Find an upholsterer in Chicago, IL
An upholsterer rebuilds and recovers furniture with new fabric, padding, springs and webbing. People hire one to save a well-made or family piece, to fix sagging cushions, or to change the look of a chair or sofa. A good upholsterer tells you honestly whether a piece is worth redoing.
How many upholsterers are in Chicago?
The Census Bureau counted 15 upholsterers with employees in Chicago, IL ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Cook County has 74, or 1.4 per 100,000 residents: more than the US rate of 0.8, and 36th of 143 large US cities per resident.
Another 166 self-employed businesses in reupholstery and furniture repair are based in Cook County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 60609 (5), 60634 (4), 60639 (3), 60651 (3).
Half of Chicago's homes were built before 1952, and 54% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 15 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Cook County | 1.4 US: 0.8 |
| Rank among large US cities | 36 of 143 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 27% |
| Self-employed, Cook County | 166 Census NES 2023: reupholstery and furniture repair |
| Median year homes were built | 1952 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 54% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 2,707,648 ACS 2023 |
What do upholsterers in Chicago help with?
- Sofa and chair reupholstery
- Cushion foam replacement
- Spring and webbing repair
- Dining chair seats
- Headboards
- Antique furniture restoration
- Boat and auto upholstery
- Commercial and restaurant seating
- Slipcovers
- Leather repair
How do you choose a good upholsterer in Chicago?
- Look at finished pieces in the shop. Check seams, pattern matching and tight corners.
- Ask what is included: new foam, springs, webbing or just new fabric.
- Ask how much fabric you need and whether you can supply your own.
- Ask for a written quote with labor and materials separate.
- Ask about the timeline. Fabric orders can take weeks.
- Ask whether they pick up and deliver.
Upholsterers are not licensed in most places, though some states regulate the filling materials used in furniture.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is this piece worth reupholstering?
- What work is included beyond new fabric?
- How much fabric will I need?
- Can I bring my own fabric?
- How long will it take?
- Do you offer a warranty on the work?
Red flags to watch for
- Recovering a piece without checking the frame or springs.
- No written quote.
- Large payment for labor before work starts.
- Uneven seams or mismatched patterns in their samples.
What changes the price?
- Size and style of the furniture
- Fabric type and amount
- Pattern matching
- Repairs to the frame, springs or foam
- Details like tufting or welting
- Pickup and delivery
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many upholsterers are there in Chicago?
The Census counted 15 upholsterers with employees in Chicago, IL in 2023, plus 166 self-employed businesses in Cook County.
Is reupholstery cheaper than buying new?
Not always. It is often worth it for well-built furniture or pieces with sentimental value. A good upholsterer will tell you if new would serve you better.
How long does reupholstery take?
It depends on the piece and fabric availability. Ask for an estimated ready date when you order.
What fabric is best for families with pets?
Tightly woven, durable fabrics such as performance fabrics and some synthetics hold up best. Ask your upholsterer for options.
Upholsterers in nearby cities
Upholsterers in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a upholsterer.