connect you with the right tradesperson for the job.

FAQS

What is furniture reupholstery?

Furniture reupholstery is quite an art involving replacing the existing upholstery, such as fabric or leather, on a piece of furniture. Depending on the condition of the furniture, it can be a lengthy process. In some cases, internal parts of the piece of furniture (such as padding and springs) may need to be replaced or joints repaired.

What's included in professional reupholstery services?

A professional reupholstery service will return your loved piece of furniture to its former glory, including coverings, cushion fillings, webbing and any repairs.

Does reupholstery include cushion refilling and wood repairs?

Some companies only replace the fabric. Meanwhile, others won’t charge extra to replace damaged padding or springs or make minor wood repairs. Just be sure to specify what kind of filling you'd like, whether that be foam or feather.

What is the hourly rate for an upholsterer in the UK?

As a general steer, a reupholster's average hourly labour cost is £40. However, it's much more common for reupholstering costs to be based on furniture items rather than an hourly rate.

How long does furniture reupholstery take?

Expect a minimum two-week turnaround from the collection or drop off of your furniture to the completion of the job. That said, it's difficult to say how long furniture reupholstery will take as each piece of furniture is different.

Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy new furniture?

You will almost certainly be able to find a new sofa or chair cheaper than upholstering your old one. However, a structurally sound, good-quality piece of furniture is well worth restoring.

How many metres of fabric do I need for a sofa?

That all depends on the size of your sofa. You can use our cost calculator above to work out the size of your upholstered area in linear metres of fabric. Just don't forget to add a minimum of 15% to account for wastage and error.

Can I mix and match fabric types when reupholstering?

Absolutely. You can mix and match fabric types for a more personalized finish. For instance, a striped back to an armchair with a more neutral seat cushion can look great. However, it may make the costs slightly higher if an upholsterer has to work with lots of different fabrics.

Are leather reupholstery costs higher than fabric?

Yes, the cost of leather is slightly higher than fabric. Fabric costs anywhere between £25 - £65 per metre. Meanwhile, leather costs on average £75 per metre.

However, the labour cost to reupholster your furniture will be roughly the same regardless of whether you opt for leather or fabric.

Is reupholstering just fabric, or can cushions be refilled?

Some companies only replace the fabric, whilst others won’t charge extra to replace damaged padding. Just be sure to specify what kind of filling you'd like, whether that be foam or feather.

Will an upholsterer fix springs and broken wood?

Most expert upholsterers will offer a full restoration of your chair or sofa, including all springs and repair of any damaged legs, arms, castors or back structure. It's important to factor in extra costs for broken parts of your furniture that may be discovered once it's completely stripped down.

Can I reupholster my furniture myself?

Reupholstering a chair or even a sofa yourself is possible. Given enough time to research the techniques, source the right tools and accessories and complete the job, you may be able to achieve a finish you're happy with.

But if you're unsure if you have the right skills or equipment, getting a tradesperson to do it to a professional level is well worth the cost.

How do I find the best furniture reupholstery services near me?

Finding and hiring furniture reupholstery services is easy with Checkatrade. Just search your postcode below.

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