*Please note this blog is sponsored by Calico.
Ok, I know. Custom upholstery isn’t cheap, but neither is buying new furniture. Though the costs
may, in the end, be quite similar, I’m here to tell you why you should strongly consider
reupholstering vintage or secondhand pieces over buying new furniture. Transforming thrifted
furniture with custom upholstery is not only the best way to tap into your personal style, but is
also a sustainable choice for your home. I know this is an intimidating endeavor for many, so in
this blog I am going to help you navigate the journey of giving new life to those hidden gems you
can find at thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets…you name it. From selecting the right pieces
to choosing fabrics and an upholsterer, you’ll learn how to make your thrifted finds uniquely
yours.
Then, I am going to take you through my most-recent custom upholstery project with Calico to
offer an example of how powerful a well-done custom upholstery job can be. We tackled a
thrifted set of outdoor furniture, and I can’t wait to show you how Calico helped me take them
from drab to fab!
Why You Should Buy Thrifted Furniture
Thrifted furniture carries with it a rich history and a unique charm that new items often lack. Each piece you uncover at a thrift store has its own story, waiting for a new chapter in your home. The beauty of these finds lies in their individual character and potential; they offer opportunities to make bold, creative choices in your home decor. Have you noticed how the majority of the rooms on Instagram look more or less the same? That’s because most of these accounts are buying from the same big box stores, and they aren’t layering enough vintage and thrifted discoveries into their designs.
When you take the time to appreciate the craftsmanship often found in older furniture, you can truly see the value in these pieces. Unlike the mass-produced items of today, thrifted furniture is usually crafted from durable materials that stand the test of time. Another major plus of buying secondhand pieces is that it’s a sustainable choice that helps reduce waste while simultaneously making a stylish statement. Ultimately, thrifted furniture allows you to step away from conformity and express your individual style. Whether you prefer mid-century pieces, Victorian antiques, or an eclectic mix from many different eras, there are endless possibilities waiting to be discovered via secondhand sources, (and there are so, so many these days). Plus, the hunt for that perfect piece can be just as enjoyable as the transformation it undergoes.
Choosing the Right Pieces for Upholstery
Selecting the right pieces to reupholster is definitely super important. Start by looking for items that have a sturdy frame. Inspect the legs, joints, and structure; if they are solid, they will hold up well under the pressure of new upholstery. A well-constructed base serves as a great foundation for any project. You can, of course, find a good upholsterer who will be able to rebuild any parts that lack structural integrity, but keep in mind that this will come at an additional cost.
Next, consider the shape and size of the furniture. Sometimes, the most dated pieces can be transformed into stunning focal points simply by updating the fabric and color. It’s easy to turn a drab old armchair into a vibrant statement piece with the right fabric. Don’t shy away from choosing unconventional shapes that can add interest to your space, especially if your space has unusual dimensions and can really benefit from an atypical size or dimensions.
Also, think about the style you want to achieve. Align your thrifting choices with your desired home aesthetic. If your vision is colorful and traditional, look for furniture that echoes those themes. Alternatively, if you’re leaning towards a modern minimalistic style, keep your eyes peeled for sleek designs that can easily be enhanced through custom upholstery. Try to envision these pieces without the current fabric on them, and do your best to just focus on the silhouette and integrity of the piece.
Choosing the Right Fabrics and Materials
Choosing the right fabric is just as important, if not more so, than selecting the furniture itself. Fabric not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your upholstered piece but also affects its durability and ease of maintenance. Start by considering the function of the piece; for example, a chair in a high-traffic area may require more durable fabric compared to a decorative accent chair. Similarly, if you have pets, kids, or messy partners, (raising my hand to all three!), you’ll want to keep this in mind, too. I have a beautiful curved white bouclé sofa that I find myself cleaning, to some extent, at least monthly. For me, it still feels worth it because I love it so much. But if constant cleaning isn’t your thing, be sure to err towards fabrics that will require less cleaning. Good options on this front are performance fabrics and patterns that are good at disguising dirt and stains. Natural fibers like cotton and linen can offer breathability and comfort, making them great choices for indoor furniture. However, they can be prone to staining, so be sure to keep this in mind. Synthetic fabrics like polyester can also be more durable and easier to clean, making them more suitable for homes with small children, pets, (or messy housemates/partners).
Also, don’t forget about texture! Textured fabrics such as velvet or boucle can elevate a simple piece into something luxurious and inviting. When visiting a fabric store, it’s helpful to bring photos of your thrifted furniture to see how different fabrics work with your chosen piece. Understanding the interplay between material and design is crucial to achieving the desired outcome. If the piece is small enough for you to bring into the store, even better.
