apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I'd only do it if I could have the entire sectional - as it is with the angled corner/back on the right it looks goofy on its own.

If it's between this couch and a Gus Modern, go for the Gus Modern!

Doesn't seem worth the considerable cost of reupholstering. The design is nice, but nothing you couldn't find new, or better new.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoinformal/2640146911/in/set-72157605995660886/

i have a similar couch, same age, and found fabric for$5/yard. it looks perfect, now. have them make a "cushion armrest" to take up the odd-looking corner space.
if skilled, they may even be able to make it look more symmetrical.

Reupholstery is expensive. Maybe more expensive than the couch is worth. And I agree that that slanted arm looks odd without the rest of the sectional.

Buy a new one.

that was nice of your mom. or maybe it was really mean. new couch.

I can't answer whether to do it or not, as I struggle with my own old sofa--old, comfy, well built, and great lines also, but I know the reupholstery would cost more than a new one. (Yet I haven't seen one like it, not do I relish throwing it to the dump when I get the new one).

Here is a recommendation I got from someone in the business:
http://www.arlingtoncountywebsite.com/josegoncalvesinteriors.htm

The next one I used twice and thought they did a great job:
http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_w4y8c

usually reupolstering can cost as much or more than buying a new sofa. i had a friend whose mother gave her a sofa. she then paid a fortune to have it slipcovered and it became an albatross. (a constant burden). she had put so much money into though, that she endured it unhappily for many years to come. she wished she had just bought a new sofa.

maybe consider a slipcover if you keep it, but i wouldn't invest money in reupolstering.

Hi I recently inquired about having a Queen Anne chair reupholstered. I called 2 businesses and was quoted between 750-1100. Unless it's a family heirloom or an antique it was recommended buying a new chair. Try craigslist, I have found some great things there.

If you can afford to reupholster it, you can afford a new(er) couch, and I would vote new couch.

reupholstering would be the more green option. just sayin.

You could drape it in kilims or oriental rugs (like Freud's famous couch) if you want to keep it and not spend $$$ on upgrades.

Thanks AT! I went with my gut feeling and let her keep the couch (she is going to get a new sofa anyway)!!!

I just searched on Craigslist (like wndrwoman534 suggested) and got a new(er) Mitchell Gold Shelter Arm sofa from Crate and Barrel. I would have bought a brand new Mitchell Gold, but even the sofa I liked was still too expensive when they had their sample sale. Also, I tried out a Gus Modern sofa and it was not as comfy as I hoped. I then considered the Loring sofa by Room&Board. However, I could not justify buying a sofa without trying it out first and I wasn't taking a trip up to NYC just to do so.

The sofa buying process is so time consuming!!!

time to RIP

I agree buy new, I would only reupholster if something had a unique and hard-to-find shape that you simply couldn't part with.

I presume if you could have afforded a new sofa your mother wouldn't offer this one. You can make a slip cover from sheeting and save for a new sofa. Your mother won't expect you to keep it forever and she is probably glad of the space.

I vote for reupholstering! Speaking from experience, it's very hard to find the perfect couch! It sounds like you have (free, comfortable, and still has life left in it), and I think the cost of reupholstering is well worth it. Good luck!

i had the exact same couch in my house when i was growing up! i'd know the rust color and the subtle pattern anywhere. i think our got burned with a curling iron. honestly, it was one of the best napping couches of all time, thus i vote for reupholstery if the cushions are in good shape.