| To reupholster
a furniture piece means to replace the existing fabric that
covers the entirety or a portion of the piece. Reupholstering
can be a pricy endeavor, though, so it should only be done
on pieces that are well constructed. On a mass produced
piece, the cost of reupholstering
will often outweigh simply buying a similarly constructed
piece. If a piece has major structural damage, it also may
not be worth the cost to salvage the piece when compared
to simply buying a new one. However, reupholstering is an
excellent option for antique pieces such as a family heirloom
or a well-constructed piece purchased from an antique store.
To determine whether a piece is a quality antique piece
worth custom reupholstery,
the frame of the furniture piece should be examined. Strong
structure is built with hard woods such as ash, maple, or
oak. On the contrary, mass-produced, inexpensive furniture
is often constructed of plywood. Where possible, the legs
of the furniture piece will be part of the overall structure.
The exception to this rule is when a different wood has
been used for the legs for appearances – woods such
as ebony or mahogany are commonly used in this way. Another
telltale sign that a piece is of high quality is the use
of wood glue and dowels in the frame construction.
Custom reupholstering an antique piece allows the owner
of the piece to recreate it to fit their specific wants
and needs. Most obviously, the owner has the option to choose
a fabric that fits his or her personal style and that will
complement his or her home. With nearly endless fabric and
style options, reupholstery of an existing piece is one
of the most customizable methods of picking personally pleasing
furniture that exists.
Reupholstering has come a long way as far as customization.
Where customized reupholstery once only entailed a choice
of new fabric, it now includes much more. One large consideration
taken into account by reupholstery professionals is the
firmness and type of springs desired in the seat cushion
of a piece by the owner. Because reupholstery involves stripping
a piece of its fabric, the inside cushioning of the piece
is exposed. Therein, an opportunity exists to change both
the cushioning itself and the springs that support it. Does
the owner prefer firm, fluffy, hard, or soft? Does the owner
prefer a sink-in feeling upon sitting down, or a firm bouncy
seat? These are all options when it comes to reupholstering
a piece.
Reupholstery is an excellent option for someone who wishes
to breathe new life into an old, worn, family-owned piece,
or for someone who found a piece via a curb sale or antique
store that they have determined is worth saving. Giving
the owner the ability to update the fabric on the exterior
of a furniture piece as well as revamp the cushion and spring
consistency within the piece, reupholstery is the ultimate
in customization of a furniture piece.
|
