How to repair or restore an old sofa with your own hands. Master class on do-it-yourself furniture restoration: wardrobe and sofa Restore an old sofa with your own hands

Do-it-yourself sofa repair in a classic style

At home, wear and tear on furniture is inevitable. The solution to the problem may be to restore the sofa yourself. Most often, external elements require replacement, regardless of the type and quality of the material. The fabric fades in the sun, wears out, the foam loses its elasticity and sags.

Do-it-yourself reupholstery and minor repairs to a corner sofa

Advantages of do-it-yourself restoration:

• purchasing material is several times cheaper than new furniture;
• preservation of antiques;
• choice color range and design, to suit personal tastes and the overall interior of the room;
• independent choice of material based on quality, environmental friendliness, cost;
• the ability to take into account the weak points of the old sofa and strengthen them.

Broken sofa folding mechanism

In addition to external wear and tear, internal breakdowns occur over time. Somewhere there is a creak, the folding mechanism does not work, the springs break.

Repair internal filling sofa - replacing springs

Lubricate the creaking parts of the folding mechanism

The wooden base may crack or break. In order for the restoration of an old sofa to be of high quality with your own hands, you need to know its approximate structure and repair methods.

Cracked block - part of the base

Base sleeping place, requiring replacement

Restoration of a Soviet sofa - new life for old furniture

Conventionally, the sofa can be divided into four parts. This wooden base made of solid wood and chipboard, steel springs and folding mechanism, filling (foam rubber or batting) and upholstery (fabric, leather, leatherette), decorative elements(wooden overlays, buttons).

The process of reupholstering a soft sofa step by step

There are several ways to restore a sofa with your own hands, depending on the complexity:

• minor repairs to upholstery and decor;
• complete replacement of upholstery (reupholstery);
• replacement of upholstery and filling;
• replacement of upholstery, filling, repair of mechanisms;
• complete renovation all the details.

Repair of the spring mechanism, replacement of the filling and upholstery of the sofa-couch

You should not get down to business if we are talking about antiques, or near an old sofa complex elements designs. It is also better to entrust work with capricious materials, such as leather, to professionals, or change the material to fabric.

Transformation of a leather sofa after restoration by specialists

Required materials and tools

Tools and materials needed for repairs upholstered furniture

Restoring an old sofa will take time. This is a creative process that requires desire, tools and good stuff. Everything needed to repair a standard 180*90 sofa is indicated in the table. It is better to purchase filler and fabric for upholstery with a reserve.

Materials and components for DIY sofa repair

The following tools may be required:

• construction adhesive;
• stapler for furniture;
• strong nylon thread and a needle for it;
• spanner wrench, pliers, screwdriver;
• jigsaw, in as a last resort, regular saw(if chipboard replacement is required).

Variety of tools for furniture repair

Cut the fabric into a cover in advance. It is difficult to sew dense elements, so you can order the production of the material from a seamstress. To avoid mistakes with sizes, use old fabric as a template. When cutting, be sure to leave 5-10 centimeters for fastening, taking into account the height of the seat (width of the back).

Restoration process: step-by-step instructions

We check the frame and base of the sofa, replace it if it breaks

Before you restore the sofa with your own hands, you need to check the condition of the main frame. If there are cracked or sagging bars, it is better to replace them. Solid wood rarely requires repairs, but chipboard often breaks. It is not worth repairing; here you need to completely replace the broken part.

We drag the lower base of the sofa, using the old upholstery as a template

The repair of the back, seat and armrests is slightly different, but in general, the restoration scheme for different parts is approximately the same.

We replace the upholstery on the inside of the armrests, replace the filling and sew a new cover

First of all, you need to carry out dismantling work:

• remove the side armrests (usually the bolts on them are made with inside, here you may need a hex socket wrench or pliers);
• remove the seats and backrests from the fasteners to the lower frame;
• remove the old upholstery, remove the staples too;
• Carefully dismantle the old filler and check for suitability for reuse;
• remove the springs, check their condition, if necessary, clean, lubricate, replace in whole or in part;
• Check the condition of the chipboard and replace the sheets if necessary.

We replace the outer part of the armrests and connect both parts together

All small parts from disassembly, it is better to put it in one container so as not to lose it.

We fix the upholstery at the base, use a hammer and stapler if necessary

At the second stage, we replace the old elements. To fasten parts together, it is best to use both glue and a stapler. But if necessary, you can make do with handy means. For example, instead of a stapler, use small nails:

• lay thick fabric on both sides of the spring block, bend the edges inward on each side and stitch with nylon thread;
• lay the spring frame on a wooden base, secure the springs through the fabric with a stapler. If you don’t have a tool, you can make arched staples from steel wire, or from thin nails, driving the “head” to the side;
• lay new, or suitable old, filler;
• tighten the entire structure with fastening fabric, like upholstery, and secure it;
• put on a new cover, secure with glue and a stapler.

Now it’s the turn of the back of our sofa - we do the work according to the same principle

The final stage is decoration

We fix the outer part of the sofa, decorate it with beautiful legs and decorate it with buttons - we get a great new sofa

Restoring sofas with your own hands is an interesting activity, as is decorating it. Here you can simply lay beautiful pillows, or make a carriage tie.

