New quality furniture is not cheap, at least not in today’s market. Most people, therefore, need to save for a bit or take on debt to acquire a new set. So, you might be wondering, how should you get by in the meantime?
On the other hand, you may have quality furniture pieces that have seen better days but are not sure exactly what to do with them. Should you painfully let go or is it possible to salvage them?
Well, here is the good news for both of these conundrums. You can revive old furniture with new furniture covers.
Yes, we see the puzzled frown of doubt on your faces. But, it truly is possible. Here is a detailed guide on how to navigate the entire furniture revamp process on a budget and ace it.
Start with an Assessment
Begin by assessing the old furniture to ascertain the extent of wear and tear. Check for tears in the upholstery, broken support systems, or overly worn-out cushions. These are often the three horsemen that plague old furniture but they are fixable.
The first option is to take on the repairs as a DIY project to save on costs. Online tutorials for each issue can guide you through each step. However, if you are not handy with such tasks, consider engaging a furniture carpenter to handle them for you.
Negotiate a fair rate to keep costs low. It will enable you to spare an adequate budget and invest in new cushions for better comfort.
Cleaning the Furniture
Cleaning your old, and now repaired furniture, gives it a fresh feel and scent. This is, therefore, a vital step that you should strive to execute as well as possible.
Vacuuming will take off most of the dust, debris, and loose dirt on the furniture. Using a vacuum cleaner with high suction power will help you get the job done effectively. Alternatively, do the vacuuming twice. Be sure to reach every crevice and remove the cushions for a better clean.
The next step is cleaning the furniture with soap, water, and a soft brush to remove stains, grease, and other dirt. Rinse off the soap by blotting it out using clean water and a soft damp microfiber cloth.
Notably, it is best to do this during warm weather to ensure the furniture has optimal conditions to dry off. Keep it in an open-air area for about a week or so just to be sure.
That said, if your budget allows, feel free to spare yourself the extra work and call in professional cleaners.
Measure All the Furniture Pieces
Measure your furniture pieces once they are dry. Get details such as the length, width, and height of each piece.
Ascertain the length, width, and thickness of the cushions you will be using too because they can affect how furniture covers fit. This information will also be useful if you choose to get furniture coverings with individual cushion covers.
Choose Your Dream Look
Now we get to the beautiful part of the process. With the furniture prepped, you get to re-envision what you want your revamped furniture to look like. Work out details such as:
- Your color, print, or pattern preferences
- Your ideal fabric
- Texture preferences
- Furniture cover maintenance preferences e.g. machine-washable fabrics, wipe-down leather, etc.
- Easy installation designs
- Special design elements like skirting or pleating, etc.
- Any special needs e.g. pet-friendly furniture cover fabrics, stain protection, hypoallergenic fabric, etc.
Creating a detailed list of requirements will make it easy to find the best furniture coverings for your needs.
Finding the Right Furniture Coverings
Prioritize quality when you begin shopping around for furniture coverings. Some key places to window shop include:
- Supermarkets with home decor sections
- Home improvement stores
- Online retailers
- Furniture cover manufacturer websites
Pay attention to the indicated furniture cover details as you shop. Compare them to your list of requirements to confirm that they can meet your needs.
If you do not find a suitable set of furniture covers, select a high-standard furniture cover manufacturer that accepts custom orders. Share your requirements with them and find out if they can deliver the solutions you need.
Customization may take longer and cost a bit more than buying off-the-shelf designs but it will get you exactly what you need.
Installing the Furniture Covers
Most modern furniture coverings have provisions that make them easy to install. Fabric elasticity is the most common one. It enables you to stretch the furniture covers and drape them over different parts of the furniture.
When you install the furniture covers, they should have a snug fit with no loose or overhanging fabric. So much so that the covers look like the original upholstery fabric of the furniture.
Spice Things Up
Consider investing in new throws and throw pillows to complement or accentuate the look of your revamped furniture. Try to mix up the colors and textures to create a new refreshing look in the room. You could also use a specific color palette like pastels and contrast the shades if you enjoy a more harmonious decor style.
Maintenance
Take time to enjoy all the good work you have put into reviving your furniture. However, all good things require care. So, be sure to create a maintenance routine to keep your revamped furniture in the best possible condition. Endeavor to:
- Take off the furniture covers and clean them at least weekly
- Vacuum your furniture
- Steam the furniture occasionally for a deeper clean and disinfection
Consider investing in extra sets of furniture coverings too. It will keep the initial set from wearing out too soon. Better still, it gives you many more furniture looks to work with. This will undoubtedly keep your decor looking fresh and interesting.
Conclusion
DIY projects like reviving old furniture are highly rewarding because you get to enjoy the improved look and comfort every day. Cost-effective solutions like furniture coverings make the entire process even more gratifying by delivering incredible value for money.
So, next time your furniture begins to look a little worse for wear, do not panic. Come right back to this blog for tips, choose ideal furniture coverings from our collection, and revive your furniture to new glory.
