Are you considering upcycling your old sofa? If you are, then this guide is here to help you. We look at all of the things that you need to do and not do if you want to complete your next projects successfully.
Do assess the condition of the sofa first
You want to start by assessing the condition of the sofa first. Check whether the frame is solid wood or made of metal and whether the springs are intact. Usually, if the bare bones are in good condition, then it’s worth upcycling with upholstery foam. If they’re not, then you’ll have a much bigger and more challenging job on your hands.
Do perform a deep clean
The next step is to perform a deep clean on the sofa. If you decide to go ahead, make sure you vacuum it thoroughly and use proper upholstery cleaner. You want to remove all odours and dirt from the fabric so that when you apply your new material and methods, everything is clean and smells fresh like brand new. Sometimes the ingrained dirt can be difficult to remove, so prepare yourself for a lot of work here.
Do fix structural issues early on
If you notice structural issues with the sofa, fix them early on. For example, if your cushions look flat, then plump them up by removing the old foam and replacing it with new foam. If there are sagging elements in the sofa, prop them up with plywood or supportive layers under the cushions.
Do consider low-commitment updates
You also want to consider low-commitment updates. For example, you could add something as simple as a fitted slip cover to give you a completely new look instantly. You could also replace outdated old legs with modern ones with tapered finishes.
Don’t choose the wrong materials
At the same time, you’ll want to avoid choosing the wrong materials. Many people looking to upgrade their sofas use cheap, low-durability fabrics, but these often let them down in a year and give them more work to do in the future. You want something that’s going to last and that’s functional.
Don’t ignore safety
At the same time, you want to avoid ignoring safety. If you are adding heavy modifications to a sofa, it can make it unstable, especially if you are extending it outside of its original footprint. If you have any new fabric, ensure that it’s comfortable and breathable. Fireproofing is a good idea, especially if the sofa is going to be in your lounge near the fireplace.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
You also want to avoid biting off more than you can chew. If you are fully reupholstering a sofa or doing a lot of carpentry, it can take you an enormous amount of time. Also, if the sofa has broken springs or a rotted frame, it’s often a write-off. Repairing it might seem like a fun project, but it’s a lot of work.
So there you have it, some do’s and don’ts when upcycling your old sofa.