Do-it-yourself carriage tie for the back of the new Diana

Usually the backs are decorated in this way, leaving the seats solid. The screed elements are simple; you need to prepare buttons or metal rivets. Cross diagonals can be emphasized with tape. In order for the foam rubber to lie flat, you need to cut out small circles from the filler at the replacement stage - places for future buttons. Then cover it with fabric and sew on the selected elements. To tighten the buttons, you can use a stapler or strong threads, tightening them on the other side.

Do-it-yourself upholstered furniture repair

If the design has wooden elements, you can glue a shaped piece of wood in color to the front part of the armrests. Then all the furniture parts are put back together. It is important to check all fastenings so that nothing comes loose during operation. That's it, the restoration of the old sofa is complete!

Restoration of an old sofa - photos before and after reupholstery

vintage upholstered sofa wooden elements after restoration

Video: sofa renovation with design changes. sofa restoration. timelapse

Any, even the most durable furniture gradually wears out and takes on an unsightly appearance. The sofa, as an actively used element of furniture, is no exception. Restoring a sofa with your own hands will restore its attractiveness and functional irreplaceability.

The easiest way to repair upholstered furniture is to invite craftsmen. This approach is quite justified if your sofa is unique and has antique value, or if its design is very complex. In most cases, restoring a sofa is a completely feasible and economical undertaking. The question of how to restore a sofa can be solved quite simply if you take the time and purchase high-quality material.

Useful information

The sofa consists of several elements of a standard design. The main elements include the back, sides, and seat. In addition, sofas may contain overhead elements (ottomans, pillows, etc.), additional mechanisms (folding mechanism, hinges, etc.) and decorative fittings. In turn, the main elements include the frame, upholstery, filler and back panel. The design of the seat also includes a shock-absorbing element.

The frames of the main elements are made of wooden blocks different sizes. Usually the bars are connected adhesives, and the joints can be reinforced with screws. As a filler, foam rubber of various thicknesses and densities is used, as well as batting, synthetic winterizer or other soft synthetic fillers.

The shock-absorbing element of the seat is most often made in the form of springs, but it can also be represented by a thickened foam rubber sheet. The armrests of the sidewalls are formed by an additional layer soft material. All main elements are covered with fabric or leather upholstery. To prevent sagging or stretching of the fabric upholstery on the surface of the main elements, tightening elements are used (decorated, for example, in the form of buttons, rivets, etc.).

Return to contents

Basic principles of restoration: step-by-step instructions

Any restoration of an old sofa (regardless of its reasons) includes the replacement of upholstery and filler, since the materials of these elements are subject to the most rapid wear. Replacement or repair of other elements is carried out as necessary, if they are damaged.

An exception is the repair of a fairly new sofa if the frame or shock-absorbing element is damaged due to mechanical stress or due to a manufacturing defect. In this case, the upholstery and filler remain in good condition and their replacement is impractical. When repairing, the upholstery is carefully removed and the damaged element is replaced, after which the upholstery returns to its place.

If, after identifying damage, the decision was made to restore old sofa, then it is necessary to determine which element will only be repaired and which will be completely replaced. Accordingly, a list of required materials and their quantity is compiled.

When restoring a sofa with your own hands, you should simultaneously decide on the need to make changes to the design. It will not be difficult to make the following improvements: increasing the thickness of the sidewalls; changing the shape of the armrest; changing the rigidity of the seat and backrest, etc.

Return to contents

Choice of upholstery material

The upholstery is the most visible and most worn element of any sofa. The upholstery material must meet a number of requirements, such as:

• abrasion resistance;
• mechanical tensile strength;
• reduced ability to concentrate dust and dirt;
• aesthetic appeal;
• harmlessness to humans;
• dye fastness.

Leather upholstery has many advantages, but is expensive and difficult to install yourself. This upholstery is usually used if the leather was on an old sofa. A good tapestry is very beautiful and aristocratic, more technologically advanced, but not much different in price from leather. At the same time, it should be taken into account that both leather and tapestry have long term services.

The choice of fabric colors is very important from both an aesthetic and practical point of view. When selecting fabric, you should take into account the need to combine it on different elements the design of the sofa and the location of the element itself on the area. The least waste is achieved when using plain fabrics and fabrics with small abstract patterns. Overconsumption of material occurs when cutting fabric with large patterns in the form geometric shapes, lines and cells of different colors.

Dense fleecy fabric can hide many flaws when stretched. When choosing a fabric, you need to check that the pile is firmly attached to the base. Cotton fabrics are not practical, wrinkle and are not abrasion resistant. Velor fabrics look good, but have low wear resistance and actively collect dust.

Return to contents

Filler selection

Foam rubber and synthetic winterizer are widely used as filler. When choosing a material, you should pay special attention to its quality. Sintepon must have White color without significant shades. Shouldn't come from him unpleasant odors. The strength of padding polyester is such that it is difficult to tear it apart by hand; if it breaks easily, then it is a low-quality material.

Foam rubber with a thickness of at least 50 mm or several layers with a thickness of 20 mm is usually used in the seat and backrest. The structure of high-quality foam rubber contains very small pores. When purchasing a material, you should check its elastic properties: after pressing the foam rubber with your hand, it should quickly return to its previous position.

Return to contents

Disassembling the sofa and its elements

Restoring a sofa begins with its complete disassembly. It is done in the following order. All overhead and decorative elements are removed. The sides are unscrewed. The mechanisms for laying out the sofa and fixing the elements are being dismantled. The back and seat are separated.

