If your dining chairs are looking tired, worn or simply dated, reupholstering them is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your dining room without replacing the whole set. But how much should you expect to pay? In this guide we break down the typical costs involved, what affects the price and whether reupholstering is worth it compared to buying new.

Typical Cost to Reupholster a Dining Chair in the UK

The cost to reupholster a dining chair in the UK typically ranges from £40 to £150 per chair, depending on the type of chair, the fabric chosen and the amount of work involved. For a standard drop-in pad seat with a simple fabric, you would generally be at the lower end of that range. For a fully upholstered chair with a padded back, arms and more complex construction, costs will be higher.

Here is a rough guide to what you might expect to pay:

Drop-in seat pad only: £40 – £70 per chair. This is the most straightforward job — the seat pad lifts out of the frame and is recovered with new fabric and foam if required.

Fully upholstered seat and back: £80 – £130 per chair. More labour is involved in removing, recovering and refitting both the seat and the back panel.

Carver or armchair-style dining chair: £100 – £150 per chair. The additional surface area and more complex construction means a higher price.

Antique or traditionally constructed dining chairs: £120 – £200 or more per chair. These often require specialist skills such as deep buttoning, hand studding or working with traditional materials, which adds both time and cost.

What Affects the Cost?

Several factors will influence the final price of reupholstering your dining chairs. Understanding these will help you budget more accurately and have a more informed conversation with your upholsterer.

The fabric you choose. Fabric is often the largest variable in the overall cost. A basic plain weave or budget vinyl will be considerably cheaper than a premium chenille, velvet or genuine leather. If you supply your own fabric, you can sometimes reduce the overall cost, though your upholsterer will advise on the quantity needed.

The condition of the existing chair. If the frame is solid and the webbing or springs are in good order, less work is required. If the chair needs structural repairs, new webbing or replacement foam as well as new fabric, this will add to the cost.

The number of chairs. Most upholsterers will offer a better rate per chair when reupholstering a set of four, six or eight at the same time. It is almost always more economical to do a full set together rather than one or two at a time.

The complexity of the design. Piping, pleating, button detailing and other decorative finishes all require additional time and skill, and will be reflected in the price.

Your location. Labour costs vary across the UK. Upholsterers in London and the South East typically charge more than those in the Midlands and North of England.

Is It Worth Reupholstering Dining Chairs?

In most cases, yes — particularly if the chairs have solid frames and good bones. A well-made dining chair can last for decades if properly maintained, and reupholstering can give it a completely new lease of life at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Consider that a new set of six decent quality dining chairs can easily cost £600 to £1,500 or more. Reupholstering an existing set of six at £60 to £100 per chair comes to £360 to £600 — and you keep chairs that may be far better constructed than anything available at a similar price point today.

There is also an environmental argument. Reupholstering rather than replacing keeps furniture out of landfill and avoids the carbon cost of manufacturing and shipping new pieces.

Can I Supply My Own Fabric?

Most upholsterers are happy for you to supply your own fabric, which can reduce the overall cost. If you go down this route, ask your upholsterer how much fabric you will need before purchasing — getting this wrong can be a costly mistake. As a general guide, a single drop-in seat pad typically requires around half a metre of fabric, though this varies depending on pattern repeat and chair size.

How Long Does It Take?

A single chair with a drop-in seat can often be turned around within a day or two. A full set of dining chairs is typically completed within one to two weeks, depending on the upholsterer’s workload. If you are working to a deadline — a dinner party or family occasion — it is worth mentioning this when you enquire so your upholsterer can plan accordingly.

Get a Free Estimate from Lovett Upholstery

At Lovett Upholstery in Burntwood, Staffordshire, we reupholster dining chairs of all types — from simple drop-in seats to antique carvers requiring traditional techniques. We have over 20 years of experience and carry a wide range of fabric samples, which we can bring directly to your home.

We offer free, no-obligation estimates and a collection and delivery service, making the process as straightforward as possible. To find out how much it would cost to reupholster your dining chairs, call us on 01543 670657 or use our contact form and we will get back to you promptly.

