Which Furniture Stores Offer Custom Upholstery? — Most Asked Questions Answered

1. What types of furniture stores provide custom upholstery services?

Custom upholstery services are available at a range of furniture stores, from large national chains to local boutique shops. Understanding which types of stores offer these services can help you decide where to shop depending on your needs and budget.

First, large furniture retailers such as Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Ethan Allen frequently offer custom upholstery. These stores typically have a selection of customizable sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture, often with fabric swatches and design consultations available in-store.

Second, specialty upholstery stores focus exclusively on upholstery and furniture customization. These businesses may not carry full showrooms of furniture but specialize in reupholstering or custom-building pieces from scratch. These stores usually provide more hands-on customer service and bespoke options.

Third, local furniture stores and family-owned businesses often provide custom upholstery services. They may offer unique craftsmanship and the ability to work closely with clients to create personalized pieces, often with quicker turnaround times and competitive pricing.

Fourth, online furniture retailers such as Joybird and Interior Define have made custom upholstery more accessible. These companies allow you to select fabrics, styles, and finishes online, and ship the finished product directly to your home.

Fifth, some department stores or home improvement chains like Macy’s or Lowe’s partner with upholstery services, but this is less common and usually limited to specific brands or furniture lines.

Finally, antiques and vintage stores sometimes collaborate with upholsterers to offer custom reupholstery on existing furniture pieces. This option is great for preserving sentimental or valuable furniture while updating the look.

Summary Table: Types of Furniture Stores Offering Custom Upholstery

By knowing which type of store you are dealing with, you can set realistic expectations for your custom upholstery project, whether it’s a full sofa, an accent chair, or just refurbishing an old piece.

2. How do custom upholstery services differ among major furniture retailers?

When considering custom upholstery, it’s important to recognize that services can vary significantly between major furniture retailers. Differences often include fabric choices, customization options, delivery timeframes, and customer support.

Pottery Barn, for example, offers a large variety of fabrics, including performance and eco-friendly options. Their customization mainly focuses on sofas, armchairs, and ottomans, where customers can select frame styles, cushion fills, and fabrics. Pottery Barn also provides in-store design consultations and swatch samples to ensure customers make informed choices.

Crate & Barrel tends to emphasize modern designs and offers an array of fabric selections, including high-performance and outdoor-friendly textiles. Their custom upholstery services often allow adjustments to sofa configurations, leg finishes, and cushion firmness, which caters well to customers who want a tailored yet contemporary look.

Ethan Allen positions itself as a luxury furniture retailer and provides extensive customization. Their upholstery services include full frame and fabric selection, cushion styles, and detailing options like nailhead trim and decorative stitching. Additionally, Ethan Allen offers personal design consultants to guide customers through the customization process.

Joybird and Interior Define, as online-focused companies, offer extensive fabric libraries and allow customers to customize almost every aspect of their furniture digitally. However, since orders are online, customers can’t see or feel fabrics in person unless they order swatches separately. The benefit is a high degree of personalization, from frame styles to cushion fillings.

In terms of turnaround time, major retailers often have set delivery windows ranging from 6 to 12 weeks for custom upholstery. Some luxury retailers like Ethan Allen might take longer due to the handcrafted nature of their products. On the other hand, some stores offer expedited options at an additional cost.

Warranty and after-sales services also vary. Many major retailers provide warranties covering fabric and frame defects for 1 to 5 years. However, warranty coverage may be voided if customers bring their own fabric or make unauthorized changes.

Another key difference lies in pricing structure. Some stores include customization costs in the base price, while others charge extra fees for premium fabrics, special finishes, or unique frame options. Customers should always ask for detailed pricing breakdowns before committing.

Customer service quality can vary by retailer. In-store consultations with knowledgeable staff add significant value, especially for those unfamiliar with upholstery. Online retailers often compensate with detailed guides, virtual design tools, and robust customer support chat.

Finally, return policies on custom upholstered furniture differ. Because these items are made-to-order, most retailers do not accept returns unless the product is defective. This makes selecting the right fabric and style initially even more crucial.

