At Southside Upholstery, we know that furniture is more than just a place to sit—it’s part of your home’s story. Whether it’s a beloved couch that has been in the family for generations or a comfortable armchair that just needs a little love, reupholstering can be a cost-effective and sustainable way to bring new life to your furniture. But how do you know when it’s time to reupholster instead of replace?
Here are five key signs that your furniture is worth saving and would benefit from expert reupholstering.
1. The Frame is Still Sturdy and Well-Built
Not all furniture is created equal. If you own a piece with a solid frame—especially one made from hardwood like oak, mahogany, or maple—it’s likely built to last. Many modern mass-produced furniture items are constructed with cheaper materials like particleboard or plastic, which don’t hold up well over time.
How to Check:
- Lift one corner of the furniture. If the opposite corner rises with it, the frame is still strong.
- Shake the piece gently; if it wobbles excessively or creaks, the frame may be weak.
- Check if the joints are secured with screws and wooden dowels rather than just glue and staples.
If the frame is in good condition, investing in reupholstering will give your furniture a fresh, stylish update while maintaining its durability.
2. The Cushions and Fabric Are Worn or Faded
Over time, daily use takes a toll on fabric. Sunlight, pets, spills, and general wear can cause upholstery to fade, stain, or tear. But just because the fabric is looking a little worse for wear doesn’t mean you need to throw out the entire piece.
Common Fabric Issues:
- Fading or discoloration from sun exposure
- Stains that won’t come out, even with professional cleaning
- Tears, rips, or fraying seams
A high-quality reupholstery job allows you to choose new fabric that matches your style and lifestyle needs. At Southside Upholstery, we offer a wide range of durable and stylish fabrics suited for homes with kids, pets, or high-traffic areas.
3. You Love the Style or Sentimental Value
Sometimes, furniture isn’t just furniture—it’s part of the family. Whether it’s an heirloom piece passed down from your grandparents or something that was purchased that suits your home & perfectly fits your space, replacing it just doesn’t feel right.
When Sentiment Matters:
- The piece has a unique or vintage design that’s hard to find in stores.
- It holds sentimental value as a family heirloom or special purchase.
- The size and style perfectly match your home’s aesthetic.
Instead of searching endlessly for a new piece that may not have the same charm, reupholstering allows you to preserve what you love while giving it a modern update.
4. When comparing like for like it’s More Cost-Effective To Reupholster
Buying high-quality furniture can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for something durable and stylish. Many people are surprised to learn that reupholstering is often more affordable than replacing, particularly for well-built pieces.
Cost Comparison Considerations:
- High-quality, new sofas can set you back Thousands while you are under the impression because you have spent thousands that you have bought quality. This isn’t always the case. Reupholstering gives you an opportunity to personalise your touch that can work with the piece(s) that you already have.
- Custom-made furniture with similar durability and design to older pieces can be significantly more expensive.
- Reupholstering allows you to upgrade the fabric, padding, and design with a high-end alternative.
By reupholstering, you can save money while also ensuring you get exactly the look and feel you want.
5. You Want to Be More Environmentally Friendly
In today’s world, sustainability matters more than ever. Fast furniture—cheap, mass-produced pieces that wear out quickly—contributes to landfill waste and excessive resource consumption.
Eco-Friendly Benefits of Reupholstering:
- Keeps furniture out of landfills
- Reduces demand for new raw materials like wood and plastic
- Allows you to choose eco-friendly fabrics and fillings
By choosing to reupholster instead of replace, you’re making an environmentally conscious decision that reduces waste while still refreshing your home’s style.
Why Choose Southside Upholstery?
At Southside Upholstery, we specialise in giving well-loved furniture a new lease on life. Whether you need a simple fabric update or a complete restoration, our expert team is here to help. We offer:
✔ A wide range of high-quality fabrics and materials
✔ Skilled craftsmanship to restore and enhance your furniture
✔ Local Perth-based service with personalised consultations
✔ Sustainable, cost-effective solutions for every budget
Ready to Refresh Your Furniture?
If you’ve noticed any of these five signs in your furniture, it’s time to consider reupholstering! Contact Southside Upholstery today for a free consultation and quote. Let’s bring your furniture back to life with style and quality that lasts.
