The best upholstery repairs and restoration in Canberra

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Craftswoman measuring old armchair for making reupholstery.

Where to find the best upholstery repair and restoration services in Canberra. Photo: File.

Have a sofa that’s lumpy, or a piece of furniture looking a little worse for wear? Perhaps one with sentimental value that needs tender loving care?

Getting rid of old furniture and finding new pieces can be time consuming. It can also be expensive. And tossing out furniture that can be brought back to life is bad for the environment. Pieces stay in landfill for years and years.

If you have furniture that could be repaired or restored, you’ll want a pro on the job. An experienced and talented upholstery repair and restoration company can give furniture a newlease on life.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing an upholstery repair and restoration company, and share where to find the best in Canberra.

What makes a great upholstery repair and restoration service?

Choosing the right upholstery repair and restoration service will give you confidence that your furniture will be treated with care.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing an upholstery repair and restoration service.

  • Attention to detail. If you’re investing in having furniture repaired or reupholstered, you’ll want high standards. A great repair and restoration expert will attend to every frayed seam and uneven coil.
  • Experience. As with any trade, skill, expertise and reliability are built over time. Look for a furniture repair and restoration expert with a great portfolio. Select one with years of experience. Check online reviews and ask for references. Also ask to see photos of completed projects.
  • Prompt. Select a upholstery repair and restoration service that is clear on how long your project will take. This will get you results as quickly as possible.
  • Affordable. You’ll want value-for-money with your repair or restoration. Check out prices charged by several companies, to compare.
  • Service range. The best upholstery repair and restoration services can handle any job. That includes fixing wobbly chair legs and replacing worn-out fabrics. It also includes fully restoring furniture, including with new coils and filling.

The best upholstery repairs and restoration services in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Signature Upholstery

Signature Upholstery recovers, restores, restyles and repairs all antique, traditional, retro, modern and office furniture. Domestic and commercial clients receive quality advice and personalised service. Founded in 2010, Signature Upholstery transforms furniture into timeless pieces. Trained and experienced staff are trained in quality upholstery techniques. Signature Upholstery also custom-makes furniture.

Nicholas Duckmanton wrote on Google, “Good quality doesn’t begin to describe Brad and his teams work. We had two couches and ottoman recovered and workmanship is outstanding. Highly recommend Signature Upholstery.”

The Traditional Furniture Restorer

The Traditional Furniture Restorer is a family business that provides quality furniture restoration services, from early antiques to deco, retro and modern furniture. Able to restore your furniture in your own home or collect it and repair it at their own site, with the Traditional Furniture Restorer it's all about care, attention to detail, high quality and reliability.

'Local Guide' Sue Chadwick writes in their Google review, "Excellent work in restoring two pieces of furniture. Great service and care in restoring the pieces to what they were, open to ideas suggestions and improvements."

Twin Stitch Upholstery

With over 28 years’ experience in furniture making and reupholstery, Toni and the team at Twin Stitch are devoted to their craft. Repairs and restorations are completed with fine craftmanship, and that includes domestic and commercial projects. Twin Stitch Upholstery guarantees all work.

On Google, Robyn Seth-Purdie wrote, “We’re delighted with the quality of the work done upholstering, boosting padding and support on the seats, as well as polishing the teak frames on our six dining chairs.”

Matthew's Upholstery

Matthew's Upholstery is a small local business operating in Canberra for over 30 years. Matthew can bring leather, wooden and fabric furniture back from complete disrepair to a high standard of comfort, attractiveness and quality.

On Facebook, Sam Chard writes, "I couldn’t be happier with the quality of Matt's work, the speed and the price. Lots of upholsterers didn’t think it was worth it to fix our two beloved couches or messed us around by never calling back or missing appointments. Matt was friendly professional and our favourite couches are good as new!"

Ebsworth Upholstery

Ebsworth Upholstery handles all furniture restoration, repair and re-upholstery projects, for domestic and commercial clients. It also custom-makes furniture and handles commercial fit outs. Ebsworth Upholstery has more than 16 years’ experience servicing the Canberra and Queanbeyan region. Each job is carried out to ensure a beautiful and lasting finish.

On Google, Ray Roche wrote, “Helpful staff. Gave us good advice and a good price to resolve our leather upholstery issue.”

Smart Upholstery

No job is too big or too small or this fifty-year-old upholstery business. Family-owned and based in Queanbeyan, Smart Upholstery offers services for commercial and antique pieces, from foot stools to entire lounge suites.

As Greg O'Sullivan writes on Google, "I asked for a dilapidated old family club lounge to be reupholstered in the same style as matching armchairs. Smart upholstery did a first class job, in a timely fashion. Very pleased with the result."

Academy Upholstery

Academy Upholstery is a furniture and upholstery repair specialist. With a wide range of fabrics and leathers available for selection, Academy can take care of both residential and commercial clients, and either repair your upholstery or custom design something brand new for you.

As Google reviewer Elidor Stackpole writes, A beautiful result with great attention to detail. I am very impressed by the workmanship.”

If you’re looking for more information on furniture you might like our articles on the best second hand furniture stores or best op shops Canberra has to offer. You might also like our articles on the best furniture stores and the best office furniture supply stores in Canberra.

Your experience with upholstery repair and restoration in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the upholstery repair services listed above? Have we missed your favourite? If so, please share your feedback in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get my furniture reupholstered or repaired?

A few scuffs, tears or stains shouldn’t mean you have to throw away a piece of furniture. Reupholstering and/or restoring can save you money on buying new furniture. It also enables you to hold onto pieces that have sentimental value. It is also kinder on the environment since furniture that heads to landfill takes years to break down.

How much does it cost to reupholster furniture?

The cost depends on many factors. This includes the size of the furniture (for example, a large couch versus a small chair). Cost also depends on the type of fabric you select, with some more expensive than others. Another obvious factor is what needs to be done to enhance the piece of furniture. If it only needs new fabric then that will be cheaper than if it also needs to be rebuilt or fully restored.

How long does it take to have furniture reupholstered or repaired?

The length of time depends on how busy your upholstery repair and restoration services is. The best ones can be super busy. Ask about time when you get a quote and ask if there's any express service available, and if it costs extra.

Is upholstery and repair work guaranteed?

The best upholstery repair and restoration companies stand behind their work. They offer warranties and honour them. It’s best to check this out before you engage a company to work on your furniture.

Is it worth getting furniture reupholstered and/or repaired?

It can be definitely worth it to give your furniture a new lease on life. Your decision will depend on many factors. Some factors are the structure of your piece, its overall condition and its age. You’ll also want to consider cost. Last, but not least, you might want to think about the environment. Reupholstering or repairing furniture is kind to the environment since it saves pieces from being dumped in landfill.

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rubaiyat said :

There is an upholsterer who comes to the weekend Bus Markets, from the coast and is very economical.

He redid all the seats on our dining chair, very cheap.

His work was OK not fantastic. My wife chose him despite my willingness to pay to replace the chairs or get a real professional to do the job. The low price proved too tempting for her.

Thank you! It could be that for a loose cover I don’t need an Auber-professional upholsterer. I’ll follow up!

There is an upholsterer who comes to the weekend Bus Markets, from the coast and is very economical.

He redid all the seats on our dining chair, very cheap.

His work was OK not fantastic. My wife chose him despite my willingness to pay to replace the chairs or get a real professional to do the job. The low price proved too tempting for her.

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