SFGate

Aja Mazin ARE YOU SURE THE PIECE IS WORTH THE COST OF RECOVERING?

jackiemoss Good question. Maybe we just need to have a new sofa made. But wouldn't it be worth it to at least use the frame or would it not make a difference?

Aja Mazin It would probably as cost as much or cost more.

dianahb Like everything else, there are different grades of mohair and velvet. Both have been around for a long long time, so pretty durable. I love mohair and have chairs covered in it, and they're terrific-- have had no problems with the fabric at all, and we sit in these chairs everyday. I also have a dog, and the (dark) fabric doesn't seem to pick up the (white) dog hair-- not sure why-- but it just doesn't. Not sure if velvet would respond in the same way. The mohair I have also has a subtle design on it-- all the same color-- but the design probably helps, I'm guessing, in keeping it looking good and adds interest/dimension. I'm a big fan of mohair.

The only reason to keep the frame is (1) if you really like it; and (2) its age. Older furniture is typically made much better than what's made today. So if it's not very old, and you didn't pay much money for it when you got it, and you're not in love with it-- I'd probably sell it on Craig's List, and then find something old that's made really well, and that fits your style and budget-- and have it re-upholstered.

feeny Unless you know of a talented upholsterer with reasonable prices (they exist, but can be hard to find), it is often more expensive to reupholster than to buy new.

jackiemoss I know the high quality mohair can be very pricey but I love the look and feel. I hadn't thought of a design in it, but I like that idea. Thanks for the comment on durability.

jackiemoss Our sofa was originally a Barbara Barry 3 seater (thus the first photo was to show an upholsterer the form of the sofa) and then we had it reupholstered into a sectional. I was never happy with the fabric or the quality of the work on the reupholstery. So, would a 15 year old Barbara Barry frame be considered worth salvaging or no?

Aja Mazin No.

Why would a 15 year old Barbara Barry frame be considered worth salvaging?

But if your heart is set on a Barbara Barry, check out her new ones.

Manon Floreat I would wager that a 15 year old Barbara Barry is is probably very well made and worth reupholstering. As dianahb mentioned, stuff just isn't made as well today. Chances are that you will spend a pretty penny for reupholstering and have a better quality sofa than if you were to buy new. new.

I have strong interest in furniture quality and find this discussion informative. I'm curious to hear others' thoughts on the matter.

dianahb Well, I'm guessing that's a pretty good sofa. I'd keep it if I liked it. Her design sense is amazing, of course, and her fabrics I know pretty well, and the ones I've seen are all incredible and beautiful-- Not familiar with her furniture line, but I'm sure it's high quality like everything else she seems to do.

All my furniture is old-- and so I've had it all reupholstered at one time or another-- and my upholsterer (and, yes, it is hard to find a really good one) complains incessantly about new furniture today-- mostly stapled and glued and not real wood frames-- and it goes on and on. You should hear him talk about it. Your Barbara Berry sofa, though, is-- I'm sure-- of a much higher caliber. ;)

So my advice is to keep it, and get it recovered in a fabric you'll love. I never skimp on fabric choice (or upholsterer), because it really does make a difference. The one time I saved money on some fabric, I regretted it and had to have it re-done in no time. I rather like your sofa, and-- covered in the right material-- could take on a whole new life.

Aja Mazin Manon Floreat,

What specifically about the construction of the frame of a 15 year old Barbara Barry makes it well constructed?

dianahb I'll just add that everything I've ever seen with Barbara Barry's name attached to it, has been very well made and of high quality. I'm just guessing (not knowing for sure) that her furniture line would probably be high quality as well. I'm not sure where it's made, but her name has been aligned with Henredon, at one point (still?) -- which has always been high quality furniture. Not sure about this specific sofa.

Again, if you like the sofa itself, you could have an upholsterer look at it and tell you about the quality. They've seen everything.

jackiemoss That was why I asked. I know her work is high quality. I see she still makes the original sofa that this was. I will have an upholsterer take a look. Thank you for the advice.

Aja Mazin Any 15 year old wood frame has deteriorated in integrity due to use and stress.

