For how long have you remained in this business?
My very first work, at 15, was at a furniture studio in New Zealand, where I grew up. So I have actually gone to this for 25 years. I've had my own workshop for 12 years.
Just how can an individual tell if a piece deserves reupholstering or otherwise?
There's a great deal of furniture today that's not created for a second life-- it's not structurally sound adequate to invest in. If you have a piece with a well-made frame, it's probably worth it. Older furniture oftens be higher quality-- something that was your granny's in the 30s or 40s is more probable to have pin joints compared to be glued together. That deserves investing in.
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Why is reupholstering so expensive?
It's a time- and also labor-intensive procedure that involves specialized abilities. A well-done task can include stripping an item to the framework, strengthening the structure and the joints, changing coil springs and zigzag springs-- and that's all before the cost and complexity of fill, padding, and also fabric. The most typical misconception is that reupholstering is simply about fabric.
Is there a less costly way?
If the springs, padding, and also framework are in great form and all you're looking for is brand-new fabric, it's a lot less expensive. But in my experience, by the time people are ready to have something reupholstered, it's beat up on the in.
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Any kind of ideas on cushions and filling?
There's a substantial difference when it comes to price. A down-and-feather sofa cushion costs about $650; foam could be $75. Down is very comfortable, but it compresses quickly and also doesn't hold its shape for long. It needs consistent refluffing to look excellent. That's why a combination is so popular: A foam core with a down-and-feather wrap is soft and keeps its shape.
Is there some magic ratio of feathers to down in good sofa cushions?
This is important. For both seat and back cushions, the ratio should be about 60 % to 40 % feathers. A too-high percentage of plumes is bad-- they'll poke through the textile. If you're unsure what portion your existing cushions have, unzip the covers as well as check out the tags. Cushions could be classified "down and also feather" as well as really have a ratio of 5 to 95. If you change your pillows, ask the upholsterer for 60 % down and 40 % feathers.if you need to get more ideas, just see this upholstery drapery nyc link.
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What's a typical mistake people make when shopping for fabrics?
Picking stripes or patterns for rounded pieces. The stretching of the material needed for proper application will pull the stripe or pattern out of whack and you'll end up with crooked stripes or a warped pattern. A good upholsterer should be able to tell you what will function-- and should want to say no if your option isn't right.
Is any type of textile resistant to youngsters or animals?
Unfortunately, pets like every type of textile. In my experience, though, cats do not like mohair, as well as they stay off it. As for kids, I have two-- and, yes, upholstery is going to get damaged with youngsters around. There's no way to avoid it.
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How do you know you're paying the ideal amount for reupholstering?
Get a bunch of bids. If you're hearing $3,000 from five places and afterwards an individual states $1,200, run the various other means. That's what I call a chop shop. They're not going to do a good job.
What constitutes a bad job?
When upholsterers put the new fabric right on top of the existing fabric with a layer of cotton in between, instead of removing the old stuff. Many people cannot tell right away, but in a couple of months they'll feel the cotton bunching up on the back of the piece.
Thoughts on slipcovers?
Regardless of what your upholsterer tells you, wash the fabric before you have actually slipcovers made. I assure you: It will reduce greatly. Or else, the minute you take the covers to be dry-cleaned-- which entails liquid-- they won't fit any longer. And if the upholsterer claims you need 10 yards of textile, get 15.
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Is there a method to know if re-covering a flea-market find will be inexpensive?
The important point to pay attention to is the spring action. If you hear an eee-eee-eee noise when you sit down, that's not good. And it will cost you.
How do you take care of upholstered pieces?
Don't rest on them. Seriously, however, I don't do anything special-- I have actually never vacuumed my sofa.
What's one request that doesn't sit well with you?
Two-tone upholstery. Like a sofa where the front and the back are different colors. You might be sad that you did that in a few months. If you wish to take a big style risk, do it with throw pillows. Maintain the sofa basic.
Any last words?
Sometimes people come to our studio wanting to preserve things for purely sentimental reasons. Which can be perfectly legitimate. In a time when so numerous people live far from our families, as well as when so much is non reusable, it's nice to have a truly personal piece of furnishings in our homes.
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