Costs for upholstering furniture
Cost of chair upholstery 2026
Upholstering a chair costs on average between €100 for a simple dining chair and €1,650 for a 3-seater sofa, depending on the type of furniture, the chosen fabric, and any internal repairs. When reupholstering, you replace the old covering with new fabric, and the filling material can also be restored or renewed. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of upholstering a chair and what to consider when carrying out this task.
Table of Contents
- What does it cost to upholster a chair?
- Furniture upholstery costs by type
- Price-determining factors for upholstering furniture
- Additional costs and surcharges
- How does the professional work when upholstering furniture?
- How can you save on upholstering furniture?
- Common causes of damaged furniture upholstery
- Find the best professional for upholstering your furniture
- Frequently asked questions about upholstering furniture
- Book a professional for upholstering your furniture
- Useful links
What does it cost to upholster a chair?
Upholstering a chair costs on average €100 to €400 per project, depending on the type of chair and the amount of work. For larger furniture, you pay more: upholstering an armchair costs €550 to €750, while upholstering a complete 3-seater sofa costs between €1,250 and €1,650. The total price consists of labour and materials, with the choice of upholstery fabric having the greatest impact.
Furniture upholstery costs
| Type of furniture | Costs |
|---|---|
| Upholstering a chair | €100 - €400 |
| Upholstering an armchair | €550 - €750 |
| Replacing sofa cover (250 cm) | €1,050 - €1,550 |
| Upholstering a 3-seater sofa | €1,250 - €1,650 |
The price differences arise from the amount of fabric and labour time required. A simple dining chair requires less material and time than a spacious armchair or sofa. For more complex models with buttons, pleats, or curved shapes, the rate may be higher.
Hourly rates and material costs
| Description | Price |
|---|---|
| Furniture upholsterer (per hour) | €40 - €50 |
| Upholstery fabric (per metre) | €30 - €150 |
A furniture upholsterer charges an average of €40 to €50 per hour. Fabric costs vary greatly: simple fabrics cost around €30 per metre, while high-quality or design fabrics can cost up to €150 per metre. For a standard dining chair, you need about 1 to 1.5 metres of fabric; for an armchair, between 3 and 5 metres. All mentioned prices include 21% VAT and labour.
Furniture upholstery costs by type
The total price mainly depends on the size of the piece of furniture and the amount of work. Upholstering a simple chair costs on average €100 to €400, while reupholstering a 3-seater sofa costs between €1,250 and €1,650.
| Type of furniture | Costs |
|---|---|
| Upholstering a chair | €100 - €400 |
| Upholstering an armchair | €550 - €750 |
| Replacing sofa cover (250 cm) | €1,050 - €1,550 |
| Upholstering a 3-seater sofa | €1,250 - €1,650 |
Price-determining factors for upholstering furniture
What exactly does it cost to upholster a chair, and why do the prices vary so much? The total price depends on several factors: from the type of furniture to the chosen fabric and the complexity of the work.
Type and size of the furniture
A small dining chair requires less material and labour time than a large 3-seater sofa. Where you need about 1 to 1.5 metres of fabric for a chair, a sofa can require 8 to 12 metres. More surface area means more work, which directly affects the total price.
Complexity of the piece of furniture
Round shapes, deep buttoning, and many details require more craftsmanship and labour time. A straight dining chair is upholstered faster than a Baroque armchair with curved armrests and buttons. This extra complexity increases the labour costs.
Choice of material
The choice of fabric determines a large part of the final costs for upholstering a chair. Simple cotton costs around €30 per metre, while high-quality design fabrics can cost up to €150 per metre. Cotton is comfortable but less hard-wearing, polyester is durable and stain-resistant, leather looks luxurious but requires specific maintenance, velvet gives a romantic look but is more sensitive to stains, and microfibres are water-repellent and easy to keep clean.
Condition of the internal padding
Sagging cushions, broken springs, or shifted filling are signs that the internal padding needs replacement. This increases the costs but significantly improves seating comfort. If only the covering is replaced, costs remain limited. If the interior must also be repaired, the price rises due to extra material and labour.
Antiques or special pieces of furniture
Heirlooms or antique furniture require special techniques and sometimes the preservation of original materials to maintain value. This requires more skill and time, which is reflected in the total price.
Urgency and scheduling
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work because the upholsterer must adjust their schedule. Work at the weekend costs more than on weekdays.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas due to higher business costs such as rent and wages.
Accessibility and preparation
Ensure the furniture is easily accessible for the professional. This saves labour time and prevents extra costs.
When is upholstery sensible?
Upholstery is sensible when there is good frame quality, sentimental value, unique design, or for antique pieces. Buying new makes more sense with a heavily worn construction or low quality. Upholstering is also more sustainable than buying new, as you reuse the existing frame.
Timely action
Do not delay upholstery. Small damage to the covering can grow larger and eventually damage the internal padding. Taking action in time prevents more expensive repairs later.
Additional costs and surcharges
Extra costs are situation-dependent, but at Zoofy you never pay call-out charges. What extra costs might there be when upholstering a chair?
