Sofa reupholstery typically costs around £1,000–£2,000 for a two-seater sofa or £1,400–£2,800 for a three-seater in the UK, depending on the fabric, furniture condition and work required.
Larger corner sofas, specialist fabrics and extensive structural repairs can increase the cost considerably.
Reupholstery can be a worthwhile alternative to replacing a well-made sofa. As well as refreshing its appearance, it provides an opportunity to restore worn cushions, repair the frame and choose a fabric that better suits your home.
But how much should you budget, and when is reupholstering a sofa better value than buying new?
This guide explains typical sofa upholstery prices, what affects the overall cost and how to decide whether your furniture is worth restoring.
How Much Does Sofa Upholstery Cost?
The price of professional sofa upholstery depends on the size, construction and condition of the furniture.
| Furniture type | Indicative reupholstery cost |
|---|---|
| Armchair | £600–£1,200 |
| Two-seater sofa | £1,000–£2,000 |
| Three-seater sofa | £1,400–£2,800 |
| Large or corner sofa | £2,500–£4,500+ |
These are indicative ranges, not fixed prices or quotations from Zenn Interiors. Depending on the provider, quotations may include different allowances for fabric, repairs, collection and delivery. Always check what is included.
A straightforward fabric replacement may fall towards the lower end of these ranges, while a sofa requiring extensive restoration, premium materials or detailed hand-finishing may cost substantially more.
In London, prices can also vary according to the specialist work involved and the practical requirements of collecting and delivering larger furniture.
For an accurate price, the sofa itself needs to be assessed.
What Affects the Price of Sofa Reupholstery?
Two sofas of a similar size can have very different reupholstery costs.
The main factors are the amount of fabric required, its quality, the condition of the furniture and the time needed to complete the work.
1. Sofa Size and Shape
A larger sofa generally requires more fabric and upholstery labour.
However, the number of seats isn’t the only consideration.
Curved arms, deep backs, loose cushions and unusual shapes can make a sofa more complicated to upholster than a simple contemporary design.
A compact two-seater with intricate detailing may therefore cost more to restore than a larger sofa with straightforward construction.
2. Upholstery Fabric
Fabric selection is one of the most significant factors affecting sofa upholstery prices.
Different materials vary in appearance, texture, durability, cleaning requirements and cost.
Common options include:
- Cotton and cotton blends: Versatile materials available in a wide range of colours and woven finishes.
- Linen and linen blends: Popular for their natural texture and understated appearance.
- Velvet: A soft, luxurious-looking fabric suited to both traditional and contemporary interiors.
- Synthetic upholstery fabrics: Available in numerous finishes, including options designed for frequent use.
- Wool and wool blends: Textured materials that can offer good durability when appropriately specified.
As an indicative UK market guide, upholstery fabric often costs around £25–£65 per metre, while premium and designer materials can exceed £100 per metre.
The final cost depends on the fabric’s composition, construction and specification.
Zenn Interiors offers an extensive selection of upholstery fabrics, including durable weaves and luxurious velvets, allowing customers to choose a finish that suits their furniture and interior.
3. Condition of the Frame
Reupholstery is particularly attractive when a sofa has a strong, well-constructed frame.
However, damaged joints, worn springs and weakened internal supports can add to the work required.
Before fitting new fabric, an upholsterer may need to inspect or repair:
- The timber frame and joints
- Springs or webbing
- Seat padding and foam
- Cushion interiors
- Other supporting materials
Zenn Interiors’ sofa upholstery service includes frame assessment, structural repairs where necessary and replacement cushioning.
Restoring the underlying structure can be just as important as replacing the visible fabric.
4. Cushion Fillings and Comfort
If your sofa has become uncomfortable, changing the fabric alone may not solve the problem.
Flat cushions, deteriorated foam or worn padding may need replacing.
Different cushion fillings provide different levels of softness, support and maintenance.
For example, foam can offer a firmer, more structured feel, while down fillings provide a softer seating experience.
Zenn Interiors offers a choice of cushion fillings, including foam and down, as part of its bespoke upholstery service.
5. Decorative Features and Finishing
The complexity of the sofa’s design also influences the amount of labour required.
