Guide: How to reupholster my sofa

If the sofa in your living room looks worn out or you don't like the fabric anymore, it's time to reupholster it. It may sound difficult, but with some tips, it's easier than you think. Here are the steps to follow to reupholster the sofa.

Preparation for reupholstering the sofa

Making the right fabric choice

Before you start, you need to choose the right fabric. It is important to choose a high quality, so that the cover is durable. Also, the color and pattern of the fabric should go well with the environment. When buying the fabric, one must make sure to buy enough fabric to cover the sofa completely. If you are unsure, it is better to have a slightly larger surplus of fabric than too little.

There are many different types of fabrics to choose from. Some are more suitable for indoor use, while others are more suitable for outdoor use. If you have children or pets, you should also make sure to choose a fabric that is easy to clean.

For Livom sofa owners there are replacement covers in various fabrics and colors that can be ordered for any sofa or element. You want a new cover? Then we have here some tips for color selection for you!

Materials and tools needed

To reupholster the sofa, you need some tools and materials. The most important are:

• A fabric cutter
• A sewing machine
• Thread
• Needles
• Foam
• Adhesive tape

It is important to choose quality materials so that the final result is durable and stable. The foam should be of good quality to ensure the comfort of the seat.

Prepare the sofa for work

Before you begin, the sofa should be freed from everything that makes it difficult for him. Pillows and blankets should be removed. It is also good to prepare the room by moving out of the way all the objects that may get in the way when reupholstering the sofa. Now you are ready to start.

Before removing the old cover, take the time to thoroughly clean the sofa. Dust and dirt can accumulate over time and affect the result. Thorough cleaning can also help remove possible stains.

Step by step guide to reupholster the sofa

Remove the old cover

You have to completely remove the old cover of the sofa to make room for the new one. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it because it gives you a smooth surface to put the new cover on.

When removing the old cover, be careful not to damage it. If the old cover is damaged, it may be more difficult to attach the new cover.

Once the old cover is removed, you can clean the sofa thoroughly to ensure that no dirt or dust particles are trapped between the foam and the new cover.

Cut the new fabric

Now you need to cut the new fabric into the right shape so that it fits perfectly on the sofa. You should make sure that the fabric has enough space at the edges so that you can sew it. When the fabric is cut, you can start sewing.

When cutting the new fabric, make sure you leave enough material for the seams. If you have too little material, it may be difficult to sew the fabric properly.

It is also important to cut the fabric in the right direction to ensure that the pattern of the fabric is properly aligned on the sofa.

Recover the individual parts of the sofa

You can now start to reupholster the individual parts of the sofa. You should start with the backrest and armrests. Here you should make sure that the fabric is pulled smooth and tight to avoid wrinkles.

When covering the armrests, make sure you cut the fabric so that it accurately reflects the shape of the armrests. If you do not cut the fabric correctly, it may be difficult to cover the armrests properly.

Next, the seat cushions need to be reupholstered. Here it is important to cut the foam precisely so that it fits perfectly into the seat. Then you can pull the new cover over the foam and sew it.

When covering the seat cushions, one should make sure that the fabric is pulled tight to avoid wrinkles. One should also make sure that the fabric is well sewn at the edges to ensure that it does not tear or come loose.

Attach and fasten the new cover

When all parts of the sofa are covered with the new cover, you can attach it to the sofa. It is important to pull the fabric smooth and tight to avoid wrinkles. The new fabric should be sewn to the back of the sofa.

When attaching the new cover, one should make sure that one hides the seams well so that they are not visible. You should also make sure that the fabric is well sewn at the edges to ensure that it does not tear or come loose.

After the new cover is in place, you can put the sofa back in the room and enjoy how new it looks.

Tips and tricks for a professional result

If you want to upholster your sofa yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind to achieve a professional result. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you:

How to avoid wrinkles and bumps

Before you start upholstering, you should remove the old cover and clean the sofa thoroughly. Then you should very carefully cut the new fabric and put it on the sofa. Make sure that the fabric lies well in all places and that there are no wrinkles or unevenness.

To avoid wrinkles and unevenness in the cover, it is also important to pull the fabric smooth and tight before you sew it down. You can use a special upholstery staple or a stapler for this. Make sure that the fabric is evenly stretched to achieve a beautiful and professional result.

The right padding for more comfort

If you want to give your sofa more comfort, you can also have new upholstery installed. Here you should contact a professional upholsterer who can explain the different options for upholstery. Depending on your needs, you can choose between different materials such as foam, feathers or down.

Note, however, that new upholstery can also increase the price of covering. If you only want to replace the cover, you can also choose a thinner upholstery to save costs.

Care instructions for the new cover

To keep the new cover beautiful for a long time, you should clean it regularly. For this you can use a moisture-absorbing and odor-removing roller to remove dust and dirt. However, for stubborn stains, you should use a special upholstery cleaner to avoid damaging the fabric.

Also, be careful not to wash the cover too often, as this can fade the colors and damage the fabric. If you need to wash the cover, use a gentle detergent, wash it at a low temperature and follow the washing instructions. 

Check out this post on Instagram

A post shared by Livom | Modular Sofas 😍 (@livomofficial)

Alternatives to reupholster the sofa

A sofa can be the centerpiece of a living room and often holds many memories and stories. But over time, the sofa may look worn or become damaged. One way to freshen up the sofa is to reupholster it. But there are also alternatives to this.

Sofa covers as a quick solution

If you want a quick result, you can also buy a sofa cover that completely covers the sofa. These covers are available in different colors and patterns. So you can quickly and easily visually upgrade the sofa and protect it from further damage.

However, you should keep in mind that sofa covers are often not as durable as a new cushion and may not be as comfortable unless they are Livom Sofa Covers. In addition, if used incorrectly, they can leave wrinkles and unsightly creases on the sofa.

Hire professional upholsterers

If you are unsure or the sofa is very valuable, you can also contact professional upholsterers who can reupholster the sofa for you. This involves removing the old upholstery and replacing it with a new one. The cover is also renewed and can be designed entirely according to the wishes of the customer.

However, the cost of professional re-relations can be very high and should therefore be well considered. In addition, it may take some time before the sofa is available again. Therefore, decide early on a durable and modular sofa, so that these costs do not come to you sooner or later. 

Buying a new sofa - when does it make sense?

If the sofa is already very old or badly damaged, it may make more sense to buy a new sofa instead of reupholstering it. When looking for a new sofa can be guided by a specialty store or online. In addition, it is worth testing and test sitting sofas in a store, for example, in a Livom showroom. 

There are many different types of sofas, from modern designs to classic models. The size and color can also be selected individually. The important thing is: The sofa should fit you and your life. A new sofa can therefore not only visually enrich the living room, but also improve the seating comfort.

Reupholstering a sofa can be a great way to freshen up your living room. With a little patience and the right materials and tools, you can reupholster the sofa yourself. If you are unsure or have a very valuable sofa, you can also turn to professional upholsterers. Alternatively, you can use a sofa cover or opt for a new sofa.