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How to Renovate an Old Sofa

4 minutes
If you don't have enough money to buy a new sofa, you can always choose to renovate the one you already have. Here are seven tips you can use.
How to Renovate an Old Sofa
Last update: 19 June, 2023

Buying a new sofa isn’t always an option. This is either by choice or because it’s not possible to make such an investment, or maybe just because you have a particular appreciation for that special piece of furniture. However, sometimes the best choice is to renovate an old sofa.

Don’t let the thought of restoration scare you. There are several levels at which you can make a significant change. Many of these renovations don’t require a large investment, and the aesthetic-decorative changes are spectacular. With little money, some ingenuity, and taking advantage of what you already have in your home, you can modify your sofa without changing it. Today we’ve compiled some tips to renovate an old sofa and give it new life.

How to make an old sofa look new

Time takes a toll on home furniture, especially sofas, armchairs, and chairs, which are usually the most affected artifacts. In some cases, the only solution is to replace the sofa; in others, renovation allows you to give it a second or third life. Here are some tips to make your old sofa look like new:

1. Change the sofa legs

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When it comes to decorating, renovating, or restoring, sofa legs are the most forgotten because when they’re in perfect condition and their design is impeccable, no one notices them. However, the opposite happens when they’re old and need replacing. If the latter is your case, opting for new furniture legs can make a big difference

Renewing the legs of your sofa won’t only give it more style, but it will also bring about functional benefits. For example, in terms of resistance and support when you sit on it. If you use it quite often, metal legs may be your best option.

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2. To renovate an old sofa reupholster

It’s more budget-friendly to renew a piece of furniture than to acquire a brand-new model. A reupholstered sofa looks like new, and it will add several years of useful life to your furniture.

When selecting the fabric for your sofa, make sure it matches the rest of your décor and is easy to maintain. Fabrics that mix natural fibers with polyester are a good option, although the choice should always be made based on your tastes and needs.

3. Place a cover over it

If you don’t want to go through the process of reupholstering your old sofa, a faster, more economical, and practical alternative is to place a cover over it. Blankets aren’t exclusively for people who have pets; they’re also a different and original way to renovate an old sofa without spending a lot of money.

You can use blankets or liners stored in your closet for it or opt to buy one. When removed in seconds, you can deal with complications such as the accumulation of bad odors or stains on the surface. In addition, it allows you to cover flaws and explore decorating styles such as boho chic.

4. Renovate an old sofa: change the cushions or covers

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Another way to renovate an old sofa is to change its cushions or covers. Cushions can help cover up flaws (stains, rips, and so on) and give the impression that you’re in the presence of a new sofa.

When choosing cushions or covers, remember to create a sense of contrast. This is important so that both the sofa and the color of the cushions stand out, without one overshadowing the other. Wool, leather, or velvet covers are more appropriate for winter, while cotton or linen covers are more suitable for summer.

5. Add accessories to renovate an old sofa

While the available space binds them, adding complements can help to renew an old sofa. Side tables, armchairs, chairs, decorative curtains, and plants can accompany sofas as well. Thanks to this, an overall assessment of the environment is achieved so that the sofa alone doesn’t steal all the attention of the eyes.

6. Clean it to bring back its glamor

We can’t talk about renovating your old sofa without recommending a deep clean. Sometimes, the stains and the smell of its surface give the feeling of deterioration. So you can clean it before considering other alternatives.

7. Replace its padding

If none of the above options have had the desired effect, then replacing the sofa’s padding can be an efficient alternative. Depending on the quality of the fabric, you can do this process without reupholstering it with a new one. Talk to your trusted cabinetmaker or upholsterer, especially if the sofa is no longer comfortable.

Ready to renovate the old sofa in your home?

There are many alternatives for modernizing old furniture. Moreover, they fit different budgets and allow you to play with the decor and style of the room. If you have doubts, consult an interior decorator or other professional about what to do and make your decision from there.