Reupholstering vs Buying New: Which Is Cheaper in 2025? If your sofa’s looking worn out — torn fabric, sagging cushions, maybe a leg that’s seen better days — you’re probably wondering: should I fix it or just buy a new one? In Singapore, that decision isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Prices for both new sofas and upholstery work have shifted. Plus, with people paying more attention to waste and quality these days, it’s worth taking a closer look at what makes more s ense — not just for your wallet, but for your home too. The Case for Reupholstering Reupholstering is more than just a fabric swap. It usually means replacing the outer material, fixing padding, and maybe repairing parts of the frame. In some cases, it even involves tweaking the sofa’s shape slightly or adding new cushion foam for better support. If your sofa was well - built to begin with — think hardwood frame, strong joints, decent support — it’s often worth saving. The structure is already there. You’re just giving it a new skin and maybe upgrading its comfort. In 2025, Singapore sofa upholstery services typically charge anywhere from $600 to $1,200 for a standard 3 - seater. The final cost depends on fabric choice, complexity of the job, and the sofa’s condition. Go for leather or designer fabric, and it’ll cost m ore. But stick to durable synthetic blends, and you can stay well within the lower end of that range. This route doesn’t just save money compared to a quality new sofa. It also reduces waste — something more Singaporeans are paying attention to. Tossing out a sofa just for cosmetic reasons feels wasteful when reupholstery can stretch its life by another deca de. Benefits of reupholstering: • Saves money compared to buying quality new sofas • Lets you choose fabric and design to match your home • Preserves a solid, well - built frame • More environmentally friendly than discarding furniture • Keeps sentimental pieces in use When Basic Repair Is Enough Sometimes you don’t need the full overhaul. If your sofa’s structure is still solid and it just needs a little help — maybe the cushions lost their bounce or a spring's out of place — a repair job could do the trick. Sofa upholstery services in Singapore handle issues like cushion restuffing, broken frames, or minor fabric damage. Costs can be as low as $50 for simple fixes, up to a few hundred dollars if there’s structural work involved. Common sofa repairs and their costs: • Cushion re - stuffing: $50 – $150 • Frame or spring repair: $100 – $300 • Small fabric patching or stitching: $100 – $300 This is especially useful for newer sofas that aren’t falling apart yet, but don’t feel quite right anymore. It’s the middle ground: not as costly as reupholstery, not as drastic as replacement. The Price of Buying New New furniture always sounds appealing. It’s clean, modern, and often delivered within days. But in 2025, prices have climbed. A decent - quality new sofa in Singapore usually starts around $1,500. Go up a tier to better materials or more durable frames, and you're looking at $2,000 to $3,000 or more. Of course, you can find budget options under $1,000 — especially online. But they often cut corners on frame materials or cushion density. These may be fine for light use or short - term living situations, but don’t expect them to hold up long - term. Price breakdown for new sofas in Singapore: • Budget options: $600 – $1,000 • Mid - range sofas: $1,500 – $3,000 • High - end designer sofas: $3,000+ And here’s the catch: while it’s cheaper upfront, a poorly built new sofa might only last 3 to 5 years. If you’re back at the same decision in just a few years, that “deal” quickly becomes more expensive than a one - time upholstery job. What Makes the Most Financial Sense? Let’s say you own a 10 - year - old sofa. The style still works in your home, it fits the space well, and the frame is sturdy. The fabric’s worn and the cushions are a bit sad, but structurally, it’s sound. Reupholstering might cost around $900. A new sofa with similar quality might run you $2,000. That’s more than double. Even if you went with a cheaper $900 new sofa, you’d likely be trading down in terms of frame strength and cushion life. You’re paying the same — maybe more — for something that won’t last as long. On the flip side, if your sofa has a cracked frame, makes odd noises when you sit, or just doesn’t fit your space anymore, trying to save it might not be worth it. That’s when replacement makes more sense. Beyond the Price Tag Money’s important, but it’s not the only thing. Some people keep furniture because it holds meaning — maybe it was handed down, or it's part of a home they’ve built memories in. In those cases, cost matters less than keeping a connection to something persona l. Other times, it’s about convenience. Buying new means no waiting. No back - and - forth with upholsterers. Just order, deliver, done. If your time is limited or you're in the middle of a bigger home renovation, that convenience can tip the scale. Then there’s sustainability. Reusing what you already have keeps bulky furniture out of landfills. It reduces the demand for new raw materials, production, and shipping. For some, that environmental impact carries weight — especially in a dense city like Sin gapore where space and waste are ongoing concerns. So, What Should You Do? If your current sofa has a strong frame, still works in your space, and you’re happy with the shape — it’s usually cheaper and smarter to reupholster or repair. You save money, reduce waste, and keep what already fits. But if the frame’s weak, the comfort’s gone, and the style no longer suits your needs, it’s okay to start fresh. Just make sure the new sofa you choose is built to last, so you’re not back in the same spot in a few years. Don’t decide in a rush. Sit with the idea for a bit. Take a good look at what you already have. Then ask for a couple of quotes from Singapore sofa upholstery shops. Compare those to what you’d pay for something new, of equal quality — not just something cheaper. Let your wallet, your back, and your common sense guide the rest.