Upholstery furniture wraps a sturdy frame in comfy layers of webbing, springs, foam, and fabric. It’s the soft chair, couch, or headboard you sink into every day—and it lasts when you pick the right parts, treat it well, and fix it smart. Below is a quick‑read guide that tells you what it is, how it’s built, and why a little care can save cash (and the planet) while adding style to your home.
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What is upholstery furniture?
Upholstery furniture is any seat, couch, or bed piece covered with padding and fabric over a frame. It blends comfort and design in one package. bobsudc.com
Key layers
- Frame – usually hardwood or metal; it holds the shape. Home Stratosphere
- Springs & webbing – keep the seat springy. Home Stratosphere
- Padding (foam, cotton, batting) – gives the soft feel. Home Stratosphere
- Fabric or leather – the style you see and touch. Yorkshire Fabric Shop
Popular upholstery fabrics
| Fabric | Why people pick it | Durability tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Breathes well and resists pilling. Yorkshire Fabric Shop | Look for a Martindale score above 20 k rubs. justfabrics.co.uk |
| Polyester | Fights stains and fading. Yorkshire Fabric Shop | Mix with natural fibers for a softer hand. |
| Leather | Wipes clean and ages with a rich patina. Yorkshire Fabric Shop | Condition twice a year. |
| Performance blends | Repel spills for busy homes. The Spruce | Check cleaning code before buying. |
Care that keeps it looking new
- Vacuum weekly to pull dust from seams. Zerorez Carpet Cleaning
- Blot spills fast with a clean cloth—no rubbing. Zerorez Carpet Cleaning
- Flip cushions every month so wear spreads out. Better Homes & Gardens
- Deep‑clean yearly or when kids, pets, or allergies demand. Better Homes & Gardens
DIY or pro? Pick the right path
| Option | Cost range | Good when… |
|---|---|---|
| DIY refresh (new fabric, same foam) | Just tools & fabric ($40–$70/yd). The Spruce | Piece is small, frame is solid, and you enjoy projects. |
| Pro reupholstery | Often 50 % less than buying new. bobsudc.com | Large sofa, tricky curves, or heirloom quality. |
A basic toolkit—staple gun, tack strip, webbing stretcher—gets most jobs done. Food52
Why reupholster instead of replace?
Reupholstering cuts landfill waste, saves raw materials, and lowers the carbon hit of “fast furniture.” The GuardianPrestige Decor Your wallet wins, too, because a strong frame can last decades.
Thinking of selling your gently used piece?
When the redo is done (or if you decide to let it go as‑is), Asherfield makes selling easy:
- Quick listing—snap a few photos, post in minutes.
- Higher returns—keep up to 80 % of every sale.
- White‑glove help—optional pickup, cleaning, and delivery.
A trusted marketplace means less hassle and more cash back in your pocket.
“Do upholstery work? Get free exposure in our upholsterers directory →”
(https://asherfield.com/directory/furniture/upholsterers/)
Next steps
- Dive into our [beginner upholstery tutorial] for step‑by‑step help.
- Check the [fabric guide] to pick a tough, stain‑smart material.
- Browse listings on Asherfield to see what finished pieces can fetch.
Smart care today keeps upholstery furniture cozy, stylish, and valuable tomorrow—ready for your home or the next happy owner.