Complete disassembly of the sides includes unscrewing the legs and fittings, removing the upholstery and removing the filling. The armrest is removed. The strength of the frame is checked.

Disassembling the backrest begins with removing the back panel. Then the tightening elements are dismantled and the upholstery is removed. The filler is removed. The strength of the frame is checked.

Disassembling the sofa seat includes removing the tightening elements and removing the upholstery. The shock-absorbing elements are removed. The filler is removed. The strength of the frame is checked.

It should be taken into account that in a number of sofa designs, the upholstery of the back and seat is carried out with one continuous piece of fabric covering both elements.

Often the sofa seat is installed on a pallet. Its separation and disassembly completes the disassembly of the entire sofa.

Return to contents

Cut out new upholstery

The easiest way to cut new fabric is on old upholstery. If you managed to remove it carefully, it will serve as a template for new upholstery. With this kind of cutting, it is advisable to add 1-2 cm in all directions, providing an allowance and facilitating subsequent stretching. If a decision is made to expand the sidewalls, then the corresponding change is taken into account when cutting. If it is impossible to use the old upholstery, all elements are measured using a tape measure and a meter ruler. Then a pattern is made on paper and the fabric is cut.

Buying new furniture is always accompanied by significant costs, which may not be affordable for everyone. Restoration will help keep your budget safe and sound. Let's figure out how to repair an old sofa with your own hands, and what tools may be required for this.

Many citizens are suspicious of restoring old furniture, although it has a lot of undeniable advantages. These include:

• saving money;
• independent choice of design;
• preserving memories associated with an antique item;
• refinement of weak points of the design, to increase ease of use.

Budget savings

The main plus for which many decide to restore the sofa. Updating parts that have exhausted their service life costs much less, and the remaining money can be spent on more pleasant needs.

Antique Preservation

Old, antique things were valued at all times. Why throw away a good, sturdy sofa that has a lot of memories attached to it? Easier to refresh it appearance and continue to use it for your pleasure. Perhaps in the future, the money saved on buying a sofa will be better used.

Choice of colors

When buying new furniture, the problem of choosing the right one often arises. color solution, harmoniously fitting into the current interior of the room. In case of restoration, it is much easier to buy fabric of the desired color, and this saves not only money, but also time.

Independent selection of material according to quality

Another undoubted advantage is the ability to choose the quality of the material used for restoration. An old sofa can be covered with more expensive fabric, which will significantly increase its appearance. At the same time, the price of a new product made from the same material will be many times higher.

Strengthening weak points

Buying new furniture always carries the danger of unexpected defects or design flaws that reduce the ease of use. In old furniture, all the disadvantages are already known and they can always be eliminated by purchasing a couple of extra parts. So you update the look and strengthen the structure as a whole, costing a minimum of investment.

Design

The advantages of restoration are more or less clear, now it's time to understand the design of the sofa. This will allow you to determine the importance of a particular part, the amount of work to be done and the approximate cost of repair.

Frame

The basis of the structure, which bears the heaviest loads. Try not to purchase products made from chipboard. They are too fragile and quickly become unusable. A good frame is expensive, but the service life of such furniture is much longer.

Spring block base

An important detail responsible for ease of fit. If it is damaged or fails, the structure becomes inconvenient to use, and its working life is exhausted faster than usual.

Spring block

The spring block base provides the seat with elasticity and comfort. If it fails, the sofa will begin to make creaking sounds, wear out faster and spoil the upholstery from the inside. You shouldn't let your furniture get into this state. Timely repairs will solve many problems and contribute to further savings.

Felt or thick fabric

Felt is a natural material used in the assembly of sofas. Felt, or thick fabric, is used in old-style sofas as a protective layer and there are usually no problems with replacing them.

polyurethane foam

Cheap and durable filler, widely used in the furniture industry. Polyurethane foam comes in two types:

• block;
• cast.

Note! To fill the sofas, polyurethane foam is used, the density of which ranges from 30 to 40 kilograms per square meter. Fillers with a density below 30 kilograms are used only for the manufacture of decorative type pillows.

Sintepon.

Synthetic filler made from non-woven fabric. It is used in budget designs due to its low cost.

Most often, it is not used as a basis for filling the upholstery, but is combined with other, better materials.

Upholstery fabric

Upholstery fabric is responsible for decorative properties sofa and protects it from external influences. The higher quality and more expensive the upholstery, the longer the furniture retains its fresh, presentable appearance. Exists a large number of materials for these purposes - you will always have plenty to choose from.

Kinds

The complexity of restoring a sofa and its final cost largely depend on the type of furniture. Some models can be repaired quickly and without problems, while others will require a lot of resources. Let's figure out what types of sofas exist and what to expect if they break down.

Accessories

Regardless of the design of the sofa, the fittings are considered as a separate item. It consists of auxiliary elements structures that also wear out over time. Sofa accessories include:

• legs;
• wheels.

They come in different sizes and shapes, and strength often depends on the material of manufacture.

Book

Comfortable and practical sofa models that have been popular since Soviet times. Pros of a sofa book:

• variability. Can be used as a sofa and as a bed;
• when assembled it has compact dimensions;
• has additional sections in which you can store bed linen or things.

• It cannot be placed close to the wall, since in this position it cannot be disassembled.

