A sofa is an essential piece of furniture. Unfortunately, it’s just a matter of time before the fabric or covering breaks down. When the time comes, you’ll often ask yourself if reupholstering is better than buying a new one. Well, this article will help you figure out the answer.
Appearance
Depending on your own preferences, both sofa reupholstery and purchasing a new sofa might be aesthetically attractive. It’s possible that reupholstering is the best choice for an antique enthusiast, but it’s also possible that a brand new sofa can sway their choices.
It could also happen on the flip side. Someone who likes new items may be smitten with a vintage chaise couch.
Which is more aesthetically pleasing: Tie
Customization and Options
When you reupholster a piece of sofa, you have the option to replace an older fabric with a brand new one, which provides you with more creative leeway regarding the appearance of the piece of sofa.
Even if it is feasible to redesign certain prefabricated items (like the sofas and chairs that you put together yourself at IKEA), you will have better luck personalizing pre-existing sofa.
Which is easier to customize: Reupholstery
Durability
An antique sofa that has been reupholstered can be just as durable as a new sofa. It mostly depends on how it was made, what it’s made of, and how it’s maintained. A fragile sofa will always be flimsy, whether it’s new or old.
Nevertheless, whether it’s brand new or old, a sofa needs care and maintenance if you want it to last very long.
Which is more durable: Tie (largely depends on the quality of the sofa)
Price:
Unless you’re doing the work yourself, reupholstering a sofa is just as expensive as purchasing a new one. This is true in most cases. If you provide the materials, it’s possible to decrease the cost of reupholstering significantly.
Otherwise, the costs will be roughly the same regardless of your chosen path.
Which is more affordable: Reupholstery (if you do it yourself or provide the materials)
Maintenance
Due to their age, a vintage sofa sometimes needs more attention and upkeep than a new one.
You may need extra equipment and supplies, such as a soft vacuum to properly clean delicate textiles or paste wax to protect wood components.
On the other hand, if the sofa is relatively new, it could just need a simple dusting and polishing.
Which is easier to maintain: New
Sustainability
Reupholstering a sofa is an eco-friendly option compared to purchasing a brand-new piece. You can make it even more environmentally friendly by replacing the old fabric with materials that can be broken down naturally, such as cotton and silk. Also, you can create something entirely new from the scraps of cloth you have lying around.
Wrapping It All Up
So which is better – buying a new sofa or reupholstering?
The truth is, no single answer will work for everyone. It all depends on your primary goal and what you are willing to compromise. For example, if saving money is your primary goal, then you have better chances of saving money with reupholstering.
However, if your main goal is to have a modern design, then buying a new one is your best option.
Hence, it’s best first to figure out your primary objective, and the answer will be easier to determine.
