Reupholstery vs. Buying New: What’s Best for Your Interior Design Vision?

Posted on 5th June 2025 at 10:31

When planning a luxury interior, every detail matters — from the colour palette and fabric texture to the silhouette of a chair or the lines of a window treatment. At Ball & Co, based in our beautiful Victorian showroom in the heart of Windsor, we help our clients navigate these decisions every day. One question we’re often asked: Should I reupholster an existing piece, or invest in something new?

Both options have their merits, and the right answer depends on your aesthetic goals, quality expectations, and emotional attachment to existing furniture. In this post, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each — with a particular focus on how upholstery choices can elevate your home.

Why Upholstery Matters in Interior Design

Before we dive into the comparison, it’s important to understand the role that upholstered furniture plays in a well-designed space. Upholstery is more than just a surface — it’s an opportunity to express your personal taste, complement architectural features, and add visual richness through colour, texture and pattern.

At Ball & Co, we stock a vast collection of designer upholstery fabrics, ranging from classic velvets to contemporary linens and statement prints. Whether you’re styling a Georgian townhouse or a modern apartment, the right fabric can completely transform the atmosphere of a room.

When Reupholstery Is the Right Choice

Preserving Quality Craftsmanship

If you own a well-built piece — perhaps a family heirloom or a bespoke item — reupholstery is often the smarter route. High-quality furniture frames are typically made from solid wood and designed to last for decades. Reupholstering these pieces not only preserves their integrity but also allows you to refresh their appearance for a new era.

Sustainable and Sentimental

Reupholstery is also a more sustainable option, reducing waste and breathing new life into existing furniture. Many of our Windsor clients are choosing to update inherited or vintage pieces rather than discard them, especially when they hold sentimental value or match the period features of their homes.

Total Design Freedom

With reupholstery, you have total control over the fabric, trim, and finish — allowing you to tailor the piece to your exact vision. Want to pair a bold patterned fabric with contrast piping and brass studwork? Our in-house design team will guide you through every detail to ensure your refreshed piece fits seamlessly into your overall interior scheme.

When Buying New Makes Sense

Modern Comfort and Functionality

Sometimes, a new piece of upholstered furniture is the better fit — especially if your lifestyle has changed or your current furniture no longer meets your functional needs. New sofas and armchairs often come with updated support systems, improved ergonomics, and modern silhouettes that might be hard to replicate with older pieces.

A Cohesive Look for a Fresh Start

If you're furnishing a newly renovated space or moving into a new home, buying new allows you to build a cohesive look from the ground up. At Ball & Co, we offer a hand-picked collection of luxury upholstered furniture that can be customised to match your curtain fabrics, wallpaper choices, and window treatments — ensuring a beautifully harmonised interior.

Let Ball & Co Help You Decide

Choosing between reupholstery and buying new isn’t always a clear-cut decision. It often comes down to the piece in question, your design goals, and the story you want your home to tell.

At Ball & Co, we offer both services — expert reupholstery carried out by skilled craftspeople, and a curated range of premium upholstered furniture from trusted designers. Our design consultants are here to advise you on what will serve your space best, whether that means reviving a beloved classic or investing in something entirely new.

Ball & Co is proud to be part of Windsor's rich heritage. Our clients — many of whom are based in large period homes or modern estates in the surrounding area — trust us for our discerning eye, exceptional fabrics, and bespoke service.

Whether you're exploring upholstery options, selecting luxury curtain fabrics, or seeking advice on window furnishings, we’re here to help you bring your interior design vision to life — with flair and confidence.

Interested in reupholstering a piece or shopping for new upholstered furniture?

Get in touch or visit us in-store to speak with our design experts.