Details such as button tufting, contrast piping, pleats and carefully matched patterns require additional cutting, sewing and finishing.
Zenn Interiors offers bespoke finishing options, including button-tufted or smooth upholstery, decorative piping and tailored stitching.
These details can transform the appearance of a sofa, although more intricate finishes may increase the overall cost.
6. Collection and Delivery
Sofas can be difficult to transport, particularly in London properties with narrow staircases, restricted access or limited parking.
Some upholstery quotations include collection and delivery, while others charge separately.
Check the full scope of the quotation before comparing prices.
How Much Does Sofa Upholstery Fabric Cost?
Fabric costs can represent a substantial proportion of the total upholstery budget.
As a rough guide, a typical sofa may require approximately 12–16 metres of fabric, although larger or more complicated designs can need considerably more.
The exact quantity depends on the sofa’s dimensions, the number of cushions, the fabric width and any pattern matching.
Example Fabric Costs
For a sofa requiring 14 metres of material:
| Fabric price per metre | Estimated fabric cost |
|---|---|
| £25 | £350 |
| £45 | £630 |
| £65 | £910 |
| £100 | £1,400 |
These examples cover fabric costs only, not the upholstery labour or repairs.
This demonstrates how the fabric choice alone could change a quotation by more than £1,000.
Patterned fabrics can also require additional material to ensure the design aligns correctly across cushions, arms and other upholstered sections.
For this reason, it’s best to confirm fabric quantities with an upholsterer rather than ordering material based solely on the number of seats.
Sofa Upholstery Labour Costs: What Are You Paying For?
Professional reupholstery involves considerably more than attaching new fabric to a sofa.
Depending on the furniture, the process can include:
- Removing the existing fabric and upholstery materials.
- Inspecting the frame, springs and internal supports.
- Carrying out any necessary repairs.
- Replacing worn padding or cushion fillings.
- Measuring, cutting and sewing the new fabric.
- Fitting the upholstery and completing decorative details.
- Checking the finished furniture.
Each stage requires time and specialist skills.
Example Sofa Reupholstery Cost Breakdown
Consider a hypothetical three-seater sofa that requires 14 metres of fabric, with no major structural repairs.
| Cost element | Illustrative amount |
|---|---|
| Fabric: 14 metres at £45 per metre | £630 |
| Upholstery labour and standard materials | £1,000 |
| Illustrative total | £1,630 |
This is a worked example, not an actual Zenn Interiors project or quotation. Any additional repairs, specialist materials, delivery charges or applicable VAT would need to be accounted for.
A more complicated sofa, or one requiring substantial restoration, could cost considerably more.
The most useful quotation is one that clearly identifies what work will be completed and which costs are included.
Is It Cheaper to Reupholster a Sofa or Buy New?
Reupholstering a sofa isn’t always cheaper than replacing it.
A budget replacement sofa may cost less than professional upholstery, especially when the existing furniture needs extensive structural repairs.
However, a simple price comparison doesn’t account for the original sofa’s construction, comfort, design or sentimental value.
When Reupholstery May Be Better Value
Reupholstery is worth considering if:
- The existing frame is strong and well constructed.
- You like the sofa’s proportions and seating comfort.
- The furniture has sentimental or antique value.
- You want to retain a particular design.
- You would prefer a custom fabric or finish.
- The replacement cost of a similarly constructed sofa would be high.
A well-made sofa with tired upholstery may be an excellent candidate for restoration.
When Replacing the Sofa May Be Better
Buying new may be more practical if:
- The frame has extensive damage.
- The furniture requires disproportionately expensive repairs.
- You need a different size or seating arrangement.
- The sofa’s construction is unsuitable for economical restoration.
- A suitable replacement offers better overall value.
For a more detailed comparison, read our guide to reupholstering or buying a new sofa.
Is Sofa Reupholstery Worth the Money?
For the right piece of furniture, professional reupholstery can offer several benefits.
Extend the Useful Life of Your Furniture
A structurally sound sofa doesn’t necessarily need replacing because its fabric is worn or its cushions have lost support.
Restoring the upholstery and repairing damaged components can allow the furniture to remain in use for longer.
