“Why Is Furniture Upholstery & Restoration So expensive?”

We have been in this industry for over a decade and often had to answer this question. It has not been unusual for us to get a surprised face from customers when we give them a quote, or simply not get a reply when we send an estimate. In a few key points, we discuss here why reupholstery -and furniture restoration in general- is a labour intensive, highly skilled job that is often undervalued, and why we believe that the problem is not that our work is too expensive but that brand-new furniture is far too cheap.

In this blog, we’ll explore why the affordability of new furniture is distorting perceptions of value, how it impacts the environment and quality standards, and why investing in restoration may be the more responsible and rewarding choice.

*All the images are of furniture that has been fixed by us.

THE ECONOMICS OF FURNITURE: WHY NEW COSTS LESS

Over the past few decades, furniture prices have plummeted relative to income. This has been mainly caused by the rapid development of mass production which in turn has aided a massive rise in cheap "fast furniture". Globalised supply chains and automation have allowed companies to produce furniture at an unprecedented scale. Factories in countries with lower labour costs manufacture pieces in bulk, often using inexpensive materials like particleboard and laminate rather than solid wood. This in turn has enabled that brands like IKEA, Wayfair, and others have embraced the “fast furniture” model, offering trendy, short-lived designs at rock-bottom prices. This business model relies on consumers replacing items frequently rather than investing in durable pieces. However, there are many hidden costs of cheap production, but the 2 most significant ones are, on the one hand, the environmental cost, as cheap furniture is often manufactured using unsustainable practices, including deforestation and high carbon emissions. And on the other other hand, underpaid labour, with workers in low-cost manufacturing hubs who often face poor conditions and wages, further driving down production costs. These environmental and human costs aren’t reflected in the price tag. As a result, new furniture is cheap—but not necessarily affordable in the long run.

THE TRUE COST OF CHEAP FURNITURE

While the price tag may be attractive, cheap furniture comes with hidden downsides that often outweigh the initial savings:

Environmental Impact: according to a 2018/19 report by the North London Waste Authority, 22 million pieces of furniture are discarded each year in the UK, the majority of which goes directly to landfill. Much of this waste comes from fast furniture, which is designed to be disposable. Moreover, the use of low-quality wood and synthetic materials contributes to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion.

Loss of Craftsmanship: mass-produced furniture is often made with cost-cutting in mind, sacrificing quality for affordability. This means shorter lifespans, lower durability and fewer unique hand-crafted details.

Hidden Financial Costs: unlike heirloom-quality furniture, mass-produced items are often difficult (if not impossible) to repair due to the use of low-quality materials and construction methods. So when purchasing this cheap furniture, we often end up making frequent replacements. Over time, these replacements can add up to more than the cost of a single, high-quality piece!

WHY RESTORATION FEELS EXPENSIVE (BUT ISN'T)

When compared to the artificially low prices of new furniture, restoration can feel prohibitively expensive. Here’s why this perception exists—and why it’s misleading:

Restoration Reflects Real Costs: restoration involves skilled labour, quality materials, and attention to detail—all of which come with a fair price. Unlike mass production, restoration cannot be outsourced to factories or completed by machines. This ensures a level of craftsmanship and durability that mass-produced furniture simply can’t match.

Long-Term Value: restoring a high-quality piece of furniture can result in decades of use, far outpacing the lifespan of a cheaper replacement. Viewed over time, the cost per year of a restored piece is often far lower than buying multiple pieces of fast furniture.

Sentimental and Aesthetic Value: restoring a family heirloom or vintage piece is about more than functionality—it’s about preserving history, individuality, and charm. This intangible value cannot be replicated by a mass-produced item.

REFRAMING THE CONVERSATION: WHY RESTORING FURNITURE IS A SMARTER CHOICE

To change the way we think about furniture, we need to focus on the benefits of restoration and the hidden costs of “cheap” alternatives.

Sustainability: restoration is one of the most sustainable choices you can make. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, you’re extending the life of an existing piece. Additionally, many restoration projects use eco-friendly materials and techniques.

Support for Skilled Artisans: by choosing restoration, you’re supporting local craftspeople who rely on their skills to earn a living. This not only keeps traditional techniques alive but also invests in your local economy.

Superior Quality: restored furniture often surpasses modern alternatives in both quality and style. Whether it’s the solid wood construction, hand-carved details, or intricate joinery, older pieces have a character that fast furniture cannot replicate.

Cost-Effectiveness Over Time: while the upfront cost of restoration may seem high, the longevity of restored furniture means you’ll save money in the long run. Plus, well-maintained pieces can even increase in value over time.

CHANGING MINDSETS: HOW TO VALUE FURNITURE DIFFERENTLY

To make restoration a more appealing choice, we need to shift our perspective on furniture:

Think Beyond the Price Tag: Consider the environmental, social, and long-term financial implications of buying new.

Embrace Quality Over Quantity: Instead of filling your home with cheap, trendy pieces, focus on a few high-quality, timeless items.

Invest in Stories: Restored furniture often has a history and personality that new pieces lack. Cherish these stories instead of discarding them.

In conclusion, the problem isn’t that restoring furniture is too expensive—it’s that buying new furniture is too cheap, thanks to unsustainable practices, low wages, and a culture of disposability. By choosing restoration, you’re making an investment in quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

Ultimately, the furniture you choose should reflect your values. Restoring a piece may cost more upfront, but it pays dividends in durability, aesthetics, and a cleaner conscience. Let’s move away from the race to the bottom and start valuing the things we bring into our homes.