- For urgent jobs, a surcharge often applies because the professional must adjust their schedule
- Work during the weekend is more expensive than on weekdays
- Hidden damage to the frame, woodwork, or construction may come to light when removing old upholstery, leading to extra work
- Replacement of internal materials such as foam or springs increases the total price but is necessary for sagging or worn filling
How does the professional work when upholstering furniture?
Upholstering a chair or sofa follows a fixed procedure in four steps.
- Removing old upholstery: The furniture upholsterer carefully loosens the old covering. This may be secured with glue, decorative nails, staples, or tacks. This is done manually to prevent damage to the furniture.
- Inspecting and potentially replacing internal parts: After removing the upholstery, the professional checks the interior. Worn foam, broken springs, or shifted filling are replaced for optimal seating comfort.
- Applying new upholstery: The new fabric is precisely cut to size and attached. For the best results, the upholsterer may take the entire piece of furniture apart and upholster each part separately.
- Reassembling the furniture: After upholstering, all parts are carefully reassembled into a whole.
Upholstering an average chair takes 1 to 2 days of work. A sofa takes 3 to 5 days. Complex restorations can take longer.
How can you save on upholstering furniture?
There are several ways to save on the costs of upholstering a chair.
- Handle damage early: Repair small tears or worn spots in the upholstery immediately. This prevents the damage from getting worse and the repair from becoming more expensive.
- Prepare the furniture: Ensure the furniture is clear and accessible for the professional. Remove loose cushions and clear the space. This saves labour time.
- Plan wisely: Schedule the upholstery during the week and not as an urgent job. At the weekend and for urgent tasks, a surcharge often applies.
- Combine multiple pieces: Have several chairs or pieces of furniture upholstered at the same time. The professional can work more efficiently, which may result in a labour discount.
- Choose fabric consciously: Cheaper fabrics are available from €30 per metre. Choose a fabric that suits the intensity of use of the furniture.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common causes of damaged furniture upholstery
Damaged upholstery often has a clear cause that you can recognise.
Wear and tear from daily use
Frequent sitting causes worn spots on armrests and seats. The fabric becomes thinner and can tear, especially in places where friction occurs.
Sunlight and discolouration
Direct solar radiation causes fabrics to discolour and fade. The colours fade unevenly, making your furniture look old and worn. This process is usually irreversible without reupholstering.
Stains and moisture
Spilled liquids cause permanent stains, especially with non-water-repellent fabrics. Moisture can also affect the internal padding, leading to more expensive repairs later.
Pets
Scratching and pet hair damage the upholstery faster. Sharp claws create holes and tears, while hair gets trapped in the fabric.
Worn internal padding
Sagging cushions or squeaking springs indicate worn filling. This reduces seating comfort and can further damage the construction if ignored.
Find the best professional for upholstering your furniture
Furniture upholstery is a craft that requires precision and experience.
- No call-out charges: You only pay for the work itself, never extra for the professional's arrival.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what upholstering your chair costs before the professional starts, without surprises afterwards.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Directly engage a professional without waiting weeks for quotes.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay once the work is completed to your satisfaction, ensuring quality.
- Reliable, verified professionals: All affiliated professionals have been checked for competence and experience in furniture upholstery.
- Guarantee on craftsmanship: Inquire about a guarantee on the work performed; serious upholsterers resolve any problems free of charge.
Frequently asked questions about upholstering furniture
What does it cost to upholster a chair?
The costs for upholstering a chair are between €100 and €400, depending on the type of chair and the chosen fabric. A simple dining chair is at the lower end of this range.
What does it cost to reupholster a chair?
Reupholstering a chair costs €100 to €400. For chairs with only a loose seat cushion, costs are lower because less material and labour time are needed compared to fully upholstered chairs.
What does it cost to upholster a sofa set?
Replacing a sofa cover (250 cm) costs €1,050 to €1,550. Upholstering a complete 3-seater sofa costs €1,250 to €1,650, depending on the complexity and fabric choice.
How much does a furniture upholsterer charge per hour?
A furniture upholsterer charges an average of €40 to €50 per hour. Labour costs form a large part of the total price, alongside material costs for fabric and potentially new padding.
When is upholstering a piece of furniture worth the effort?
Upholstery is sensible for good frame quality, sentimental value, or unique design. With a worn construction or low quality, buying new is often wiser.
Do I have to bring my furniture to the upholsterer myself?
This varies per upholsterer. Some collect the furniture, others work on-site. Ask about this in advance to avoid surprises.
Can I provide my own fabric?
Often yes, but discuss this beforehand. The professional can advise if the fabric is suitable for the piece of furniture and sufficiently durable.
How long does it take to upholster a chair?
An average chair takes 1 to 2 days of work. Complex chairs with deep buttoning or restorations can take longer.
What happens to the old upholstery?
The upholsterer removes the old covering. Ask in advance if disposal is included in the price or calculated separately.
How do I maintain newly upholstered furniture?
Vacuum the upholstery regularly, avoid direct sunlight, and treat stains immediately with a cleaner suitable for the fabric type. This significantly extends the life of your new upholstery.
Book a professional for upholstering your furniture
Ready to have your chair or sofa upholstered? At Zoofy, you can book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You will see exactly what it costs in advance, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, verified professional. You only pay when the job is done. Book a professional directly.