That is a fact, not an opinion.

dianahb Well, I'm sitting here in my grandfather's old club chairs (covered in mohair) as I type this. They were made in the 1930's, and they're holding up pretty well-- springs and all. I had them reupholstered a year ago, and the upholsterer was stunned by the quality. The only deterioration was the stuffing and fabric, and the springs needed to be re-tied. The wood frame held up just fine-- despite years of "use and stress." I sat in these same chairs when I was 5 years old (and I'm a lot older than that now.) And that's true for everything else I've had reupholstered (including the youngest sofa I own, which is now 30 years old). The wood is always fine. If it's good wood to begin with, and it's wood that's been taken care of, that really isn't typically what deteriorates. I've got some furniture that's over 100 years old, and the wood is just fine. So if a 15-year old wood frame "has deteriorated in integrity due to use and stress," I'm guessing that's because wood wasn't actually used.

jackiemoss These comments have all been really helpful. I just spoke to a reupholsterer who does work for many of the design showrooms in LA. He said I would save 30-40% using my existing framework. I'll do more research, but that's a pretty compelling number.

john thompson designer Jackiemoss


When you're thinking about a new sofa, you'll want to check our sofa buying tips. While it is important to get a sofa in just the right color, it is just as important to get one that will last. Inexpensive furniture can break, pop springs, and look out of shape within a year of constant use. Quality construction will offer years of enjoyment and has enough good "bones" to allow you to recover it periodically.

Choose the Style of Cushions for Your New Sofa

First decide if you prefer the look of loose back cushions or attached. Loose cushions give you the option of turning the pillows as needed, while attached backs won't need fluffing or rearranging. Be sure to sit in the sofa you are considering. Is it comfortable? Are the arms the right height for taking a nap or reading a book?

How Many Cushions Do You Like on a Sofa?

How many seat cushions would you like? One cushion offers a clean modern look while two or three are traditional. When you sit on the cushions, do they stay in place or do the corners flare up? Are they attached to the frame with a clip to hold them down?

What Style of Sofa Arm Do You Like?

Choose an arm style for your new sofa. You can choose from armless, traditional rolled arm, curved English arm, or a straight Parsons style. The rolled arm has a flat front panel and is often outlined in cording. English style is rounded at the front, with fabric formed into sunburst-type pleats. Straight arm sofas are most often seen in contemporary settings.

A Skirted Sofa or One With Bare Legs?

Do you want a skirted sofa or one with the visible legs? Choose from leg styles that vary from heavy square chunks and wide bun feet to more delicate tapered legs or carved and curved formal versions. Legs are usually available in a number of finishes as well.

Understand Frame Construction for Upholstered Furniture

Ask about the construction of a sofa under consideration. The best are made from kiln-dried hardwoods (oak, maple, poplar, etc.), while inexpensive furniture is made from softer pine lumber. Interior construction is important as well. Cheap furniture is stapled together and has haphazardly constructed corner bracing. Better frames are securely screwed together.

Understand Sofa Seat Construction

Find out how the seat support system is made. Often a furniture store will have a cutaway model of the interior of upholstered pieces. Does it have quality 8-way tied springs or cheaper wire coils?

Choosing the Cushion and Pillow Filling for Your Sofa

The cushion and pillow filling are important to the feel of a sofa. Upholstery foam is inexpensive and comes in several thicknesses and weights, however the best cushions have down fillings. All-down cushions must be fluffed daily, though another option uses down pads wrapped around a core of foam. Understand these options for the sofa you want and which might be best for you. Are the cushions standard or special order, foam or down?

Choose the Fabric for You New Sofa's Final Cover

Choose a fabric for your sofa. Chenille is soft and durable while Leather is long-lasting and attractive. Velvets and other fabrics look lovely but may wear out with heavy use over the years. Finally consider options for trimmings. Dress up a sofa with fringed pillows or double welted seams. While these options add to the cost, they also give your piece a one-of-a-kind look. Many furniture manufacturers also offer the option of custom-made slipcovers to give you a seasonal change.

sincerely,

john thompson designer

Kathleen Amatangelo The cost to recover is going to be more than you expect. I would buy a new one. A sofa that is 15 has lived its full life (they don't make them like they used to). Take a look at this sofa: http://www.la-z-boy.com/Product/5154-7171/Sinclair-Chaise-Sectional/

Aja Mazin A 15 year old sofa was made in 1998.

dianahb "A 15 year old sofa was made in 1998." Yes, and that is a fact you're stating there.

sondramartina Aja if you know more about upholstering please check my post about upholstering chairs back,please.

dianahb jackiemoss: John Thompson's information up there is really helpful.

I guess we just live in a throw-away culture now, so -- at the ancient age of 15-- the sense is that we should just discard, and buy new. Again, my feeling is that you should certainly have your sofa checked out to see if the frame is really good (and, I'm guessing it is). If not, I would not recover it, but I also would not go out and buy new (so you can replace in another 15 years or less?).

There is so much (and much of it very affordable) beautiful older furniture out there-- with beautiful lines-- and made really really well. Often, all a piece needs is reupholstering-- but no one wants to go to the trouble. Buying older furniture, too, and reupholstering it, is not only a green thing to do, but it keeps your local businesses (fabric; upholsterer) in business. Plus, you'll have a piece that no one else has. ;)

Enjoy, and report back and what the upholsterer said.

