Expert: Mark H. Miller - 1/31/2011

Question
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RESTORE ATTACHED LEATHER CUSHIONS?  THE LEATHER IS FINE THE CUSHIONS HAVE JUST DEFLATED, I WOULD LOVE TO KEEP THIS SOFA.  ITS WORTH KEEPING IT IF THE COST OF REPAIRING THE CUSHIONS WOULD BE THE SAME AS PURCHASING A NEW SOFA! IF SO, CAN YOU RECOMMEND A LOCATION IN CHICAGO WHERE THESE REPAIRS ARE DONE? THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE.

Answer
Hello Jocelyn

Yes,  it is possible to restore attached leather cushions,  unfortunately to do so is extremely labor intensive but should still be considerably less than a new sofa.

I am not able to recommend an upholsterer in Chicago.  Any reputable upholsterer should be able to do this job but be prepared that you may have to pay for 8 to 12 hours labor plus pickup and re-delivery.  

If you decide to do the job make certain that your upholsterer used H.R.  -  high resiliency - foam and nothing less.  If the manufacturer of your sofa had invested the extra expense of using H.R. or similar foam you would not be faced with these labor charges,  the cushion fillers should last the life of the leather.

I hope this information helps,  please don't hesitate to contact me if you need further pointers.

Mark Miller.