Why Reupholstery Is So Important In Today’s World
With the modern world’s cultural emphasis on fast-paced and disposable consumption, some may discard the art of reupholstery as old fashioned. Many want things brand new and right now, either because they’re caught up in trends or new technology.
However, reupholstery is still relevant, in fact, it’s more important than ever. But why is that? Here are several reasons…
What is Reupholstery?
Reupholstery refers to the act of improving items like furniture with new materials, fabric, covering, padding, pattern and even things like new sofa feet or legs – or wheels if you want to add a bit of manoeuvrability!
You can reupholster things to enhance both their appearance and their functionality. It also saves you from spending money on an entire new sofa, chair, etc. This is especially true if you have the skills (and the free time) to perform a DIY upholstery job.
Sustainability and Environment Impact
As sustainability and the concern for the effect we have on the planet grows increasingly important, methods of recycling, reusing, as well as reducing waste are becoming more and more popular. One such method of reducing waste is by reupholstering your existing items instead.
Big items like sofas will be transported via vans and other large vehicles that impact the environment with their carbon emissions. Furniture also contributes to issues such as deforestation in order to create it and landfill waste when it is disposed of. Items can take decades or more to decompose, depending on the materials.
By reupholstering, you’ll extend an item’s lifespan whilst also having the positive effect of reducing demand for new furniture production.
Your Older Piece May Be Better Quality
Due to the way older pieces of furniture were produced, they were built with superior craftmanship and perhaps even better materials than items today. Modern items are often mass produced using “cost effective” aka cheaper and lower quality materials. So updating to a brand new item may not be the benefit it seems.
By choosing reupholstery on your older furniture instead, you can preserve that high quality for longer. Before you throw out anything, look into professional upholstery services and see if it’s worth it for you.
Reupholstering Can Be Cost Effective
New furniture is expensive, especially if you’re looking for high quality pieces that match the craftsmanship of yesteryear. Reupholstering can provide a cost effective solution in some cases. This is especially true if you’re doing it DIY, but definitely look for local businesses that offer upholstery services, the price could be better than you expect.
Reupholstering Allows for Better Personalisation
With reupholstery, you have the choice of a wide range of fabrics, colours and patterns that you wouldn’t ordinarily have when purchasing from a mass produced furniture shop. This allows you to end up with an item that is unique, personal, and “you”. No one else in the world will have an item like it. Creatively customising will allow you to reflect your style and individuality.
Cultural Preservation and Emotional Value
Some items of furniture can hold cultural or historical significance. Whether it’s a family heirloom, an antique or an iconic design from a specific era, reupholstering these items will ensure their preservation. Doing this helps you to maintain a connection with your heritage, whilst also enabling you to pass these pieces down to future generations.
In addition to the cultural preservation, your items may also hold sentimental value. Whether it’s an item passed down in generations via inheritance or a sofa that you bought long ago and have had many key memories with, these items can evoke some strong emotions.
Reupholstery promotes more than just monetary value, it keeps valuable memories alive too.
Supporting Local Businesses
As well as being a sustainable option, by choosing to reupholster, you could be supporting a local business. It is often local businesses that either sell upholstery supplies or provide reupholstery services. And alongside waste reduction from not throwing away your items, you’ll minimise the carbon footprint with the use of local services too, as they won’t be travelling far.
It’s a Long-Term Investment
Ideally your sofa and other furniture items will be long term investments, and so a plan to reupholster them will make things even longer term.
High quality reupholstered furniture can last decades when combined with proper care. This reduces your need to replace furniture as frequently, which will save you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, reupholstery is a useful and valid option for several reasons. By choosing this option you get to keep a high quality item, save money and preserve memories, all while having a positive impact on the environment. Contact an upholstery specialist to learn more.
