| Reupholstering an old chair or sofa is a great way to | | | | simply updating your accent pieces. Look for a nice |
| save money and recycle. By working with what you | | | | throw in either a neutral color or in a complimentary |
| have, reupholstering allows you to put a new fabric | | | | tone for your room. |
| face on old furniture. | | | | Place it at a diagonal angle over your sofa and finish |
| Unfortunately, upscale reupholstering shops can cost | | | | off the look with some new, fresh pillows that match |
| upwards of $500, a pretty major expense for a | | | | your color palette. |
| family on a tight budget. So, for great ideas on how | | | | 3. Try slipcovers. |
| you can reupholster or refinish your furniture for less, | | | | In lieu of a full reupholstering job, you can update |
| keep reading. | | | | your couch with slipcovers. Ideally, you'll find a |
| 1. Do it yourself. | | | | slipcover that's made for your specific sofa. |
| Yes, do-it-yourself (DIY) is easier said than done, but | | | | An ill-fitted slipcover can look sloppy or bunchy, not a |
| investing your own labor into a project can be a | | | | look you want. So, you can either make your own |
| great way to save money. If you're new to furniture | | | | using the custom measurements of your couch or |
| refinishing, try either investing in an upholstery class | | | | purchase a retail slipcover and adapt it to fit your |
| at your local community college, a how-to manual or | | | | couch. |
| DVD. | | | | Start by putting the slipcover on the sofa. Look at |
| If you're nervous about ruining a beloved piece of | | | | exactly where the fabric bunches or gathers and |
| furniture, try practicing using a trash chair or an old | | | | mark these areas with pins and then chalk. Once |
| junk chair you picked up at the thrift shop. You'll not | | | | you're ready, remove the slipcover and sew the |
| only get a feel for the tools, but also the logistics of | | | | areas where you need to take the seams in. Use |
| each step. | | | | your chalk markings as a guide. |
| Before you embark on a major DIY reupholstering | | | | If you're still stuck on reupholstering by a |
| project, remember that you'll need to not only invest | | | | professional, wait for special deals and discounts. |
| in fabric, but also a hammer, webbing stretcher, | | | | Typically, the busiest times of year are right before |
| rubber mallet, shears, upholstery needles, tacks, | | | | the holidays, season changes and during spring |
| staple gun, upholsterer's pins, chalk and spring clips. | | | | cleaning season. Try early autumn or summer months |
| 2. Update your accessories. | | | | to find the best deals. |
| If you can't afford a full reupholstering project, try | | | | |