Do you have an old upholstered chair? Are you planning to reupholster your chair?
If you want to save a good sum of money, reupholstering your chair is better than buying a new one. Don’t worry; plenty of fabrics are available to help you with this project.
Want to know how much does it cost to reupholster a chair? Keep reading to know the answer.
How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair Based on Chair Type?
Depending on the chair type, reupholstering a chair may cost anything between $40 and $660. If you have a bigger chair, you will spend more than a small chair. That is because the chair requires more material. A chair with exquisite features usually needs more fabric and time to restore, increasing the amount you need to pay.
Here are different chair types with the labor cost estimation:
Office Chair – $40-$100
The price reduces if only the chair’s bottom is cushioned. However, the price rises if the back, sides, and arms are upholstered and padded.
Bar Stool – $40-$100
The price largely depends on the stool’s design. If you have a circular bar stool with a cushioned seat, the low price scale is on the low end. A bar stool that comes with cushioned arms or back tends to be more expensive.
Tub Chair – $100-$200
This chair is usually circular, very small, and features a cushioned seat. It may require 2-4 yards of fabric. The chair is very simple to upholster and does not take too much time.
Arm Chair – $300-$350
A padded back, cushions, and arms need yards of cloth for a cushioned large chair. The chair may take 3-4 yards of material. The cloth’s measurement depends on the chair’s size.
Recliner – $600-$660
Most recliners feature multiple cushions. So, the reupholstering requires a large amount of fabric.
Wingback Chair – $360-$500
This chair is often overstuffed and huge. As a result, you will need plenty of cloth to cover its width.
Most wingback chairs need fabric at least 6-8 yards. Beware that reupholstering this chair type is a challenging and time-consuming job.
Bergere Chair – $200-$400
The price to reupholster a bergère chair is determined by the cushion and padding in the back. If your bergère chair is an antique, it takes a lot of time to complete the process. Generally, this chair requires 2-3 yards of cloth.
Dining Chair – $40-$100
The material type determines the cost and quantity used. Most dining chairs come with a single cushioned seat. So, it generally uses ½ yard of cloth.
Footstool – $40-$100
The reupholstering price varies according to the footstool’s design. The use of nails and buttons escalates the expense. If your footstool is already an antique, it takes a lot of time to restore.
Slipper Chair – $250-$350
A traditional slipper chair lacks an arm. It is thickly padded and takes up more space compared to a conventional seat. This chair usually needs 2-4 yards of cloth to reupholster.
Parsons Chair – $100-$200
A parson chair may look like having a basic chair design. On the other hand, it uses fabric on the back and seat. In most cases, 2-4 yards of fabric are required to complete the reupholstering job.
Meanwhile, if you have other chair types at home like rocking chairs, you can read our post “How to Reupholster a Rocking Chair?”
How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair Based on the Material Type?
Generally, the material used to reupholster a chair costs $10-$100. The costs largely depend on the material type. Natural fiber materials tend to be more expensive than synthetic ones.
Here are the estimated reupholstering costs based on the material used:
Cotton – $15-$20 per yard
This material is famous for chair reupholstery due to its vast number of colors and patterns. Cotton is breathable and wicks heat and sweat away from the skin. It is also easy to clean, stain-resistant, and long-lasting.
Linen Blend – $18-$25 per yard
The linen blend’s permeability to air can create a non-sticky and pleasant sitting environment. A top-notch quality linen blend combines linen and cotton fibers to provide a smooth and wrinkly-resistant upholstery surface.
Mohair – $20-$80 per yard
The mohair used for reupholstering a chair comes in a range of quality. The fiber does not fade and is stain-resistant. However, some people are hesitant to use this fabric because of its dull appearance and utilitarian aspect.
Leather – $45-$55 per yard
This material offers a warm and sturdy feel. It gives pieces of furniture an elegant look. However, having too many pets can quickly damage the material.
Silk – $60-$70 per yard
Silk is a sumptuous and smooth fabric that elevates each piece of furniture. It is famous for being one of the most durable natural fibers available. It does not crush or wrinkle, but the strands easily break down when exposed to the sun.
Wool – $80-$100 per yard
Wool is one of the most expensive materials. This material is flame-resistant and long-lasting. It can last for generations with proper handling and care.
Linen – $25-$35 per yard
Linen can make a chair sturdy, long-lasting, and aesthetically beautiful. It can endure generation with careful maintenance. Meanwhile, it is prone to discoloration.
Denim – $25-$35 per yard
Blue is the most popular denim fabric color, but it comes in other colors. Denim’s densely woven cotton strands can easily mold and flex. It is also long-lasting and can survive regular use.
Suede – $35-$40 per yard
Most people like the suede’s odor and soft feel when used on a chair. However, it is difficult to clean and prone to spots from liquids.
Nylon – $10-$15 per yard
This low-cost synthetic fabric is static-free and durable. It is also stain-resistant. However, it is unsuitable for daily use and quickly burns and melts when exposed to fire or heat.
Final Words
On average, your budget should be between $350 and $500 to cover the average reupholstering cost.
The type of chair and fabric type significantly influence the total cost. Take $40-$660 for the chair type and $10-100 for the fabric type.
On the other hand, if you think reupholstering cannot restore the function and charm of the chair, you can check out top picks for the 15 best ergonomic office chairs or best floor chairs.
