UPHOLSTERY FAQS
Is re-upholstering cheaper than buying new furniture?
This depends on the furniture. If it can be replaced fairly cheaply, it is most likely more expensive to have re-upholstered. If it is a good solid, hardwood piece that has years of life left in it, it is most likely worth re-upholstering rather than sending to landfill.
Do you give a guarantee on your work?
We give a 12-month guarantee on all labour and on fabrics supplied by ourselves. This does not cover accidental damage or wear and tear. We do not guarantee ‘customer’s own material’.
What are the fabric care instructions?
Everything we upholster using fabrics supplied by ourselves, from our approved fabric companies, will come with written care instructions and the specifications of that fabric.
Where fabric has been treated to make it fire retardant, a certificate will also be given.
How do I care for my upholstered furniture in general?
Good care and maintenance of upholstery is important to maintain comfort and aesthetics.
Cushions should be regularly plumper and where possible, flipped and rotated to encourage even wear and minimise fastness to light.
Seat cushions may feel quite firm initially but will become softer with use.
We advise not to sit on arms of furniture or on the edges of the cushions, as they will wear unevenly.
Regularly re-dress your covers to re-align seams and attempt to remove any wrinkling and puddling.
Moving seams, wrinkled fabric, and puddling (natural stretching of fabric) are all maintenance issues, those are not fabric faults.
Dark fabrics are more colour-fast to light.
Natural fibres will fade and wear faster than man-made fibres.
Natural fibres have a layer of fibres on the surface and may lint. This is normal and will stop over time. Giving them a gentle vacuum will make them look better until the top coat disappears.
Can you replace or refill my chair/sofa cushions?
Any cushions (including fixed cushions) can be re-filled or replaced with new inners. We can show you the different options for inners and you can try them out and see what fits your required level of comfort.
All our cushions are custom-made to shape, size and materials.
Do you re-upholster antique furniture?
We certainly can re-upholster antiques and can also give quotes for woodwork to be sympathetically restored to its former glory.
Do you upholster real leather furniture?
Yes. We have a selection of top leather companies we use and can do colour matching as well as helping you to find the right leather for your piece.
If you would prefer to look into having your leather furniture re-coloured and restored, we can also get quotations for this for you.
Do you only do domestic upholstery?
No. We also carry out contract upholstery in restaurants, pubs, dental and medical practices. We have a huge selection of Crib 5 contract and healthcare fabrics.
We have also done some motor vehicle re-upholstery.
Do you have a large selection of fabrics to choose from?
We have accounts with most top fabric companies and also a large pattern book library which you can browse by appointment.
We can advise on fabric composition, durability, fire rating and suitability of fabrics for your intended purpose.
Free samples are also available to order.
What is your re-upholstery process?
If you are able to e-mail us photos of your furniture/project, we will aim to give an initial rough estimate.
If you are happy with this, we will help you to find the right fabric and trimmings and invite you to browse our pattern book showroom by appointment.
If samples are ordered, when they arrive, we will bring them to your home and do a final measure up and quotation for you.
We then ask for a 50% deposit to book you in.
Before and after photos are always taken to document the transformation and also for our Instagram and Website gallery.
What are your opening hours?
Pattern book viewing and home visits are by appointment only.
See our home page for opening times.
Can you repair or replace springs and webbing?
Yes. This can often be carried out in your own home.
Do you provide collection and delivery?
Yes we do. Usually free but if there is a charge due to location or size of furniture, this will be included in your bespoke quotation.
Can you re-upholster or make new outdoor furniture and cushions?
Yes. We have a large selection of beautiful outdoor fabrics to choose from. We can even change the fabric on outdoor swing canopies and gazebos.
How long does re-upholstery take?
It depends on the piece of furniture. This will be discussed at your quotation appointment.
Can I provide my own fabric?
Yes. But we politely ask that before you buy anything, we can have a sample to check the suitability for the job. For furniture built post-1950, it must also comply with the UK fire and furnishings regulations.
Do you make or re-upholster head boards?
We have made many custom headboards and can also re-upholster and sometimes change the style of existing ones.
See our website gallery for ideas and inspiration.
Will my furniture be fire retardant?
We are careful to ensure that we comply with The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
They are quite a complex set of regulations, but we know them inside out and can therefore advise accordingly.
We hope our FAQs have been helpful to you.
If you have any queries at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can email us at chameleonupholstery@outlook.com
Or telephone 01403 451 085