What is upholstery, anyway?
The first thing that springs to mind for most of us when we hear the word upholstery is fabric, marvelous fabric! While fabric choice is paramount to creating the perfect piece for your space, what lies beneath is just as important. Upholstery is the materials that make up the soft coverings of sofas, chairs, and other furniture. This includes fabric, webbing, springs, and padding, and opting for quality materials will extend the life and enjoyment of your furniture.
Should I reupholster my sofa (or chair, or ottoman….), or buy new?
Consider the value when deciding whether to reupholster your piece. Antique furniture and well-made pieces are worth the investment. Check the bones. Quality furniture is made of hard wood and held together with dowels rather than staples or glue. If a piece has sentimental value to you or fits perfectly in your space, it may also be worth reupholstering. If your furniture was made in the last ten years and is already beginning to look shabby, it may be time to let it go and start fresh.
Will the piece I’ve fallen in love with work in my room?
If something in the showroom catches your eye, ask yourself whether it works in your space. Is it in proportion with the room and the other furniture in it? Will it fit through the door, down the hall, and anywhere else you need to maneuver it? Will it comfortably seat the number of people you want to accommodate and will it stand up to the job? Is it in harmony with the style of the room? If the answer to any of these questions isn’t a resounding yes, that’s perfectly ok. You can customize it!
What options are available to be customized?
Whether you are reupholstering a family heirloom or commissioning a new piece, the options for customization are endless. From the style and finish of the frame to details like seat depth, back height, and firmness of the cushions, you choose the options that best suit your needs. Do you prefer a tight-back, loose, or semi attached cushion? Nail heads or none? Do you love welting or trim? Tufted or skirted, or sleek and modern? And of course, you choose the fabric! With so many options, it can sound a bit overwhelming. At Lewis & Sheron Textiles Design Center, our team works with you to make it easy and deliver the perfect furniture for you.
Which fabric should I choose?
Choosing the perfect fabric for your design project may be the most customizable (and fun!) aspect of the upholstery process. With over 1,000 bolts of fabric in our Design Center and the ability to get any textiles you need, we are here to help you find a fabric that is perfectly “you”. Consider the size of the furniture and space, who will use it, and the mood you want to set in the room when choosing fabrics. If you have kids and pets or the piece is in a high traffic area, consider the durability of the fabric. Tight knits, microfibers, and fabrics treated for performance are great options. Delicate fabrics like silk are best suited to antique pieces that will see less use, draperies, and pillows. Our guide to choosing fabric highlights some of the unique benefits each fabric has to offer, and our team of experts is here to answer any other questions you have.
Where is the furniture made and what is it made from?
Quality furniture is made of hard wood, not manufactured wood that is often imported. Ask to see examples of past work and look for details like grain of the wood and spring coils that are 8-way hand-tied. Lewis & Sheron is a fourth generation, family-owned business with over 75 years of experience bringing you the finest custom furniture that is bench-made in the USA. Our upholsterers and workrooms are local craftsman that pour love and attention to detail into every single project.
How long does it take to get my furniture?
Lead times for custom furniture vary widely from project to project. Factors such as size of the piece, level of detail and customization, and availability of your chosen fabric all affect the amount of time required to complete the work. In general, it takes 2-3 weeks once you’ve finalized your choices, so remember to consider this if your Aunt Madge is due to visit next month!
Does custom furniture cost more?
In general, a custom piece of furniture will cost more than a mass-produced piece. The materials used are of higher quality, and each piece is handmade by skilled artisans. That said, custom doesn’t necessarily cost more if you are buying high quality pieces made of solid wood. Custom furniture is an investment, so it’s important to consider value as well. Mass-produced furniture that needs to be replaced every 5 to 10 years can cost the same in the long run as buying something enduring. Having an heirloom piece that is unique to you and designed to last a lifetime is an investment in a beautiful, functional piece of furniture where your family will create wonderful memories. It’s part of your story.
Why is custom the right choice?
Custom furniture is tailored to fit your body, space, and personal style. It is designed to last and often made of sustainably harvested materials. Talk about eco-friendly! The quality is unmatched. Each piece is crafted like a work of art by artisans that take pride in their skills. Supporting local businesses and investing in local artisans is helping to preserve craftmanship that is often passed down for many generations. Their goal is perfection! Bespoke furniture is infused with meaning and sentimentality, and a story that can be passed down through your family for years to come.
How do I get started on my project?
If you’ve seen a piece you love somewhere or have one you’d like reupholstered, bring a photo of it (and measurements if you have them) into your local furniture maker. If you don’t have any ideas yet, you’ll see models in the showroom to kick start your inspiration. Have a conversation with the design consultants and ask these and any other questions you may have. They can give you a quote based on the size and scope of the project and work with you to bring your vision to life. At Lewis & Sheron Textiles Design Center, your satisfaction is our number one priority. We take pride in the work we do and in the relationships we’ve built with our clients and our community. We invite you to call or stop by our new showroom and look forward to collaborating with you!