How much does sofa reupholstery cost?

Reupholstering a sofa in the UK typically costs between £600 and £2,500, with most three-seater projects landing around £1,100–£1,600 once fabric is included. The final figure comes down to three things: the piece itself, the fabric you choose, and the workshop's day-rate. ## What drives the price **Size and shape.** A compact two-seater with square arms is a fraction of the work of a curved chesterfield or a deep four-seater corner unit. Loose-cushion designs are quicker to cover than fully fitted, tight-back sofas. Buttoning, piping, skirts and scatter cushions all add hours. **Fabric quantity and price.** A standard three-seater needs roughly 14–18 metres of 140cm-wide fabric. Fabrics range from about £25/m for hard-wearing weaves up to £120/m or more for premium velvets, linens and performance cloths. Pattern repeats increase waste, so a big floral can add 20–30% to the metreage. **Condition underneath.** Once the old cover is stripped, your upholsterer can assess the frame, webbing, springs and fillings. Replacing webbing, re-tying springs, renewing foam or swapping tired feather wraps is common on older pieces and usually adds £150–£400. **Extras.** Collection and delivery, fire-retardant interliners (a legal requirement on domestic upholstery in the UK), and any bespoke detailing such as contrast piping or studwork. ## Typical price bands - **Armchair or tub chair:** £350–£900 - **Two-seater sofa:** £700–£1,400 - **Three-seater sofa:** £1,000–£2,000 - **Corner sofa or chesterfield:** £1,600–£3,500+ Antique and designer pieces (Howard, Knole, mid-century Danish) sit at the top of these ranges because the traditional techniques take longer and the frames deserve a careful hand. ## How to get the best value 1. **Get three quotes.** Local specialists price differently, and a good quote itemises labour, fabric, foam and delivery so you can compare like for like. 2. **Send clear photos.** Front, back, side, a close-up of any damage, and a shot of the label if the piece has one. This lets pros price accurately without a home visit. 3. **Be flexible on fabric.** Ask for two options — a mid-range workhorse and a premium choice — so you can see the price impact. 4. **Bundle work.** Two matching chairs or a sofa-and-footstool pair often attract a small discount because the workshop only sets up once. 5. **Think long-term.** A £1,500 reupholstery on a solid hardwood frame will outlast two or three £800 flat-pack sofas — and keeps a piece you already love. Ready to see what your project would cost? Send photos to a few local specialists and you'll usually have written quotes back within a couple of days.