Comparison Table: Custom Upholstery Services by Major Retailers

3. What are the benefits of choosing a furniture store with in-house upholstery?

Choosing a furniture store that offers in-house upholstery services provides several unique benefits, especially when compared to stores that outsource upholstery work or sell only pre-upholstered pieces. Below are the key advantages.

1. Better Quality Control

In-house upholstery means the store controls the entire process—from frame construction to fabric application. This control often results in higher quality, consistent workmanship, and the ability to address issues immediately without delays.

2. Customization Flexibility

Stores with their own upholstery teams typically offer more extensive customization options. Customers can choose from a wider range of fabrics, finishes, and design features, as the upholsterers can work directly with clients to meet specific requests.

3. Faster Turnaround Times

Since the upholstery is done onsite or at a closely managed workshop, lead times are often shorter. Orders don’t have to be shipped back and forth between the store and third-party upholsterers, reducing delays caused by logistics.

4. Better Communication

Customers can communicate directly with the upholstery team or receive updates through the store, ensuring clarity and reducing misunderstandings. This direct contact helps clarify fabric choices, construction details, and delivery schedules.

5. Repair and Reupholstery Services

Furniture stores with in-house upholstery often provide ongoing repair and reupholstery services. This means that even years after purchase, customers can return for refinishing or fabric replacement, extending the furniture’s life and value.

6. Personalized Design Assistance

Having the upholsterers onsite allows for collaborative design sessions. Customers can see samples, test fabrics, and even observe the process, which leads to a more satisfying and personalized final product.

7. Cost Savings

While custom upholstery can be expensive, stores that manage upholstery internally may reduce costs associated with outsourcing. These savings can be passed on to customers or used to improve material quality.

8. Accountability and Warranty

When a store handles upholstery themselves, it’s easier to assign accountability if something goes wrong. Warranty claims and service requests tend to be smoother because the work is managed under one roof.

9. Eco-Friendly Options

Stores with their own upholstery shops often have more control over waste management and materials sourcing. This can lead to more sustainable practices, such as recycling scraps or using eco-friendly fabrics.

10. Unique and Custom Designs

Because in-house upholsterers can work directly with designers and clients, they can create unique furniture pieces that stand apart from mass-produced items. This is especially valuable for clients seeking bespoke or statement pieces.

Summary Table: Benefits of In-House Upholstery

4. How much does custom upholstery typically cost at furniture stores?

Understanding the cost of custom upholstery is crucial before committing to a project. Prices can vary widely based on factors such as the furniture type, fabric choice, labor complexity, and the retailer’s pricing model. Below is a breakdown of what influences the cost and typical price ranges.

Base Price Factors

• Furniture Type: Larger pieces like sofas and sectionals cost more due to more materials and labor. Chairs and ottomans generally cost less.

• Fabric Selection: High-end, durable, or specialty fabrics (e.g., leather, performance fabrics) command higher prices than standard cotton or polyester blends.

• Labor Intensity: Complex upholstery involving tufting, nailhead trim, or intricate sewing requires more time and skill, increasing costs.

• Customization Level: More options such as custom cushions, frames, or finishes will raise the price.

Average Cost Ranges

Fabric Costs

Fabric costs typically range from $20 to $150 per yard, with 10–20 yards needed depending on the furniture piece. Performance fabrics with stain resistance or eco-friendly materials are often priced higher.

Labor Costs

Labor generally accounts for 40-60% of the total upholstery cost. Labor includes dismantling the old upholstery (if reupholstering), frame repair, padding replacement, sewing, and finishing.

Additional Costs

• Frame Repairs: If the furniture frame is damaged, repairs add to the cost.

• Cushion Filling: Upgrading to high-density foam or down-filled cushions increases expenses.

• Special Finishes: Adding nailhead trims, piping, or custom stitching can add several hundred dollars.

• Delivery and Setup: Some stores charge extra for delivery, especially for large or heavy items.

