Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy new?
Ah, the age-old question: should you give that tired old armchair a second chance, or is it time to cut your losses and swipe right on something new? Whether you're staring down a saggy sofa or inherited your nan’s floral monstrosity, you might be wondering if reupholstery is actually worth the cash — or if you'd be better off popping to IKEA and calling it a day.
Let’s break it down.
First Things First: What Is Reupholstery, Anyway?
Reupholstery isn’t just slapping some new fabric on top and calling it a makeover. It usually involves:
Stripping off the old fabric.
Replacing or repairing padding and springs.
Fixing or reinforcing the frame (if needed).
Adding new fabric, trims, and sometimes fire-retardant treatments.
It’s like sending your sofa to a luxury spa retreat with a bit of surgery on the side (-sign me up!).
The Cost Question: Is Reupholstery Cheaper?
Short answer? Usually not cheaper upfront, but often more valuable long-term.
When Reupholstery Can Feel Like a Bargain:
You already own a high-quality piece with a solid frame (like old Ercol, G Plan, or anything made pre-20 years ago and was built to last!).
You want a fully custom finish (your size, your fabric, your vibe).
You hate fast furniture and want to keep things sustainable (were in this camp).
When Buying New Might Seem Cheaper:
You’re comparing against budget, mass-produced furniture (think flat-pack).
The existing piece is poor quality (wobbly, saggy, basically held together by hope & rainbows).
You’re not that fussed about design, quality, or how long it lasts.
Why Reupholstery Is Better for the Planet (and That Matters).
Here’s the thing: while reupholstery might cost a bit more upfront, it can save a whole lot of waste. And we’re not just talking about your conscience.
📊 In the UK, we throw away around 1.6 million tonnes of bulky waste a year — and furniture makes up nearly half of that. That’s sofas, chairs, mattresses, and tables clogging up landfills.
🌍 Most of this waste is either incinerated or dumped — only about 17% of bulky furniture gets reused.
💔 Fast furniture might be cheaper, but it often ends up in landfill within a few years. In fact, the average lifespan of a cheap sofa? Just 3–5 years.
By reupholstering, you’re:
Saving perfectly good furniture from landfill.
Reducing demand for new raw materials.
Cutting carbon emissions linked to manufacturing and shipping.
Making something unique and beautiful that’ll last.
But Wait — It’s Not Just About Cost
Let’s talk value for money.
Reupholstery gives you:
Custom design – pick any fabric, colour, or finish you like. It’s totally unique to you!
Better longevity – older furniture was often made to last (unlike some modern stuff. - Ikea im looking at you and your cardboard furniture).
Less waste – save it from landfill, give it new life. We all need a little love and attention.
A story – “Oh this? It used to be my gran’s, now it’s the centrepiece of my living room” = instant style points.
Buying new gives you:
Immediate gratification – choose it, pay, boom, it’s yours. (But you’ll have the same as everyone else - sorry, not sorry).
Sometimes cheaper upfront – especially if you're not picky.
Choice paralysis – ever tried picking a sofa online? Good luck.
The Wild Card: Hidden Costs of New Furniture
Think buying new is always cheaper? Not so fast:
Delivery fees.
Assembly stress (and arguments).
Doesn’t quite fit your space or vibe.
Wears out quickly and needs replacing sooner (anyone managed to put their arm through a friends Dunelm sofa? No, me neither…)
Cheap furniture isn’t always a bargain if you’re replacing it every few years.
The Verdict
If you've got a well-built piece you love (or could love with the right makeover), reupholstery might cost more — but it’s so worth it. It’s a smarter long-term investment, better for the planet, and way more personal. Plus, it keeps your furniture out of landfill and in your life where it belongs.
But if it’s falling apart faster than a flat-pack in student accomodation? Go ahead and treat yourself to something new. Just make sure it’s built to last, not terrible for the planet and exactly your style.
Need Help Deciding?
At Rain City Redesigns, we know our way around a staple gun. We can help you figure out if your furniture’s worth reviving or if it’s time for a fresh start. Drop us a message — we love giving honest, no-pressure advice (and talking about vintage furniture way too much).
PSA: Don't forget to factor in fire safety regulations if you're reupholstering. We’ve got a blog post on that too — and yes, it’s wildly entertaining.