Whether you are having a van converted for the first time or looking to refresh a tired interior, one of the first questions most people ask is how much campervan upholstery is going to cost. The honest answer is that it varies quite a bit depending on what you need done, the size of your van and the materials you choose. In this guide we break down the typical costs for the most common campervan upholstery jobs so you know what to expect.

Campervan Upholstery Costs at a Glance

Here are typical price ranges for the most common campervan upholstery work in the UK in 2026:

Rock and roll bed reupholstery: £200 – £500. The rock and roll bed is usually the centrepiece of a campervan interior and one of the most involved jobs. Cost depends on the size of the bed, the fabric chosen and whether new foam is required.

Cab seat retrim (per seat): £150 – £350 per seat. Driver and passenger cab seats see heavy use and are often the most worn part of a conversion. A full retrim in fabric or faux leather brings them back to showroom condition.

Buddy seat upholstery: £80 – £200. A single buddy seat over a wheel arch is a relatively straightforward job, though bespoke shapes can push the cost higher.

Bespoke cushions and squabs: £50 – £150 per piece. For custom-fit cushions to fill awkward spaces or unusual layouts, cost depends on the dimensions, foam grade and fabric selected.

Full campervan interior reupholstery: £800 – £2,500+. A complete interior including rock and roll bed, cab seats, side seating, cushions and any additional pieces will vary significantly based on the size of the van, the complexity of the layout and the materials used.

Headlining and interior panel trim: £300 – £800. Trimming the headlining and door or side panels in fabric or vinyl ties together the overall look of a conversion and is often done alongside seat upholstery.

What Affects the Cost of Campervan Upholstery?

Several factors will influence what you pay for campervan upholstery work. Being clear about these with your upholsterer from the outset will help you get an accurate estimate.

The size of your van. A VW Transporter has considerably less interior surface area than a Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit LWB. Larger vans simply require more materials and more time, which is reflected in the cost.

The fabric or material you choose. This is often the single biggest variable. Hard-wearing van-specific fabrics are available at a range of price points. Faux leather and vinyl tend to be mid-range, while genuine leather is at the premium end. Easy-clean and outdoor-grade fabrics are particularly popular for campervans given the demands of life on the road.

Whether new foam is required. If you are reupholstering an existing conversion, the foam inside your seats and cushions may still be in good condition. If it has flattened, deteriorated or was poor quality to begin with, replacing it will add to the cost but make a significant difference to comfort.

Bespoke vs standard shapes. Most campervan layouts involve at least some non-standard dimensions. The more bespoke the shapes involved, the more time is required for cutting, patterning and fitting, which increases labour costs.

The number of pieces. Doing all the upholstery in one visit or commission is almost always more cost-effective than coming back for individual pieces over time. If you are planning a full conversion, it is worth getting all the upholstery done together where possible.

Fabric or Faux Leather — Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked. Both are popular choices for campervans and each has its advantages.

Fabric tends to be warmer, softer and more comfortable to sit on for long periods, which matters if you are spending a lot of time in the van. It comes in a much wider range of colours, textures and patterns, giving you more creative freedom with your interior design. Modern van-specific fabrics are also significantly more durable and easier to clean than they used to be.

Faux leather and vinyl are easier to wipe down after muddy boots, wet dogs and spilled drinks, making them a practical choice for active, outdoor-focused conversions. They also tend to give a cleaner, more contemporary look that photographs well — something many van owners value.

Genuine leather is the premium option and wears beautifully over time, but it comes at a higher cost and requires more care than faux leather alternatives.

Is Professional Campervan Upholstery Worth It?

For most people, yes. DIY campervan upholstery is possible for simple jobs like replacing drop-in cushion covers, but for rock and roll beds, cab seats and anything requiring precise patterning and fitting, professional upholstery will produce a significantly better result that lasts far longer.

A poorly upholstered rock and roll bed can wear unevenly, lose its shape quickly or — in the worst cases — affect how safely it converts between seat and sleeping modes. Professional upholstery also ensures that all materials used comply with current UK fire safety regulations, which is particularly important when the seating doubles as sleeping accommodation.

Beyond safety and longevity, the finish of your upholstery has a real impact on the overall feel and value of your conversion. It is one of the first things people notice when they step inside a van, and well-executed upholstery elevates the whole interior.