Eurobook

The sofa from the Eurobook series is considered a leader in terms of structural strength. This effect is achieved due to the simplicity of the design, which reduces the possibility of breakdown to a minimum. Advantages:

• easy to disassemble and assemble;
• large selection of sizes and shapes;
• no need to move away from the wall if there is a need for additional bed space.

Flaws:

• the price is higher than that of a book sofa.

Eurobook "Tick-tock"

The difference from the basic model is the mechanism for converting the sofa into a bed. You won't have to pull out the folding module by scratching flooring. The transformation process is carried out by weight, which makes the procedure silent and practical.

The only drawback of this design is the need to remove special pillows during transformation, which come with the sofa.

Accordion

A compact and practical sofa, which got its name because of the mechanism of transformation into a bed, reminiscent of the bellows of an accordion. Advantages of the model:

• small dimensions when folded;
• high orthopedic qualities;
• ease of use.

Flaws:

• There are many complex parts in the mechanism, some of which rub against each other during transformation. This significantly increases wear on the upholstery and the structure itself.

Click-clack

A type of sofa-book, equipped with a modified disassembly mechanism. The model has three working positions:

• sitting position;
• lying position;
• "chaise lounge" position.

The name comes from the characteristic sounds made by the furniture during transformation.

Dolphin

Universal furniture with an elongated corner part. It is used in the interior of spacious living rooms, but, if necessary, fits harmoniously into small rooms. Advantages of the model:

• the sleeping place is flat, without drops;
• easy to disassemble and assemble.

Flaws:

• If low-quality, cheap materials are used during the assembly process, the product will quickly become unusable.

Materials

When buying a sofa, first of all, pay attention to the upholstery and filling. These materials are most subject to mechanical stress, which reduces the shelf life of the product.

Polyurethane foam

Material with high strength and low price. It is not used as the main filler. In most modifications of sofas, both old and new, polyurethane foam acts as a gasket, combined with other fillers.

Holofiber

Synthetic material having the following distinctive features:

1. Easily restores its original shape due to the porous structure of the substance.
2. Not used in the production process harmful chemicals, making the material classified as environmentally friendly.
3. Lasting.
4. Long lasting.

Flaws:

1. It requires proper care, otherwise it quickly loses its properties, becoming unusable.

Sintepon

A common synthetic material used, among other things, in the production of furniture. Among the advantages of a synthetic winterizer are:

• cheap;
• when deformed, it quickly returns to its basic shape;
• The fibers of the material are strong and, under strong impact, do not tear, but stretch.

• may have a negative impact on health if manufactured using the adhesive method;
• when rubbed creates a static charge of electricity.

Vatnik

Used as flooring, combined with other fillers. Material Features:

• soft, pleasant to the touch;
• does not harm health;
• cheap;
• allows air to pass through well.

Flaws:

• not suitable as the main filler, since the fabric fibers have low elasticity. Because of this, a product made from quilted jacket does not restore its original shape well, which affects its appearance.

Periotec

Non-woven material of increased comfort, used as a filler in:

• mattresses;
• furniture;
• pillows;
• blankets

• quickly recovers even with repeated deformation of the canvas;
• makes the furniture more comfortable;
• hypoallergenic;
• allows air to pass through well.

Flock

Chemically treated textiles front side which is covered with a small pile. Many people confuse it with velor. Advantages:

• dense;
• soft;
• increased wear resistance;
• allows air to pass freely.

Negative qualities:

• substances that contain alcohol have a destructive effect on flock;
• highly electrified.

Velours

A budget alternative to velvet, used in the production of room furniture. It has a pleasant, soft fiber structure. The material is dense, which increases its wear resistance.

Jacquard

Expensive material made from various fabrics. Its main feature is considered to be its exceptional appearance and labor-intensive manufacturing process. A product covered with jacquard will decorate any home.

Chenille

A type of jacquard fabric that differs from regular fabric in the complexity of the thread weaving. Used for upholstery:

• chairs;
• armchairs;
• sofas

Tapestry

Fabric for upholstery, the threads of which are intertwined in a special way, creating a certain pattern on the surface of the material. Among the advantages are:

• beauty;
• durability;
• wide selection of colors and patterns.

Required materials and tools

In a situation where you decide to restore the sofa yourself, do not forget to prepare properly. For repair you will need:

• electric jigsaw;
• construction adhesive;
• stapler for furniture;
• screwdriver;
• pliers;
• upholstery material and filler.

Tapestry, velor or suede

Professionals who have been involved in furniture restoration for a long time advise choosing one of the following materials for upholstery:

• tapestry;
• suede;
• velours.

They have best characteristics in its price segment, and everyone will find an option to suit their pocket.

Simple plain fabric

Used to create a fastening cover. Any fabric you can afford will do.

Special furniture foam rubber

Used as a filler for a sofa. Counts the best option in terms of price and quality ratio. If you have broad financial capabilities, you can purchase other, more expensive material.

Thick fabric

Thick fabric, such as carpet, is used to protect the box spring. You will need a large piece of fabric, since protection is required on both sides.

Note! Try to buy quality materials, otherwise another restoration will be required soon.

Construction adhesive

Glue from any manufacturer will do. During the restoration process, no more than one tube of the substance will be useful, so there is no need to make large supplies. Glue is used to carefully fix the material.

Furniture stapler

A furniture stapler is used to secure the upholstery of a sofa. The stapler must come with at least one clip of staples.