Susan Mills Design Agree wholeheartedly, have it looked at, good quality sofas have all the qualities John Thomson stated, and are screwed, glued, corner blocked and have hand tied springs. They are built up at the edges so that the edges don't sag. I have gone through this with many of my clients who want a new look but also have furniture that still has a lot of life.

Another thing you can do is to reshape it. A very good upholsterer can give you other options for your sofa. Higher back cushions, no problem, use down and foam, of course, not saying on your particular sofa you would change anything but for others reading this informative post, it's possible. I would say, the more information you have, the better you will feel about your choice. Hope that helps!

Susan Mills Design Another thing when choosing sofa cushions, if you choose one continuous seat cushion, and it's feather and needs daily fluffing, pick it up in the store and try to do that. It's harder than you think!

Manon Floreat I'm so glad you posted this question, jackiemoss. John Thompson, thank you for the guidelines you shared. This discussion has been helpful for me personally, as I may one day embark down the road of purchasing a new sofa.

My sofa is a Broyhill. It's probably 18 years old or more (I bought it used 15 yrs ago) and is in great shape. I'm not sure of its construction, but I imagine it must be good or it couldn't have lasted as long as it has with daily use. Granted I don't practice martial arts or do disco dancing on it, but it has seen it's fair share of lively soirees. At one time Broyhill was known for good quality. I've read that they are now considered average. So, the quality of a maker can change.

Aja, I was thinking that the 15 year old Barbara Barry would have been made very well because of what I've heard about the quality of her furnishings. However, I've also read that even some of the top makers have suffered a bit in terms of quality over the years primarily due to the costs associated with making a piece that will last a lifetime - and beyond. So, the quality of the Barbara Barry might depend on where it landed on the quality curve at the time of its construction.

Jackiemoss, I think you're smart to have an upholsterer (or even a furniture maker) look at your sofa and give an opinion of its quality. Your sofa has a great form that's very versatile, so if it's a quality piece, I'd seriously consider reworking it - because it may be difficult to obtain the same quality for a new one at the price point of reupholstering.

Dianahb, I sit here and swoon reading about your grandfather's 1930's mohair covered chairs. What a treasure!

Aja Mazin sondramartina,

I will!.

As I stated before on other threads, I worked one summer during college at an upholstery shop in Tampa.

I enjoyed it and I learned a lot.

Manon Floreat Wow! I had no idea that the shape of a sofa could be modified through upholstery. Thanks for sharing that pearl of information, Susan. What about the arm shape - can that be modified with upholstery as well? And the continuous seat cushion . . . it is such a clean look, but I never thought about how heavy it must be if filled with down.

Maybe someone will create a detailed ideabook about sofa construction, quality and reupholstering. . . hint, hint.

Susan Mills Design Yes in order to maintain a single sofa cushion running the length of a 8 foot sofa, you must lift from one end, bring it over to the other end and then flip it. This will get rid of the wrinkles if linen and if a mixture of down wrapped over foam. You do need the internal foam core to give stability to the down wrap. Always have the sales associate show you how the cushioning looks once unzipped. A well made down cushion will be a duvet of sorts in its own casing zipped around the foam. Open it all and have a good look.

Manon, yes as well to having a sofa reupholstered and having changes made to the shape of it, not just cushioning but also the arm shapes. There are limits of course but a very good upholsterer will quickly let you know what they are.

In that detailed idea book, it would also be helpful to go into the different kinds of mattresses for sofa beds. That's a whole other topic!

Aja Mazin jackiemoss,

How long ago was the sofa recovered and converted into a sectional?

And was the arm on the right always that height?

Was the shape of the seat cushion on the right originally a "T"?

Manon Floreat Great information, Susan. I nominate you to author said ideabook and I'll be your assistant! Think about the fun you would have finding appropriate images and how much we would all learn. My birthday's in September . . . I'm just sayin' . . . ; )

Susan Mills Design Lol if we do it, it would be quite interesting, informative and a bit tongue in cheek Manon! Sounds fun though, I think I know my way around a sofa or two.

Manon Floreat I like it and am already laughing!

Aja Mazin Barbara Barry sofa with chaise

http://krrb.com/posts/10717-barbara-barry-chaise-sofa

Manon Floreat That's a nice looking sofa. Relatively good price, too.

Susan Mills Design If its anything like the doors project Manon!

Aja Mazin Very nice price!

Closed - Gave it away.