How long it lasts will depend on the original construction, the quality of the restoration and subsequent use.
Choose a Fabric That Suits Your Home
Reupholstery provides an opportunity to select a different colour, texture or pattern.
You can retain a familiar sofa while refreshing its appearance to complement your current interior.
Improve Comfort
Replacing worn cushion fillings or internal supports can make a noticeable difference to seating comfort.
This may be particularly valuable when you like the sofa’s overall design but find it less comfortable than it used to be.
Reduce Unnecessary Furniture Waste
Restoring a usable sofa can help prevent it from being discarded simply because the outer fabric has deteriorated.
Reupholstery still requires new materials and specialist work, so the environmental benefit depends on the project, but extending the life of existing furniture can help reduce unnecessary replacement.
How Long Does Sofa Reupholstery Take?
The time required depends on the furniture’s condition, the work involved and fabric availability.
A straightforward fabric replacement may take less time than a project involving extensive repairs, new cushion interiors or intricate decorative finishes.
Workshop schedules and collection arrangements can also affect the completion date.
Before agreeing to the work, ask for an estimated timescale based on your particular sofa.
How to Choose an Upholstery Fabric
The best fabric isn’t necessarily the most expensive.
Consider how the sofa will be used and what characteristics matter most.
For everyday family use, prioritise suitable durability, cleaning requirements and comfort.
For a formal sitting room, appearance, texture and decorative detail may be particularly important.
For homes with pets, consider how the fabric responds to abrasion, snagging and regular cleaning.
For patterned fabrics, allow for pattern matching and the possible effect on material quantities.
When comparing options, look at the fabric’s intended upholstery use and manufacturer care instructions rather than relying solely on its appearance.
What Information Do You Need for a Sofa Upholstery Quote?
Providing clear information about your sofa can make the quotation process easier.
Useful details include:
- Photographs of the sofa from several angles.
- Approximate width, depth and height.
- The number of seats and loose cushions.
- Any visible damage or comfort problems.
- Whether you want to retain or change the existing style.
- Your preferred fabric, colour or finish.
- Any access considerations for collection and delivery.
A professional assessment can then establish what work is required and help determine the most suitable upholstery options.
Sofa Upholstery Price FAQs
How much does it cost to reupholster a two-seater sofa?
Professional reupholstery for a two-seater sofa commonly falls around £1,000–£2,000 in published UK market estimates. The cost depends on fabric, construction, repairs and what the quotation includes.
How much does it cost to reupholster a three-seater sofa?
A three-seater sofa may cost approximately £1,400–£2,800 to reupholster, although premium fabrics, complex designs and substantial repairs can increase the price.
How much does it cost to reupholster a corner sofa?
Large or corner sofas can cost approximately £2,500–£4,500 or more, depending on their dimensions, cushion arrangement, fabric and condition.
Can I reupholster a sofa without replacing the cushions?
Yes, if the existing cushion fillings remain in suitable condition. If they have lost their support, replacing them during reupholstery may provide a better result.
Is velvet expensive to upholster a sofa with?
Velvet is available at different price points. The cost depends on the fibre composition, construction and fabric specification rather than the name of the material alone.
Can an old sofa be made more comfortable?
In many cases, yes. Replacing worn fillings, padding or supporting components can improve comfort, provided the frame is suitable for restoration.
Is it worth reupholstering a sofa that’s 20 years old?
Age alone doesn’t determine whether a sofa is worth restoring. Its frame condition, construction, comfort and replacement value are more important considerations.
Bespoke Sofa Upholstery in London
At Zenn Interiors, we provide bespoke sofa upholstery services for traditional and contemporary furniture.
Our services include fabric selection, re-cushioning, frame repairs and tailored decorative finishes, helping homeowners refresh and restore well-loved sofas.
Whether you’re looking to update the fabric, improve seating comfort or undertake a more substantial restoration, our upholstery team can assess your furniture and discuss the available options.
Explore our sofa upholstery services in London to learn more.
Contact Zenn Interiors for a quotation tailored to your sofa.
Telephone: 020 7871 3082
Email: zenninteriors@gmail.com
