Expert: Mark H. Miller - 5/6/2004

Question
Hello,
I have an eames-style lounge chair and ottoman that I need to get reupholstered and I had a few questions that I'm hoping you could help with.

1. how much should this kind of job cost?  I realize the type of material makes a big difference, but perhaps you could give a range (leather, synthetic, etc).  

2. Does it help to buy the material separately and take somewhere to get done?

3. Is there anything I should ask or be cognizant of when looking for someone to do the work?

4. I'm a reasonably capable do-it-yourselfer, but I've never done any upholstery work.  Is there any possibility I could do this myself?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer
Hello Antal,

Your first question I can't answer because even within a city prices can vary from shop to shop depending on the expertise of the upholsterer and the condition of the piece so there is no realistic way of predicting what charges you may incur in reupholstering your chair and ottoman.

Generally it does not help to buy the material seperately.  Many retail upholstery shops will not do the job if you supply the material.  Or they will charge you a higher labor price since someone else is making the profit on the fabric.  Wholesale upholstery shops that work for the trade such as interior designers will however work with your own material since interior designers always supply the fabric.  But those shops may not deal with a retail client.  Call a local supplier of upholstery tools, cotton batting etc. and ask them if they can recommend someone, they will certainly know who is good.

I certainly think you should be congnizant of where you take your furniture.  In upholstering you will get what you pay for.  I would look at the clientelle that patronizes the shop you visit.  What is the quality of the furniture they are working on for others.  Are they upholstering recliners and sofa beds, cheap Sears quality furniture - there I would stay away.  Don't go with the lowest price,  You may be wasting your money.  If you know an interior designer ask them who they recommend, because they will know a reputable upholsterer who consistently delivers quality on time.  Ask an interior designer if they know of a shop who will work with a retail client that they recommend,  that's where I would spend my money.  Judge the shop by the area where they are located.

I don't think it is possible for a first timer to reupholster a chair without some kind of guidance,  I don't recommend any book.  If there is a Community College in your area that offers a class in upholstering then you should do well taking a class there doing an Eames type chair as a beginning project, they are not easy to do.

I hope this helps you,  pls. don't hesitate to contact me should you have further questions.  It has been my pleasure to answer these very good questions,  good luck.

Mark Miller