If you don’t have a stapler, you’ll have to buy it in a store or ask your neighbors for the tool.

Durable nylon thread

A sofa cover made from the upholstery material of your choice will be sewn with nylon thread. The thread should come with a strong needle.

Spanner, pliers and screwdriver

Useful when working with the mechanical parts of the sofa, in case of replacement or adjustment. Any set of these tools sold at a hardware store will do.

Electric jigsaw

An indispensable thing when working with wooden parts of the sofa. If you need to saw off, trim or correct something - better tool can not found.

It is advisable to purchase it for permanent use, as it will come in handy more than once in the future.

Instructions

After all the materials for restoration have been purchased, and the tools have been prepared, it's time to move on to the repair itself. This process is not complicated, it is enough to be careful and consistently follow all the steps described in the instructions.

Checking and repairing upholstered furniture frames

The first step in restoring a sofa is to check all of its constituent parts for integrity and functionality. If any boards are rotten or cracked, try to replace them.

This approach will allow for quality repairs. old furniture, after which it will serve for many more years.

Dismantling and inspection

After checking the frame, the dismantling process begins individual elements designs such as:

• armrests;
• sofa backs;
• upholstery;
• filler;
• springs

Side armrests

In most models, the fastener is located on the inside, and to get to it you will need:

• hex socket wrench;
• pliers.

If these tools are available, there will be no difficulties with dismantling.

Seats and backrests

The seats and backrests are fixed using special fasteners to the lower frame of the sofa. The tools you prepared before starting the repair of the product will help you cope with the fasteners.

Old upholstery, staples

The old upholstery is attached to the wooden parts of the sofa using special staples. They must be carefully removed, after which removing the upholstery will not be difficult.

Old filler

Once the upholstery is removed, access to the sofa filling will open. It is advisable to immediately replace it with a new one, but if it is in acceptable condition, you can leave the old filling.

Springs, checking their condition

Once the filler is removed, we move on to evaluating the springs. If the inspection result shows a satisfactory condition, it is enough to clean and coat the old parts with lubricant.

If some springs are damaged, be sure to replace them with new ones.

Checking the condition of the chipboard

Often it is chipboard sheets fall into disrepair first. Replace damaged parts of the structure or leave the old ones if their condition allows reuse.

Repair and replacement of old elements

After all the components of the sofa have been dismantled, you can proceed to repair and replacement of old parts. Subject to inspection:

• base for a spring block;
• spring block;
• mechanisms responsible for disassembling the sofa;
• slats.

Spring block base

The base for the spring block is completely changed if any defects or malfunctions are detected. Fastening to the block is carried out using a stapler. If you couldn’t find a stapler, take:

• thin cloves;
• steel wire.

We make brackets from them and attach the springs.

Spring block

To repair a spring block, you must:

• replace faulty springs;
• cover each side of the block thick cloth, which is attached to the part using a nylon thread.

Note! The edges of the fabric are folded inward.

Case and cover

Fastening the cover and covering the frame with upholstery is carried out using construction glue and a stapler. Don't forget to return the old filler or replace it with a new one.

Mechanism repair

Repairing sofa mechanisms has its own nuances, depending on which operating principle is used:

• folding;
• roll-out

In roll-out ones, the roller most often fails, and in folding ones, the springs fail, which over time lose their shape and burst.

Lamels

Reasons for lamella failure:

• poor quality of material;

Decoration

Decorating the sofa is done using:

• creating beautiful pillows;
• carriage tie;
• figured solid wood.

Beautiful pillows

Pillows are made independently, from leftover material, or purchased in a store. It all depends on your financial capabilities.

Carriage tie

The back of the sofa is decorated with a carriage tie. To do this, small circles are cut out of the foam rubber during stuffing, after which buttons will be sewn in their place. This will help prevent the material from curling. Afterwards the frame is covered with fabric and decorative elements are sewn on.

Figured wood

Wooden armrests can be decorated by gluing solid wood onto them. Such a sofa will look much more beautiful and will last longer than usual.

Features of choice

When choosing fabric for lining and padding, it is worth considering some nuances, which we will discuss below.

Upholstery fabrics

When choosing your upholstery fabric, keep the following details in mind:

• the fabric should be easy to clean from dirt;
• the fabric should look attractive;
• Resistant to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and moisture.

Filler

When constantly using furniture for its intended purpose, choose:

• latex;
• durafil;
• spring block;
• holofiber.

Operating rules

The basic rules for using sofas include:

1. When moving furniture from place to place, do not drag the sofa along the floor, but lift it.
2. Periodically check the reliability of the fasteners, as over time they become loose.
3. Do not exceed the permissible load capacity specified by the manufacturer.
4. Sofas with a built-in mattress are laid out at least once a month.

Regardless of the quality of the soft upholstery of the sofa, it wears out over time, while the remaining parts of the structure remain in excellent condition. In this case, there is no need to rush to throw away your favorite sofa and buy a new one; restoring sofas with your own hands is the optimal and affordable solution. This way you can save a lot of money on your home budget, while updating and making your favorite old sofa attractive again.

Restoring a sofa with your own hands is the optimal solution in which you will update the appearance of your sofa, while saving a significant part of your home budget.

Features of the work

To restore old upholstered furniture, you can invite specialists to your home or take it to a professional workshop, but in this case you will have to pay a significant amount of money. There is a way out - reupholstering the sofa with your own hands, accessible to every home craftsman.

