6 Reasons to Upcycle Old Furniture by Upholstery

Give your old chairs and sofas a second chance at life!

Let’s be honest — we all have that one piece of furniture in our home that’s seen better days. Maybe it's the armchair you inherited from your gran, or the dining chairs you bought when flat-pack furniture was your only option. It might be faded, frayed, or just plain unfashionable. But before you toss it out and head to the nearest home store, hear us out: re-upholstering could be your new best friend.

Re-upholstering isn’t just about patching up old furniture — it’s about transforming tired pieces into something fresh, functional, and fabulous. And the best bit? You don’t need to be an interior designer or a DIY guru to appreciate the benefits. So, whether you’re a keen upcycler or just looking to freshen up your space, here are six brilliant reasons to consider re-upholstering your old furniture instead of binning it.

1. It’s kinder to the planet 

Let’s start with the obvious — re-upholstering is an eco-friendly choice. Every time you re-use an old piece of furniture, you’re saving it from ending up in landfill. And with millions of sofas and chairs thrown away each year, every little bit really does help.

By choosing to re-upholster, you reduce waste, cut down on the demand for new materials, and limit the energy used in manufacturing and shipping. It’s a small step with a big impact, especially if you're trying to live a little greener.

2. It’s often cheaper than buying new 

New furniture can be expensive — especially if you want something well-made. That trendy velvet sofa or those Scandi-style dining chairs might look gorgeous online, but the price tag? Not so much.

Re-upholstering can give you the same “new” feeling without breaking the bank. Especially if you already own a good-quality piece with a solid frame, re-covering it with fresh fabric and padding is far more cost-effective than buying something of similar quality brand new.

Plus, you can control the costs depending on your budget. Go luxe with designer fabrics or keep it simple with more affordable options — either way, you're in charge.

3. You get to keep what you love 

Some furniture has sentimental value. It might be the chair you rocked your baby to sleep in, the sofa from your first flat, or the armchair your dog thinks is his throne. Letting go of those pieces can feel like losing a bit of your personal history.

Re-upholstering lets you preserve the memories while giving the piece a new lease on life. You get to hold onto what matters while making it suit your current style and space. It’s the best of both worlds.

4. You can get exactly the look you want 

Tired of the same grey and beige sofas on the high street? Want a bold pattern, a quirky print, or a rich jewel tone that stands out? Re-upholstering is your chance to create something completely custom.

From fabric choices to piping, buttons, and even leg finishes, you can tailor every detail to match your taste. Whether your style is minimalist and modern or vintage and eclectic, you get a piece that’s 100% you — not something half the country already owns from a big-box retailer.

And the best part? No compromises. No “if only it came in blue” or “I love the shape but hate the pattern.” You call the shots.

5. It supports local artisans and businesses 

Re-upholstering isn’t just good for your furniture — it’s great for your local economy too. Many upholsterers are skilled craftspeople running independent businesses. By choosing to work with them, you're helping to keep traditional skills alive and supporting your local community.

Rather than putting your money into the pockets of a faceless furniture chain, you’re investing in people who take pride in their craft. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of friendly, local expertise?

6. It’s fun (and surprisingly satisfying!) 

Let’s not underestimate the joy of a good makeover — and re-upholstering is no exception. Whether you’re doing it yourself (hello, DIY challenge!) or working with a professional, there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a tired old chair become the star of your living room.

It’s a creative process. You get to play with fabrics, dream up new looks, and see the transformation unfold. And when it’s done? You’ll have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece — and the pride of knowing you brought it back to life.

Ready to give upholstery a go?

So there you have it — six solid reasons to rescue that tired armchair or sad-looking sofa and give it the makeover it deserves. Upholstery is smart, stylish, and sustainable. Whether you’re upcycling for the environment, your wallet, or just for the sheer fun of it, you’ll be surprised at how rewarding it can be.

Next time you’re tempted to throw out old furniture, take a moment. Look at its bones. Imagine its potential. You might just fall in love with it all over again.

Now go on — let your furniture tell a new story.