How to Find the Right Upholsterer (spoiler alert: it’s Calico)
I’ve used a lot of different upholsterers over the last twenty years and, truly, no one does it better than Calico. I have a lot of reasons why I recommend Calico, but one reason I love recommending them to my clients, most of whom are virtual and spread throughout the country, is that Calico has more than 60 different locations, spread out fairly evenly across the USA. I have personally used two different Calico shops for my own upholstery jobs, one on Long Island, the other in Deerfield, IL, and both shops delivered extremely high-quality products and wonderful customer service for each project I brought to them.
Another reason Calico is my go-to is that everything happens in-house. I’ve worked with upholsterers in the past that have sent me on solo trip run-arounds to overwhelmingly large and intimidating fabric shops around NYC and Chicago. But Calico has an incredible breadth of offerings right in-house. Their shops are beautifully curated, unlike sifting through fabric warehouses, and the Calico staff is not just friendly, but incredibly knowledgeable and skilled. They also offer FREE design and measuring services, if that is something you are in need of.
Every step of the way is a dream with Calico, from getting an appointment to speaking to a design specialist, to choosing your fabrics, trim, or wallpaper, to in-house measurements and skilled upholsterers creating your ideal product. Calico offers an easy and streamlined process, making it simple to perfectly achieve your ideal aesthetic with their wide array of outdoor and indoor fabric and trim options. They also offer unique shapes and sizes for cushions and custom detailing, including contrasting welts and trimmings.
My latest project with Calico was working with them on custom upholstery for my thrifted outdoor furniture set. I found the set on Facebook Marketplace, and it came with no cushions at all, so Calico was able to work with me from square one. They created durable, high-quality outdoor cushions and then helped me choose the right fabric to fit my aesthetic and style. My favorite detail is the contrasting cornflower blue piping on the Sunbrella yellow striped fabric. I loved that the staff at Calico cheered on my slightly untraditional choices, and encouraged me to embrace my own style through this outdoor upholstery project.
Adding Personal Touches
Another thing to keep in mind during your upholstery journey is that accents can add a powerful punch to your project, and Calico offers a ton of options in this way. I truly believe that one of the easiest ways to add a unique element is by incorporating decorative trims such as piping or tassels. These small details can dramatically change the appearance of your piece and enhance its overall flair and, as mentioned above, that contrast piping is truly my favorite detail from this outdoor cushions project.
Consider accessorizing your piece with pillows or throws, too, that complement the newly chosen cushion upholstery. Choosing patterns and colors that resonate with your style can transform even simple furniture into standout decor. Play with layering textures and colors to create a cohesive look that flows seamlessly throughout your space. Stay tuned to my Instagram, blog, and newsletter for incoming tips about how to mix patterns, (if that’s your thing).
Tips from my Outdoor Upholstery Project with Calico
As we head into winter, outdoor upholstery projects may not be at the front-of-mind, (if you live in a northern climate like I do), but you should be really thinking a season or two ahead with your upholstery projects, as lead times can be long, (especially heading into the holidays). Now is actually the perfect time to head to your favorite secondhand sources to try to find good outdoor pieces to upholster (or reupholster) in time for spring to ensure you get maximum enjoyment from your pieces next year. And the best part is, now is truly the best time to find good deals on outdoor furniture, as many people are offering steep discounts and lots of people unload outdoor pieces so they don’t have to worry about winter storage.
The biggest tip I would offer from my outdoor upholstery project with Calico is to not skimp on fabric or cushion quality. If you’re anything like me and you’re not 100% on the ball when it comes to covering or storing your outdoor furniture, choosing the most durable fabric and cushions will be a great investment to make sure your pieces last as long as possible.
But my second biggest tip is to get proper storage for it, whether that is furniture covers or an outdoor bin to store your cushions in. Custom upholstery is a (worthy) investment, and you will really want these pieces to last.
Another reason why right now is a great time for beginning your outdoor upholstery journey is that your local Calico shop may ask for your furniture to be in-store while it is being upholstered (or cushions are being made for it). What better time could there be to go without your outdoor pieces than the late fall and/or winter?
Embark on Your Custom Upholstery Journey
So, good ahead, book that appointment with your nearest Calico shop by using this link. Or, if you don’t have the right set yet, be sure to keep your eye out at second-hand spots. My favorite resources to find secondhand furniture are: Facebook Marketplace, auction sites like Rivich and AuctionNinja, thrift stores, arch salvage spots, flea markets, estate sales, and don’t discount sites like Chairish, either. If you apply the right price filters, there are many deals to be had, (and don’t forget that negotiating IS an option on Chairish, too).
Happy upholstering!