Difficulties you may encounter during work:

• problems may arise when disassembling furniture of complex design;
• if there are parts of a complex shape, then it can be quite difficult to make the correct pattern for the upholstery material;
• During the restoration, it may be necessary not only to replace the upholstery, but also to replace some structural parts and filling;
• if the sofa is old, antique and has a high cost, then the work must be carried out with special care;
• Depending on the choice of material, it can be difficult to work with; for example, leather and faux leather are more difficult to work with than fabric.

But don’t worry, if you do everything correctly and slowly, you can restore your old sofa yourself, without involving specialists.

Main stages of work:

• dismantling furniture, removing individual elements;
• removing old upholstery;
• cutting of new material is carried out, which is used as upholstery;
• fastening the upholstery to individual structural parts;
• Furniture assembly.

Return to contents

Order of conduct

To carry out the work you will need:

• upholstery fabric;
• flat screwdriver;
• hex keys;
• stapler and anti-stapler;
• wire cutters, pliers;
• marker, scissors, thread;
• filler.

Photo 1-3. Stages of sofa restoration.

1. Dismantling the sofa. First, the removal of such structural elements as pillows, overhead elements, sides, back, and seat (photo 1). Usually at this stage no problems arise, so that you don’t have to look for fasteners later, they need to be put in one place.
2. We remove the old upholstery. To carry out this step you will need a flat screwdriver or an anti-stapler. The old material must be removed carefully, since the new upholstery will be prepared on it (photo 2). It is necessary to remove all debris and dust and determine the condition of the filler. If the foam has become loose and lost its elasticity, it is also recommended to replace it. Usually after the filler there is a metal mesh and springs; they can also be stretched. We inspect parts and, if necessary, replace them with new ones or restore old ones. Some models use belts or mesh instead of springs; if they are worn out, they must be replaced. Carefully check all connections, if necessary, strengthen them with glue or screws.
3. I'm busy cutting out new material. The final result will largely depend on how correctly and accurately you carry out this stage of work. To make this task easier, you need to use old upholstery as a pattern, do not forget to add a few centimeters to the allowances. Let's look at the patterning process using the example of a sofa pillow. First you need to measure all the dimensions of the pillow, just add 5 cm to the fold. Using chalk, draw the indicated figure on the fabric and cut it out. On ready-made pattern Place the pillow in the center and use a stapler to nail the upholstery. In order for it to be securely fastened, there should be no more than 4 cm between the staples. First, the material is fastened in several places, and then it must be tightened well and finally secured. In the same way, the upholstery is cut out and attached to other elements of the sofa.

Beginners often make mistakes when performing calculations required quantity material, and so that you don’t have to buy it later, you need to carefully prepare for the specified stage of the work. It is better to buy fabric with a small supply, and you can use its remains, for example, to upholster stools or make decorative pillows.

The upholstery material is selected taking into account the particular use of the sofa.

If they will sit on it, then the fabric should be durable and it is better to choose synthetic fabric; if you will sleep on the sofa, then it is better to choose natural fabric.

Over the past ten years, it has become popular to restore old upholstered furniture - Soviet book sofas, seats of dining chairs, favorite armchairs. Reasons that make people give new life old things, practically sentimental - a relic sofa brought by a great-grandfather as a trophy from the war, or an armchair in which the grandmother knitted a lot of socks for a family of three generations.

But more often we are surprised to realize that good Soviet furniture in terms of quality and integrity of the frame is much better than new furniture found in the low and medium price ranges. Such furniture is often made from raw timber, cheap spring blocks, and covered with cheap and low-quality fabric on top.

A great many master restorers have appeared - there are even craftsmen who can so transform the appearance of an old sofa that it will not differ from its modern counterparts in design and content. But, in fact, with minimal business skills, desire and patience, reupholstering upholstered furniture with your own hands is an easy and even creative task.

Do-it-yourself methods for restoring and upholstering furniture

Furniture restoration allows you to completely transform old interior items

There are two ways to update the appearance of upholstered furniture: washing and replacement. Both options are quite labor-intensive and technically cumbersome, but doable! All your efforts will pay off when you see and feel the fruits of your labor with a feeling of complete satisfaction.

This option is best suited for small pieces of furniture: chair seats, stools and small armchairs. If you like the upholstery fabric on your favorite old sofa and it is well preserved, has a unique woven pattern, and you understand that a modern analogue is unaffordable, then the sofa cover can be put in the wash.

To wash large furniture covers, it is better to use the services of a professional laundry.

• Saving money - you only spend time with small expenses, including the cost of detergents and furniture fittings (staples, lining fabric).
• Reviving the authentic look of a piece of furniture.

There is one minus, but a significant one - there is a high probability that the cover will “shrink” during washing or even fall apart. Since upholstery fabric is not designed for washing, it is not treated for shrinkage, like clothing fabrics, for example.

Complete replacement of furniture cover

This path is the longest and most difficult, but true. Old and shabby upholstery is mercilessly thrown away, and the sofa can please you with brand new fabric in fresh colors. You can completely replace a furniture cover yourself at home. But be prepared for problems hidden under a leaky cover: cracked frame beams, broken springs, broken fiberboard or a faulty locking mechanism.

