How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair? 5 Key Factors That Impact the Price

Ever looked at your battered old chair and thought, “Yeah, it’s probably time to put you out of your misery”? You’re not the only one. But hey, have you ever thought how much does it cost to reupholster a chair? Before you drop a small fortune on some generic showroom piece, maybe think about reupholstering that piece. Seriously, it’s kind of like giving your chair a whole new lease of life. Plus, you get to pick the fabric, design it, make it comfier, make it just the way you want.

Anyway, we at Blog Valley threw together a little cheat sheet to break down exactly where your cash goes when you decide to save your chair from the landfill. 

Why Reupholster Instead of Replace?

Reupholstering is not just a wallet-saver, though; sometimes it’ll cost you way less than splurging on fancy new stuff. It’s got way more going for it. You get to pick out whatever fabric makes your heart happy, choose colors, styles, all that design and stuff. Want to turn that hand-me-down chair from grandma into something straight out of a fancy design magazine? Go for it. Give that old thing a serious glow-up. 

Factor 1: Type of Chair

The style and size of the chair are the most significant contributors to cost.

For example:

• Dining chair (without arms): $50–$150
• Armchair: $300–$500
• Wingback chair: $600–$1,200
• Recliner: $600–$1,500
  

So, how much does it cost to reupholster a wingback chair? Well, brace yourself, it’s usually pricier than you’d hope. Those funky wings and all those curves make things trickier and more expensive. It’s not just a simple square chair; you’re paying for someone’s actual skill to wrangle all those angles. 

Factor 2: Fabric Choice

• You can use polyester or cotton blends as they are pocket-friendly and easy to clean.
  
• Another best option is leather, as it is very durable and does not fade for a very long time, but it is expensive too.
  
• A good fabric is great for kids and pets, mid-to-high range.
  

Pro tip: Fabric is usually priced per yard, and larger chairs require more yardage. A wingback chair might need 6–8 yards, while a simple dining chair may only need 1–2 yards.

Factor 3: Labor Costs

Honestly, how much you cough up for labor really depends on where you live and how seasoned your upholsterer is. If you go for someone who actually knows what they’re doing, you’ll pay extra, but at least your furniture won’t look like a Pinterest fail.

In urban areas, rates can be as high as $100 per hour, while smaller towns may have rates closer to $50–$70 per hour.

Blog Valley Insight: Don’t just choose the cheapest option. A poorly done upholstery job can wear out faster, costing you more in the long run.

Factor 4: Additional Design Elements

Sometimes, you’ll want more than just new fabric. Extras can include:

• Decorative nailheads
• Contrasting piping
• Tufting
• Matching ottomans
  

These extras add both style and cost. For example, adding tufting to a backrest can add several hours of labor and $50–$150 to the total.

And if you want to go beyond furniture? Consider wall upholstery or even reath design ideas for a fully coordinated look.

Factor 5: Repairs and Restoration

So, let’s say your chair’s got a busted frame, legs that wobble like a newborn deer, or cushions that have seen better days; all that mess is gonna jack up the price. Tiny fixes? You might just drop an extra twenty or fifty bucks. But if that thing needs a full-on overhaul, brace yourself, ’cause the final bill could balloon way past that. Tiny fixes? You might just drop an extra twenty or fifty bucks. But if that thing needs a full-on overhaul, brace yourself, because the final bill could balloon way past that.

Average Cost Breakdown

Let’s look at a practical example of how much does it cost to reupholster a chair in 2025:

Ways to Save on Chair Reupholstery

• Choose mid-range fabrics for durability without high costs
• Supply your own fabric (but check with the upholsterer first)
• Bundle multiple chairs to get a discount.
• Repair minor issues yourself before sending the chair to the upholsterer.
  

Reath Design Ideas: Taking It Beyond the Chair

While you’re updating your chair, why not refresh the entire room? Some fun, affordable ideas include:

• Adding matching throw pillows in the same fabric
• Coordinating drapes with your new upholstery
• Incorporating reath design ideas for a fresh seasonal touch
  

When to Replace Instead of Reupholster

Reupholstery is ideal if:

• The chair has a solid wood frame
• The style is unique or sentimental
• You want a specific custom look.
  

However, replacement might be better if:

• The frame is broken beyond repair
• The cost of reupholstery exceeds the value of the chair
• You can’t find a fabric you love within your budget.
  

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Chair

You want to get your chair re-upholstered? If we’re talking a no-frills dining chair, you might slide by with just a hundred bucks. It is not cheap, especially in 2025, as you need to focus on style, durability, and cost considerations. 

At Blog Valley, we like to think reupholstery is about much more than just furniture. It is about speaking to your unique style and consciously choosing sustainable options when you breathe new life into a piece. Restoring a family treasure or upgrading the dining set series, now you have the information to make the choice that best fits your space and budget.