Do You Work with Campervan Converters?

Yes. At Lovett Upholstery we work with converters and trade customers as well as private van owners. If you are a converter based in Staffordshire or the West Midlands and are looking for a reliable upholstery partner for your builds, we would be very happy to have a conversation about how we can work together.

Get a Free Estimate for Your Campervan Upholstery

At Lovett Upholstery in Burntwood, Staffordshire, we offer professional campervan upholstery for all types of vans and conversions. We carry a wide range of fabric, faux leather and vinyl samples suitable for van interiors, and we can bring them to you or you are welcome to visit our workshop.

We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all campervan upholstery work. To discuss your project and get a price, call us on 01543 670657 or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

When your furniture starts to show signs of wear and tear, you may find yourself contemplating whether it’s time to replace it. However, before you go down that road, consider the option of reupholstering your furniture. Reupholstering offers several benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. In this article, we will explore why you should consider reupholstering your furniture instead of replacing it.

Cost-Effective: Reupholstering your furniture can be a cost-effective alternative to buying new pieces. High-quality furniture is often built with sturdy frames that can last for many years. By reupholstering, you can give your furniture a fresh, updated look without the expense of purchasing new items. Additionally, reupholstering allows you to choose fabric options that suit your style and budget, giving you control over the overall cost of the project.

Customisation: Reupholstering provides an opportunity for customisation. When you reupholster your furniture, you can select from a wide variety of fabric options, patterns, and textures. This allows you to create a unique look that reflects your personal style and complements your existing decor. Whether you prefer a classic, timeless fabric or a bold, modern design, reupholstering gives you the freedom to make your furniture truly your own.

Quality and Durability: High-quality furniture is often built with durable frames that can withstand the test of time. By reupholstering, you can preserve the solid construction of your furniture while updating the fabric to match your current preferences. Skilled upholsterers will ensure that the new upholstery is properly fitted and installed, resulting in a finished product that is as comfortable and durable as it was when it was first purchased.

Environmental Sustainability: Choosing to reupholster your furniture is an environmentally conscious decision. By extending the life of your furniture through reupholstering, you help reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposing of furniture. Reupholstering is a sustainable practice that allows you to enjoy your furniture for many more years, contributing to a greener lifestyle.

Sentimental Value: Furniture often carries sentimental value, especially pieces that have been passed down through generations or hold memories of special occasions. Reupholstering allows you to preserve and cherish these sentimental pieces by giving them a new lease on life. By restoring your furniture to its former glory, you can continue to enjoy the comfort and sentimental value it holds.

Craftsmanship and Artistry: Reupholstering is a skilled craft that requires attention to detail and expertise. Professional upholsterers possess the knowledge and experience to transform worn-out furniture into beautiful, revitalised pieces. Through their craftsmanship and artistry, they can enhance the aesthetics and comfort of your furniture, breathing new life into it.

In conclusion, reupholstering your furniture offers numerous advantages over replacing it. It is a cost-effective option that allows for customisation, maintains the quality and durability of the furniture, and promotes environmental sustainability. Additionally, reupholstering can preserve sentimental value and showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of skilled upholsterers. So, before you consider parting with your beloved furniture, consider the benefits of reupholstering and give your pieces a fresh, updated look that will bring you joy for years to come.

1. Vacuum regularly: Regularly vacuuming your upholstery fabrics can help to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that can accumulate over time. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fabric.
2. Use a lint roller: Lint rollers are a quick and easy way to remove pet hair and other debris from upholstery fabrics. Simply roll the lint roller over the surface of the fabric to pick up any stray hairs or debris.
3. Spot clean spills and stains immediately: If you spill something on your upholstery fabrics, it is important to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent staining. Use a clean, white cloth and a mild detergent to blot the spill and remove as much of it as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it and make it harder to remove.
4. Use a protective spray: Applying a protective spray to your upholstery fabrics can help to prevent spills and stains from penetrating the fabric and can also make them easier to clean if they do occur. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the spray.
5. Avoid direct sunlight: Upholstery fabrics can fade or discolor if exposed to direct sunlight over an extended period of time.