If, upon opening the cover, you are saddened to discover internal damage, do not despair - simply the operation of replacing the cover develops into a more complex, major phase of reupholstering upholstered furniture.

Padding

This relatively new concept includes not only the replacement of upholstery, but also: a complete repair of the frame, replacement of foam rubber, locks, spring blocks, everything that is required. In essence, reupholstery is a major overhaul of upholstered furniture, as a result of which you will receive a new interior element made to your taste.

Major renovation allows you to save even the most “dead” furniture

Required tools and materials

In order for the work of reupholstering upholstered furniture to proceed comfortably, smoothly and without unnecessary nerves, you need to prepare the necessary tools in advance.

Tools d For disassembly and assembly work

• A large flat-head screwdriver and pliers are used to pick up and pull out old staples.
• A Phillips or flat-head screwdriver that matches the size of the slot in the heads of the screws securing the lock to the frame.
• Set of wrenches for nuts and bolts.

Almost all upholstered furniture frames are bolted, so you can’t do without a set of keys

• Tape measure - take the necessary measurements when replacing body parts.
• Stapler - construction or pneumatic. The second is preferable because, without effort on your part, it drives long, strong staples deep into the wood of the frame, even through several layers of fabric.
• Staples - from 6 mm to 10 mm depending on the thickness and density of the selected upholstery fabric.
• Garbage bags (larger and denser).

To sew new covers you will need:

• New upholstery fabric - the choice in stores is mind-boggling, choose according to taste and cost. In order not to make a mistake with the footage, sketch out approximate details before purchasing. Take into account the standard width of the roll - up to 145 cm (including the edging of the edges of the fabric) and the location of the patterns relative to the pile and shine of the material.
• Lining fabric for padding the back surfaces of the back and seat. This is not necessary, but a layer of lining will protect the furniture from dust getting inside, and the cost of lining material is low. Therefore, it is better not to neglect this simple operation.
• Sharp scissors, preferably special tailor's scissors for cutting.

When cutting new covers, tailor's scissors will be simply irreplaceable.

• Crayons or thin pieces of soap.
• Threads - no less than No. 10, and better - special reinforced ones for rigid fabrics.
• Meter ruler.
• Paper for patterns if you are going to modify the appearance of the product: change the shape of the legs, back and seats.
• Sewing machine.

Constriction technology

Dismantling old furniture

This is the first and dirtiest stage - you have to unscrew and remove the bolts, locks and disassemble the frame. Then remove all the old staples that fasten the upholstery to the frame.

After removing the upholstery, a rather unsightly picture may be revealed to the eye.

Take care of the disassembly site - you will have to stir up the “dust of centuries” that has soaked the sofa or armchair. And staples have a sneaky habit of scattering across the floor and digging into the soles of sneakers (or feet). If it is not possible to disassemble the sofa outside, cover the equipment (TVs, computers, etc.) with film, and take everything that is possible into another room.

Keep garbage bags on hand - you will have to throw away a lot of rubbish that the inside of the sofa (chairs, chairs, etc.) has become. Once you've finished disassembling, immediately remove all resulting debris from your home. Various nasties can lurk in the interior dust of upholstered furniture - from allergens to dust mites.

Repair work and replacement of parts

Having removed the old cover, you may find a number of serious damages under the harmless abrasions of the upholstery; do not rush to give up and throw away the sofa, calculating in your head how much it will cost to buy a new one.

All repair problems can be solved, and parts are replaceable - the list of breakdowns and ways to fix them is not as extensive and scary as you might think at first glance.

Cracked frame beams

All old sofas and armchairs are based on frames held together with locking saws and glue. This is a strong and durable system, much better than modern installation with self-tapping screws. But when the service life ends, the corners of the frames become weak and crack. The beams need to be replaced. Choose a dry tree, without knots, cracks and bark - bast or middle with a smooth, straight structure. Otherwise, the beam, which carries a large load and lacks strength and integrity, will quickly burst. raw wood in warm and dry apartment conditions it will begin to dry out and warp belatedly. It is better to repeat the lock cut - order it from a master carpenter or do it yourself. It is better to soak the joints of the frame beams with PVA glue before joining.

Broken fiberboard parts (lintels of the seat frame and backrest)

Everything is simpler here - you measure the size and cut out new parts yourself with a jigsaw or make them to order in a furniture workshop. It is better to prepare separate parts of the jumpers (in old sofas there are usually three of them - the middle and two sides), which are easier to replace in case of a break. They can be attached to the frame with nails or a pneumatic stapler.

Broken springs not only impair the cushioning properties of furniture, but can also cause injuries and cuts.

The sore spot is the middle of the seat, where children love to jump and guests love to sit. Some craftsmen manage to “twist” spring blocks, replacing broken springs with new ones. However, there is no guarantee that after some time another old spring will not burst and for its sake it will not be necessary to start all the work again. Therefore, it is more rational to replace the spring blocks completely.

Replacing seat belts

Any dense tape of suitable width can act as belts.

Typically, the frames of the seats and backs of old chairs are tightened with intertwined wide belts, on which foam rubber is laid. And the belts very rarely break; most often the place where the belt and the frame meet is worn out. Any belts that you consider durable will be suitable for replacement. The main thing is that they are tightly woven, preferably made of synthetic materials and at least 5–7 cm wide.

