Costs for upholstering furniture
Furniture upholstery costs 2026
Upholstering a chair costs on average between €100 and €300, while reupholstering a 3-seater sofa costs between €850 and €1,650. The price depends on the type of furniture, the chosen fabric, and whether the filling material needs to be replaced. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of upholstering furniture and what you should look out for.
Table of Contents
- What does it cost to upholster a chair?
- Price-determining factors for furniture upholstery
- Extra costs and surcharges
- How does the professional proceed with furniture upholstery?
- How can you save on furniture upholstery?
- Common causes of damaged furniture upholstery
- Find the best professional for upholstering your furniture
- Frequently asked questions about furniture upholstery
- Book a professional for upholstering your furniture
- Useful links
What does it cost to upholster a chair?
Upholstering a chair costs on average between €100 and €400, depending on the type of chair and the amount of work. Reupholstering an armchair costs between €550 and €750, while upholstering a complete 3-seater sofa costs between €1,250 and €1,650. The total price consists of labour and material, where the choice of upholstery fabric has the greatest impact on the price.
Furniture upholstery costs per type
| Type of furniture | Price indication |
|---|---|
| Dining chair | €100 - €400 |
| Armchair | €550 - €750 |
| 3-seater sofa | €1,250 - €1,650 |
The prices in the table show that the costs to upholster a chair depend heavily on the size and complexity of the furniture. A simple dining chair with a straight back requires less work than an armchair with armrests and rounded shapes. For a sofa, the number of seats also plays a role: the more fabric and work required, the higher the price.
The affiliated professionals charge per project, giving you a clear price indication in advance. All stated prices include 21% VAT and labour. The costs for reupholstering a chair are therefore dependent on the type of furniture and your choice of fabric, but with these prices, you have a good idea of what to expect.
Price-determining factors for furniture upholstery
The costs for upholstering a chair differ per situation. The total price depends on several factors: the type of furniture, the chosen fabric, the state of the interior and the circumstances under which the job is performed.
Urgency versus planned work
An urgent job requires more from the professional's planning. They may have to reschedule other appointments or be available outside regular working hours. This increases the costs compared to a planned job where the professional can organise their day efficiently.
Weekend or weekdays
Work at the weekend costs more than during the week. This is because the professional works outside their regular hours, which entails a higher hourly rate.
Type of furniture and complexity
A simple dining chair with straight lines requires less time than an armchair with rounded armrests or a large sofa with multiple cushions. The more surface area to be covered and the more complex the shape, the more hours the professional needs.
Choice of upholstery fabric
The choice of fabric has the largest impact on the price. Cotton and linen are affordable options, velvet and chenille are in the mid-range, and genuine leather is the most expensive. Additionally, patterned fabrics require extra work because the pattern must continue across all parts of the furniture.
Durability of the fabric
The Martindale value indicates how hard-wearing a fabric is. For intensively used furniture, a higher value is required, which is usually more expensive.
Condition of the interior
If the springs squeak, the foam has collapsed or there are hard spots, the interior must be replaced. This increases the price because the professional needs extra material and time.
Antique or historical furniture
With antique furniture, traditional techniques and materials are often required, such as horsehair or jute. This requires specialist knowledge and artisanal work.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas due to higher business costs and greater demand for professionals.
Timing of maintenance
Addressing small cracks or thinning early saves costs. If you wait until the interior also needs replacing, the job becomes significantly more expensive.
Local professional versus further away
A local upholsterer has lower transport costs and can be on-site faster, saving both travel costs and time.
Accessibility of the furniture
Ensure that the furniture is clear and easily accessible. If the professional first has to move other furniture, this costs extra time and increases the labour price.
Transparent price agreements
With an honest platform, you know what you pay in advance. This prevents surprises later and provides clarity on the costs in your specific situation.
Extra costs and surcharges
Extra costs when upholstering furniture depend on the situation. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
- Urgent jobs: An urgent job requires a surcharge because the professional must adjust their schedule.
- Weekend work: Work at the weekend is more expensive than during the week due to higher hourly rates.
- Replacing interior: If springs, foam or padding need replacing, this entails extra material and labour costs.
- Transport: Transporting the furniture to the workshop and back can involve extra costs depending on distance and size.
How does the professional proceed with furniture upholstery?
Upholstering furniture follows a fixed sequence of steps.
- Inspection and advice: The professional inspects the furniture, assesses the state of the frame and interior, and advises on suitable fabrics.
- Dismantling: The furniture is dismantled and the old upholstery is carefully removed.
- Interior inspection: Springs, foam and padding are checked for damage or wear and repaired or replaced if necessary.
- Applying new fabric: The new fabric is precisely cut to size and applied, ensuring patterns align correctly.
- Finishing: The furniture is reassembled, quality-checked and returned. Old materials are disposed of responsibly.
How can you save on furniture upholstery?
- Address wear early: Repair small cracks before the interior also needs replacing to prevent more expensive repairs later.
- Provide good preparation: Place the furniture in a clear space so the professional can start immediately.
- Plan smartly: Book on weekdays and not as an emergency to avoid surcharges.
- Upholster multiple pieces at once: Ask for a discount if you have a complete seating area reupholstered at the same time.
- Choose durable fabric: A fabric with a high Martindale value lasts longer, meaning you need to reupholster less often.
- Maintain your furniture well: Vacuum regularly and treat stains immediately to extend the lifespan.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises.
Common causes of damaged furniture upholstery
Daily wear and tear
Frequent sitting and friction from movement cause fabric fibres to weaken gradually, especially on seats and armrests.
Sunlight
Direct sunlight causes fabrics to fade and weakens the fibres, making them brittle and prone to tearing.
Pets
Scratching, chewing and hair damage the upholstery significantly. Sharp claws can cause pulled threads and holes.
Stains and moisture
Stains that are not treated immediately soak deep into the fabric. Moisture can also lead to mould growth.
Ageing of the interior
If the padding sags or squeaks, the interior is worn out, which also deteriorates the fabric faster.
Find the best professional for upholstering your furniture
- No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional's arrival, regardless of location.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are before the job begins.
- Fast booking without quote hassle: Choose a time that suits you directly without waiting for multiple quotes.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is done and you are satisfied.
- Reliable, verified professionals: All affiliated upholsterers are verified and have demonstrable experience.
- Specialist knowledge: The professional knows various fabrics, techniques and pattern alignment.
Frequently asked questions about furniture upholstery
What does it cost to have a chair upholstered?
A dining chair costs between €100 and €400, while an armchair costs between €550 and €750, depending on complexity and fabric.
How expensive is it to have a sofa reupholstered?
A 3-seater sofa costs between €1,250 and €1,650. Fabric choice, such as velvet or leather, has the largest impact on the price.
When is upholstering cheaper than buying new furniture?
Upholstering is worthwhile for high-quality furniture or items with sentimental value. A good frame can last decades.
How long does new upholstery last?
With normal use and good maintenance, quality upholstery lasts ten to fifteen years.
Which fabric is best for households with children or pets?
Choose hard-wearing fabrics with a high Martindale value or synthetic leather which is easy to clean.
How long does upholstering a sofa take?
Count on approximately one week, depending on complexity. A single chair is usually ready within a few days.
Book a professional for upholstering your furniture
Ready to have your furniture upholstered? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs in advance, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, verified professional. You only pay once the work is finished.