What it costs to properly restore antique upholstered furniture — period-correct vs. sympathetic restoration, by piece type and complexity.
Antique furniture restoration cost depends heavily on three factors: the piece itself, how period-correct you want the restoration, and how much frame or carving work is needed. Most antique chair restorations in 2026 run $600 to $2,500; antique sofas range from $2,000 to $6,000+.
| Piece | Sympathetic restoration | Period-correct |
|---|---|---|
| Small parlor chair | $450–$900 | $800–$1,800 |
| Wingback chair | $600–$1,200 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Club chair / Bergère | $700–$1,400 | $1,400–$2,800 |
| Settee / Loveseat | $1,200–$2,200 | $2,200–$4,500 |
| Antique sofa / Chesterfield | $1,800–$3,500 | $3,500–$6,500 |
| Daybed / Recamier | $1,500–$2,800 | $2,800–$5,500 |
Add fabric cost on top: traditional fabrics (damask, silk, mohair) typically run $80–$200/yard. Most antique chairs need 4–8 yards.
| Issue | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Wood frame regluing | $80–$200 |
| Replacing damaged carved wood | $200–$700 |
| Refinishing exposed wood | $150–$500 |
| Reupholstering hidden support webbing | $80–$150 |
| Hand-stitched edges | $120–$300 |
| Period-correct horsehair stuffing | $150–$400 |
| Eight-way hand-tied spring restoration | $250–$600 |
| Custom-made buttons | $80–$200 |
Restore antiques when:
Get an antique appraiser's opinion first if:
Detailed cost breakdown for reupholstering a sofa in the Reno-Tahoe region — labor, fabric, fills, hardware, and what affects total price.
PricingHow much it costs to reupholster dining chairs — seat-only vs. full reupholstery, by quantity, fabric choices, and budget tips.
Fabric GuideApproximate yardage estimates for common furniture pieces — useful for budgeting before your consultation.