Holding on to that 65-year-old chest of drawers you’ve inherited might not be such a bad idea. The great thing about reupholstering is that you get to see potential in an item that would otherwise be overlooked. You get to make it your own and transform it into a style that best suits you and your taste.
Advantages of reupholstering
There is no limit to the things you can do with reupholstering projects, but let’s explore the benefits first:
What basics do you need?
If you’re thinking of DIY upholstery, here are a few things to consider and items you'll need. You’ll also need to establish whether this is going to be a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of exercise or an ongoing hobby. This will inform the kinds of tools you need to gather. These are a few must-have tools to include in your toolbox to get you started:
Anything else added to this list is a nice-to-have if this is a one-off.
Don’t rush to buy fabric
Don’t trap yourself into buying meters of fabric that you might not be excited about two weeks from now. Ask for a swatch of fabric you are interested in and sit with it for a bit. Look at it in different lighting, against your paint colour and with other items in the house, and then decide if you’d like to follow through. Also, think outside the box – find alternative options of fabric and material. Look at what you have at home or what might be the more affordable option. Materials like curtains, tablecloths, quilts and even picnic blankets may be great for a new outer for your scatter cushions.
Avoid the accessories
As tempting as it may be to add bling to your revamped pieces, hold off on it. Going down that path can work out to be a lot pricier than you think. Keep it simple. Rather choose statement fabric and finishing materials (paint, varnish, etc.)
Think outside the box
Reupholstery is not just limited to couches/sofas, there are endless possibilities to what you can do with the basic items in your house and backyard. We’re pretty sure you can make furniture out of almost anything if you put your mind to it. That vintage, hard-leather suitcase would make an amazing stool or ottoman. What about that bathtub you have gathering dust in the shed? It’d make a solid base for a garden bench. Don’t limit your creativity – get those juices flowing and make unique pieces. Here’s where you can start:
Have fun with this project! Don’t take it too seriously. The lighter your approach, the more likely you are to create a space for you to really express your creative side and produce some amazing pieces of furniture and decorative items – while keeping your bank balance intact.