Cost Comparison: Custom Upholstery vs. Ready-Made Furniture

Tips to Manage Costs

• Select mid-range performance fabrics for durability and value.

• Limit extra design features to essentials.

• Consider reupholstering existing frames for cost savings.

• Shop sales or ask about package deals at furniture stores.

Financing and Payment Options

Many furniture retailers offer financing plans or layaway options to spread out the cost of custom upholstery over time. Always inquire about payment plans to ease upfront expenses.

5. What types of fabrics are commonly available for custom upholstery at furniture stores?

Choosing the right fabric is one of the most important decisions in custom upholstery. Furniture stores offering custom services usually provide a wide range of fabric options, each with different characteristics, durability levels, and aesthetics. Below is an overview of the most common fabric types available:

1. Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber that’s soft, breathable, and comfortable. It is popular for casual and traditional upholstery. However, cotton can wrinkle and stain easily unless treated with a stain-resistant finish.

2. Linen

Linen is another natural fiber known for its elegant texture and durability. It offers a crisp, fresh look but can wrinkle more than synthetic fabrics. Linen blends with synthetic fibers often improve durability and stain resistance.

3. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber widely used in upholstery because of its durability and resistance to fading and stains. It’s often blended with natural fibers to improve strength and feel.

4. Velvet

Velvet can be made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers. It’s prized for its soft, plush texture and luxurious appearance. Velvet upholstery adds depth and richness but may require special care to avoid crushing the pile.

5. Leather

Leather is a premium upholstery material known for its durability and classic look. It ages well, developing a patina over time. Leather is easy to clean but can be expensive and may be less comfortable in extreme temperatures.

6. Microfiber

Microfiber is a tightly woven synthetic fabric that mimics suede. It is stain-resistant, easy to clean, and highly durable, making it a popular choice for homes with kids or pets.

7. Wool

Wool is durable, naturally stain-resistant, and flame-retardant. It has a cozy feel but can be more expensive and less common than other fabrics.

8. Olefin (Polypropylene)

Olefin is a synthetic fiber resistant to moisture, mildew, and stains. It is frequently used for outdoor and performance upholstery due to its durability.

9. Chenille

Chenille fabric has a soft, textured surface created by fuzzy yarns. It offers a cozy look and feel, suitable for casual living spaces. Chenille blends may include cotton, polyester, or acrylic.

10. Sunbrella

Sunbrella is a brand of high-performance fabric known for exceptional outdoor durability and UV resistance. It’s also stain and water-resistant, making it ideal for indoor/outdoor use.

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Fabric Comparison Table

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Tips for Selecting Upholstery Fabric

• Consider durability needs: Homes with kids or pets benefit from performance fabrics like microfiber or olefin.

• Test fabric samples: Always request swatches to evaluate texture and color in your space.

• Think about maintenance: Some fabrics need professional cleaning, while others can be spot cleaned easily.

• Balance comfort and style: Velvet and leather offer luxury, while cotton and linen feel lighter and casual.

• Factor in cost: Higher-end fabrics cost more but often last longer, potentially saving money over time.

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By understanding the types of upholstery fabrics commonly offered by furniture stores, customers can make more informed choices aligned with their lifestyle and design goals.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing furniture stores that offer custom upholstery, understanding the range of options and factors involved is essential for making the best decision. From identifying which stores provide in-house upholstery services to evaluating the costs, fabric types, and customization possibilities, each element plays a crucial role in ensuring your furniture perfectly fits your style, comfort, and durability needs.

Custom upholstery allows for personalized design and superior craftsmanship, often resulting in unique, high-quality pieces that stand the test of time. While costs can vary based on materials and complexity, thoughtful fabric selection and careful planning can help manage expenses without sacrificing style or longevity.

Ultimately, partnering with a reputable furniture store that offers expert upholstery services—ideally with in-house capabilities—can make the entire process smoother, faster, and more rewarding. With the right knowledge and resources, you can create furniture that not only enhances your living space but also reflects your individual taste and lifestyle for years to come.