Guide: How can I reupholster my sofa?

If the sofa in your living room looks worn or you no longer like the fabric, it's time to reupholster it. This may sound difficult, but with a few tips it's easier than you think. Here are the steps you need to follow to reupholster your sofa.

Preparation for reupholstering the sofa

Choosing the right fabric

Before you start, you need to choose the right fabric. It is important to choose a high-quality fabric so that the upholstery is durable. The Color and the pattern of the fabric should also match the surroundings. When buying the fabric, make sure you 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 better suited for indoor use, while others are better suited 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. Would you like a new cover? Then we have here some tips on choosing a color for you!

Materials and tools required

You will need a few tools and materials to reupholster the sofa. The most important ones are

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

It is important to choose high-quality materials so that the end result is durable and stable. The foam should be of good quality to ensure seating comfort.

Preparing the sofa for work

Before you start, you should free the sofa from anything that makes it heavy. Cushions and blankets should be removed. It's also a good idea to prepare the room by clearing away any objects that could get in the way when reupholstering the sofa. Now you can get started.

Before you remove the old cover, you should take the time to clean the sofa thoroughly. Dust and dirt can accumulate over time and affect the result. A thorough clean can also help to remove any stains.

Step-by-step guide to reupholstering the sofa

Remove the old cover

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

When removing the old cover, take care not to damage it. If the old cover is damaged, it can be more difficult to fit 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.

Cutting the new fabric

Now you need to cut the new fabric to 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 it can be sewn. Once the fabric has been cut, you can start sewing.

When cutting the new fabric, make sure that you leave enough material for the seams. If you have too little material, it can 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 on the sofa is aligned correctly.

Reupholstering 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 creases.

When covering the armrests, you should make sure that the fabric is cut so that it exactly reflects the shape of the armrests. If the fabric is not cut correctly, it can be difficult to cover the armrests properly.

The next step is to reupholster the seat cushions. Here it is important to cut the foam precisely so that it fits perfectly into the seat. The new cover can then be pulled over the foam and sewn in place.

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

Fitting and fastening the new cover

Once 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, make sure that the seams are well hidden so that they are not visible. You should also make sure that the fabric is well stitched at the edges to ensure that it does not tear or come loose.

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

Discover our modular sofas with washable and replaceable covers

Tips and tricks for a professional result

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

How to avoid creases and unevenness

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

To avoid creases and unevenness in the cover, it is also important to pull the fabric smooth and tight before sewing it in place. 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 upholstery for more comfort

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

Note, however, that new upholstery can also increase the price of the cover. 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 looking good for a long time, you should clean it regularly. To do this, you can use a moisture-absorbing and odor-removing roller to remove dust and dirt. For stubborn stains, however, you should use a special upholstery cleaner to avoid damaging the fabric.

Also make sure that you do not 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. 

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Alternatives to reupholstering the sofa

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

Sofa covers as a quick solution

If you want a quick result, you can also use a sofa cover that completely covers the sofa. These covers are available in different colors and patterns. This is a quick and easy way to enhance the look of your sofa and protect it from further damage.

However, you should bear in mind that sofa covers are often not as durable as new upholstery and may not be as comfortable, unless they are Livom sofa covers. They can also leave creases and unsightly creases on the sofa if used incorrectly.

Hire a professional upholsterer

If you are unsure or the sofa is very valuable, you can also turn to 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 customer's wishes.

However, the cost of professional reupholstery can be very high and should therefore be carefully considered. It can also take some time before the sofa is available again. Therefore, decide early on for a durable and modular sofaso that you don't have to face these costs 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, you can use a specialist store or online as a guide. It is also worth looking at sofas in a store, for example in a Livom showroomto test and try out. 

There are many different types of sofas, from modern designs to classic models. You can also choose the size and Color can be selected individually. The important thing is: The sofa should suit you and your life. A new sofa can therefore not only be a visual enrichment for the living room, but also improve 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 also use a sofa cover or opt for a new sofa.