Manon Floreat Oh, the Doors. LOL! No hats this time.

jackiemoss Aja, no the arm on the right was exactly as the arm on the left is in photo #1. The designer and upholsterer created the high back on the right when it was made into a sectional. My intention is to make a wider arm that comes to the front of the sofa in the vein of Jean Michel Frank. I want something that is more early 20th century and tailored. Otherwise I pretty much like the style of the sofa. I think the original Barbara Barry style is called the loose back sofa.

dianahb I think that's Barbara Barry's design put out by Baker furniture. Not sure if it was Baker putting this out 15 years ago, or maybe Henredon. She has designs with both. But I can believe that 15 years ago, at least, the furniture was most likely still made here in the U.S. Not sure about today with these brands-- though they're considered high quality by many.

Aja Mazin ahhh...

So the original sofa has been redesigned!

Am I correct that when the height of the right arm was increased, it was also angled outward?

You have created an "After Barbara Barry"!

Aja Mazin dianahb,

Henredon did not begin marketing Barbara Barry until 1999.

Furniture companies, like Henredon and Baker, REALIZE a Barbara Barry design; that is, the furniture co.
is responsible for the manufacturing.

There is no guarantee that the furniture was made in the US.

Also, furniture made in the US is not inherently of a better quality than furniture made outside the US.

Due to low labor costs, well made, quality furniture is produced outside the US and sold in the US at a lower cost.

This is indeed unfortunate for the American worker and the US economy.

[And I can not believe that 15 years ago, the furniture was most likely still made here in the U.S. ]

sms9758 A lot of furniture is excellent quality and worth recovering. Check the construction of your frame and go from there. Sometimes even if it costs more than new you are getting a better quality item in the lung run.

jackiemoss Aja, you are correct about the right arm. If you look at photo #2 it makes more sense.

Aja Mazin jackiemoss,

So the BB frame has been modified [redesigned] to fit your custom specifications, and you have added designed and [had custom built] 2 additional pieces [that look in very good condition] to expand the original sofa into a sectional!

Now I understand why you want to use the frames!!!

You have put much time, thought, creativity, and money into realizing your own unique design that fulfills your requirements!!!

dianahb Aja Mazin: You are most definitely preaching to the choir here. As a native North Carolinian, I am painfully aware of the textile and furniture manufacturing/markets, and what's happened with them over the decades. I also fully understand (as most of us do, no doubt) why manufacturing was/is done outside the country.

Still, there are some small family-owned businesses that have been doing, and some now beginning to do, all their work here in this country. And, yes, we'll typically pay more for that-- but the quality is there. I personally don't mind paying for quality.

I really have no stats on when Henredon or Baker starting carrying Barbara Barry, so I can't back up any of that. And I do believe that the chances of the furniture being made here (in this country) 15 years ago, are certainly higher than would be the case today.

jackiemoss: Once again, simply have an upholsterer look at your piece and tell you the construction quality. My guess is, that construction is well-made of good quality wood.

Aja Mazin dianahb,
.
Ancestors came from the Wachau Valley to Winston-Salem and Andrew, N.C.

Been to Hickory many times.

jackiemoss I want to thank all of you for your advice and observations. I guess this is a subject that needed discussion, and I look forward to that book! My birthday is in September as well. I will have an upholsterer look at the sofa, and I will do further research on fabrics. I'm still stuck on mohair but maybe there is something else out there for me. Have a nice weekend to all.

Dwellings LLC Check out Kravet # 29761, it is a fabulous velvet about $60 yd, many colors, has a very soft hand and has been tested for 105,000 double rubs. Yes, you read that correctly. I have used it several times and each and every time it comes out perfect. Enjoy your weekend.

jackiemoss Thank you for this fabric recommendation. I will check into it.

Manon Floreat jackiemoss, I understand your appreciation of mohair. I think that would be my top choice, too.

Suzan J Designs - Decorating Den Interiors Just to add my two cents - here are some chairs that I had reupholstered. The chairs were from the 60s, well-built, and I changed the basic design to a more contemporary look. As everyone has said here - it's worth it if it's a good quality piece, well made and solid construction, you love the lines of it AND you have a good upholsterer! It's not to save money. It appears that jackiemoss' BB sofa is a high quality piece that's worth investing in. A good, crushless velvet is Duralee's 14225. I used it on a sofa (in pink) and it's awesome. Very durable, and doesn't leave marks of everyone's tush when they get up from the sofa. :) All good info here on the hows and whys of reupholstering, and the types and quality of upholstered pieces out there now.

yvonnecmartin I would add a vote for reupholstering IF the sofa frame is considered by experts to be sound. A very important advantage is the choice of fabric. For very little extra money you can select something much more sturdy and truly unique than what is found in new sofas. However, selecting fabric can be overwhelming and time consuming. Just as when selecting paint colors, pick fabric in the room where the furniture will be used.