upholstery FAQs
Why reupholster?
It’s true, reupholstery does come at a cost – it is labor intensive and, depending on your choice of fabrics, materials can come at a premium. However, reupholstery can also be very worthwhile, especially if you’re thinking of recovering a favorite piece of well built vintage furniture. In fact, it used to be commonplace for someone to keep their furniture for decades and simply recover it with their changing aesthetic instead of buying new. First and foremost, reupholstering your furniture allows you a level of customization that you won’t get if you buy new. You get to choose not only the fabric, but also all of the detailing, down to the firmness of the foam. Secondly, reupholstery ensures you get a bespoke piece of furniture made to your specifications, not something mass produced. And thirdly, it enables you to ensure that sentimental pieces will be adapted for the next generation, ensuring that quality furniture sticks around and is not discarded.
is my piece worth upholstering?
This decision can be a pretty personal one. Reupholstery does not come cheap but it can be very worth it depending on the value of your piece and/or your attachment to it. One thing to consider is that many vintage pieces of furniture truly were made to last in a way that is not often replicated today. Recovering a piece can be a way to not only keep your furniture in circulation but also customize it to your aesthetic. We can walk you through the decision making process and give you an honest answer as to whether we think the investment is worth it on a case by case basis.
why is reupholstering more expensive than buying new?
Most modern furniture is mass produced with cheap materials that aren't made to last. Reupholstery is a highly skilled, labor intensive process that restores and often improves the quality of well-made furniture for years to come. It is an investment in durability, customization, and sustainability.
what types of projects does
mink haus work on?
We specialize in reupholstering both vintage and modern furniture. Our projects range from custom cushions to vintage task chairs, sofas, and dining sets. We work with both designers and individuals so if you have a custom project coming up, reach out and we’ll see what we can make happen.
what is the best fabric for my project?
Choosing the right upholstery fabric is a balance between durability, lifestyle, aesthetics and cost. Prioritizing high rub-count, stain-resistant materials like performance fabrics will help your upholstery stand up to pets and/or kids. While choosing fabric with colorfastness will protect against any fading from the sun. The process can be overwhelming but, don't fret, we will help you select the fabric most suited to your needs.
can you repair or refinish the frame?
We can do minor repairs such as frame tightening, minor frame reinforcements, and fix minor blemishes on the frame but we are not a refinishing shop. Any larger structural repairs or full refinishing of the wood will be coordinated with a trusted furniture restorer.
how long will my project take?
Most projects typically take 1-2 weeks once the necessary materials are in hand. If there are major structural issues or refinishing work this time frame may be longer but we will keep you updated with any changes.
do you guarantee your work?
We stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship. If you notice any issues with the upholstery within the first year we will work with you to make it right!