Comparison of a round armchair before and after reupholstery. The before image shows a light gray fabric chair, and the after image shows the same chair with a dark patterned fabric and throw pillows, in front of a window.
Comparison of two armchairs: the left chair is red with a high back and wooden legs, labeled 'Before'; the right chair is light green with a mid-height back and wooden legs, labeled 'After'.
Side-by-side images of a vintage armchair before and after restoration; the left shows a worn, beige leather chair with visible tears, and the right displays the same chair reupholstered with striped fabric and new trim, looking refreshed.
Side-by-side comparison of a chair before and after reupholstery: theBefore chair has white, horizontally stitched cushions and natural wood legs, while the after chair is covered in lime green fabric with matching stitching and the same wooden legs.
Side-by-side comparison of a vintage yellow-green velvet armchair before and after restoration. The before image shows the chair with torn upholstery and worn fabric. The after image shows the chair fully refurbished with clean, plush fabric in a mod

Q & A: Why Recover?

Recover or Buy New?

We get this question a lot—and the answer really depends on your unique situation.

Many of our clients choose to recover pieces that hold sentimental value or feature a design no longer in production. Some want to refresh their existing furniture with a modern twist, while others are focused on sustainability and prefer to give new life to what they already own. In many cases, customers come to us with solid New Zealand-made furniture that simply needs a fabric update—not a full replacement.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s why we’re happy to offer a free consultation and quote to help you decide what’s best for your home.

Is recovering worth it? And how does it compare in price?

On average, our recovery service costs around two-thirds the price of buying brand new. For example, a new sofa might cost $3,000, while recovering your existing one could be around $2,000. The better the quality of your current frame, the more cost-effective recovering becomes.

If your furniture already has good bones, reupholstering it with high-quality, durable fabric can often give you better longevity than buying a lower-end new piece—saving you money in the long run.

A curved black sofa with three patterned throw pillows, one in shades of blue and two in darker hues, in a room with dark wood paneled walls and a yellowish-brown rug.
Living room with patterned sofa, multiple cushions, a round marble coffee table with a potted plant and glassware, beige curtains, and a white hanging lampshade.

Q & A: How Does It Work?

What Can We Recover?
Almost anything in your home that can be upholstered! Our expert upholsterer, Dave, has years of experience and can work with a wide variety of furniture pieces.

Most commonly, we recover armchairs, lounge suites/sofas, bed headboards, ottomans, and dining chairs—but we’re happy to look at other items too.

Do I Need to Bring the Furniture In to Get a Quote?
Not initially. To provide an estimate, we just need a few photos and the approximate dimensions of your furniture. This helps us determine how much fabric will be required and how long the project might take. If you eventually want to go ahead, we can also take care of the pick-up and delivery for you.

What If I Already Have My Own Fabric?
No problem! We're happy to work with your own fabric. After a consultation and review of your furniture, we’ll let you know how many metres will be needed to complete the job.

How Long Does It Take?
Lead times vary depending on the size of the project and the availability of your chosen fabric.
As a general guide:

  • Lounge suites: around 4 weeks

  • Armchairs and dining chairs: 1–2 weeks

We’ll confirm the timeline during your consultation once we’ve assessed the project with Dave.

Choose your dream fabric

No compromise. Get the best fabrics and leathers available in New Zealand.

Want To Get A Free Quote?

 

Ready to get a free quote?

Come visit us in our showroom on 320 Manchester Street, Christchurch, or contact us HERE.