Reupholstery and furniture repair: how to book it at a fair price
What reupholstery really includes
When people say “sofa reupholstery”, it can mean very different jobs. In the simplest case only the cover fabric is changed. More often the foam that has sunk needs replacing too, and sometimes the frame or the fold-out mechanism needs fixing. So two offers for “reupholstery” without details cannot be compared.
Three things form the price: how much has to be taken apart, how much fabric is used, and how complicated the design is. A corner sofa with button-tufted backs will cost differently from a simple dining chair with a padded seat.
Fabric: whose and which
Ask the professionals how they price it: fabric from them or yours. Your own fabric is sometimes cheaper, but the professional should work out the quantity, or you may run short for the backs or cushions. If you have a cat or a dog, say plainly that you need a scratch-resistant fabric. For a sofa used every day, dense fabrics are better than decorative ones.
Leather and faux leather need specific experience: they are harder to fit and small flaws in the seams show more. Ask to see photos of similar work.
How to order through BlaBlaPrice
You write one request and attach photos of the furniture, and BlaBlaPrice checks it and points out which details the professionals still need. Then they reply in the chat: what they will do, the price or what it depends on, the timing, and whether the piece must be collected to a workshop. They see where their offer stands, so they compete for your request. Reviews are shown next to each offer, and contacts open only to the one you choose. For the process, see the “How it works” page.
What to include in your request
- The piece — sofa, corner sofa, armchair, dining chairs, bed, wardrobe.
- What to do — reupholstery, foam replacement, repair of the mechanism, frame or legs, restoration.
- Quantity and size — for example, a 9-ft sofa and 2 armchairs; the number of chairs.
- Fabric — velvet, leather, faux leather, scratch-resistant; yours or the professional's.
- At home or at the workshop — whether the furniture must be collected and returned.
- City, timing, budget.
Example: “Chennai. I need a 9-ft corner sofa and two armchairs reupholstered: new foam and scratch-resistant velvet, the fold-out mechanism works fine. Collection to the workshop and return. Ready in 2 weeks, budget up to ₹15,000.”
What to clarify before starting
- Whether foam, filling and small fittings are included in the price.
- How long the work takes: collection to a workshop usually means no furniture at home for several days.
- Whether the work is guaranteed, and what exactly is covered.
- Whether reupholstery makes sense: old furniture with a broken frame is sometimes cheaper to replace.
For cleaning without replacing the upholstery, look at dry cleaning and laundry, and find other home services in “Household services”.
Questions and answers
Which is better: reupholstery or new furniture?
If the frame is sturdy, reupholstery is often the smarter choice, especially for good-quality older furniture. If the frame is broken, the professional will tell you whether repair is worthwhile.
Can I supply my own fabric?
Yes, mention it in the request. Ask the professional to calculate the quantity, so that there is enough for every part.
How long does reupholstery take?
It depends on the furniture and the professional's workload, usually several days or a few weeks. Put your preferred timing in the request and they will say whether they can make it.
Can every professional see my phone number?
No, contacts are hidden. Only the professional you choose gets them, through the channels you choose.