Caked foam rubber

Any type of foam rubber has this technical characteristics, as the number of compressions. This is an indicator of how many times the material will withstand compression and be able to restore its original shape and elasticity. Almost always in old furniture, foam rubber has long outlived its usefulness in this respect and has turned into dust or into a viscous substance reminiscent of sticky plasticine. Throw it away without regret and lay down new foam rubber.

It’s better not to skimp on foam rubber - it’s not only a soft layer, but also protects the internal structure from damage

Replacing locks

Another common problem is that over time, the steel lock mechanism becomes loose, there is play in it, or the springs that lock the lock into the “sitting” or “lying” position fall off. Inspect the lock carefully; you may need to change the screw or install a new latch spring. If not, then the lock will have to be changed - fortunately, this is not a problem; furniture fittings stores will offer you a large selection of modern locks.

Master class on sewing new covers

The most creative stage of work. You can leave the look of the furniture the same; in this case, you can use old covers as patterns. Before work, they should be thoroughly shaken and vacuumed.

When cutting new parts, carefully monitor the location of the weft and warp threads, as well as the direction of the pile. This is especially true for the patterns of the backrest and seat-back, if the width of the fabric does not allow making a one-piece cover (meaning the upholstery of a sofa-book).

With creativity and sewing skills, you can transform the look of old furniture to make it more modern, comfortable and suit your taste. The main part of the modifications is achieved with foam rubber overlays - soft bolsters are added on the side panels, and backrest headrest pads are added. You can take into account the position of the body in a sitting position and add foam pads on the seat (under the knees) and inserts under the lower back.

By using darts, folds, and curly details, the covers will take on a completely new shape and become more modern.

In order to do a high-quality and beautiful job of modifying the appearance of upholstered furniture, you need basic cutting and sewing skills. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to risk doing it yourself, but hire a specialist to do the work.

Nuances of cutting and sewing

• Leave seam allowances of 1 – 1.5 cm depending on the density of the fabric.

When cutting fabric, be sure to leave 1-1.5 centimeters for seams

• It is advisable to process the edges of the sewn parts with an overlock or zigzag stitch.

• Upholstery fabric with a large pile must be basted by hand before machine stitching to avoid moving parts.
• If leatherette, artificial or natural leather is chosen for the upholstery, then when making facial finishing seams, use it as a presser foot sewing machine use a special roller. As a last resort, you can coat the surface of the fabric under the presser foot with a thin layer of machine oil.
• If you sew decorative overlays into the cover, baste the folds by hand.

As often as possible during the sewing process, do fittings - foam rubber, a softening hard spring frame, a pliable material, the shape of which is determined by the cover.

Attaching new covers to upholstered furniture parts

The repair work has been completed, the covers have been sewn, it’s time to begin the important stage of stretching the new upholstery. You need to clearly understand that the final result and appearance of your chair or sofa depend on the quality of this stage. You will need patience and accuracy in your work.

At the stage of the last fitting, it will still be possible to correct mistakes - sew in or loosen the corners a little, alter the darts. Do not be alarmed if the cover fits very tightly onto the frame - in the process of attaching it, you will still “shoot” it even tighter. It's worse if the cover is put on loosely, because... By attaching it with staples, there is a high probability of getting unsightly folds and creases.

The sequence of work on attaching new upholstery covers:

• First of all, put the covers on the parts and, while they are in a free position, straighten them as much as possible. The seams should be positioned evenly and parallel to the edges of the parts; match the corners of the covers with the corners of the frames.
• Then start attaching the cover with staples - holding the stapler in right hand, with your left hand, constantly, using ironing movements, pull the fabric from the middle of the part to the edge. Make sure that the bevel is even and evenly rounded - this especially applies to the edges of the backs and seats of chairs and sofas. It is better to start “shooting” staples from the middle, so any excess tissue will move to the edges, where they can be sutured manually.

A stapler is the best tool for attaching furniture covers

• When upholstering the former, carefully cut out the holes for the bolts with scissors and fill the edges of the cutouts with staples. If necessary, use a hammer to drive the staples into the wood more tightly.
• After stretching the upholstery, you need to cover the wrong sides with sheets of lining fabric. There is no need to waste time carefully cutting out the lining with scissors. Having outlined the approximate length, taking into account the folding of the edges 3-4 cm on each side, make a notch with scissors and tear the fabric; the synthetic lining breaks exactly along the thread, which you will not get when cutting with scissors. The inside of the lining should be shot from the corners, pulling the fabric tightly.

Byltse - (from Ukrainian) the back of a bed, chair, armrest of a sofa, armchair, etc.

Final stage work - assembly. When assembling a sofa, first of all we attach the lock to the back and seat, then attach the resulting structure to the pallet of the sofa book and attach the bolts. When assembling a chair, you gradually install the seat and backrest to one frame, then attach the second to the structure. The legs are installed last.

Restoration helps turn old furniture into a new, stylish piece of furniture

Video: reupholstering an old chair

Since the process of reupholstering furniture is quite complex, we bring to your attention a short video that will clearly demonstrate all the stages of reupholstery, using the example of restoring an old chair.

Reupholstering upholstered furniture with your own hands is a responsible, labor-intensive task, but with excellent practical benefits and moral impact. You get satisfaction from the work done and the updated look of a piece of furniture you personally repaired. And most importantly - experience, which, who knows, can mark the beginning of a new hobby, and possibly a profitable business. Good luck with your renovation!