When it comes to home décor in the UAE, furniture upholstery is one of those key services that can dramatically refresh your space without a full furniture overhaul. Whether you’re in Dubai, Sharjah, or beyond, re-upholstering your sofas, chairs, or Arabic majlis seating offers a cost-effective way to update the style (تنجيد أثاث) Furniture Upholstery in the UAE the life of your furniture.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into furniture upholstery in English: what it is, why it matters, how to choose the right service provider, what to expect in cost and quality, and how to maintain your newly upholstered furniture.
We’ll reference services such as Al Afdal Works — known for furniture upholstery, outdoor upholstery, Arabic majlis seating, and affordable pricing in Dubai/Sharjah. For example, they highlight their chair-upholstery service, emphasizing durability, style, and safety.
What is Furniture Upholstery?
Furniture upholstery involves replacing or repairing the fabric and padding of furniture pieces — such as sofas, chairs, benches, or majlis seating — restoring them to look and feel like new. It might involve:
- Stripping the old fabric, foam, or webbing
- Repairing or replacing springs, frames, or cushions
- Applying new padding, springs, or support
- Covering with fresh fabric, leather, or synthetic upholstery material
- Finishing with piping, tufting, buttons, or custom details
In the UAE context, reputable providers also emphasize materials that are stain‐resistant, non-flammable, anti-bacterial, and suitable for high-use settings, as described by Al Afdal Works for their chair upholstery service.
Why Upholster Rather Than Replace?
- Cost-efficiency: Upholstering an existing piece is often much cheaper than buying a brand-new equivalent.
- Sustainability: It’s an eco-friendly choice — reusing frames, reducing waste.
- Lazy replacement of style: Maybe the frame is still in perfect shape, but the fabric is dated, worn, or mismatched with your décor.
- Customization: You can choose any fabric, color, texture, or pattern to match your interior.
- Sentimental value: If you have a loved piece of furniture (family heirloom, specific shape), upholstery preserves the piece while making it usable again.
What to Consider Before Upholstery in the UAE
Condition of the Furniture Frame
Make sure the frame, springs, webbing, and foam are still in good shape. If the frame is broken or seriously damaged, replacing the fabric may not deliver full value.
Fabric & Material Selection
In UAE homes, expect:
- Upholstery fabrics that are easy to clean (good for families with children or hosts)
- Materials that handle the climate (less fading from the sun, less moisture damage)
- For outdoor or terrace furniture: UV-resistant and water-resistant fabrics (as described by Al Afdal Works’ “Outdoor Furniture Upholstery” service).
Cost vs Value
Ask for quotes that separate fabric, labor, frames, and foam replacement. Compare “cheap” vs. “premium” upholstery fabrics. Often, low-cost work may compromise comfort, durability, or finish. But as the Arabic phrase “بتكلفة أقل” suggests, you can aim for “less cost” if you know what you’re sacrificing (less premium fabric, simpler finish, standard foam).
Service Provider Reputation
Look for upholstery companies in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman with:
- Home visits/measurement services
- Clear portfolio of work (sofas, majlis, chairs)
- Material choices, guarantees
- On-site installation and fitting
Al Afdal Works highlights free appointments and consultations for their upholstery services. 5. Lead Time & Turnaround
Upholstery may take days or weeks, depending on complexity, number of pieces, and custom fabric orders. Confirm pickup/disposal, delivery, and installation details.
Upholstery Process – What to Expect
Here’s a typical workflow:
Consultation & Measurement – Upholsterer visits your home, inspects the furniture, takes measurements, fabric samples.
Material Selection – Choose fabric/leather, color, finish, and decide on foam, springs, webbing, etc.
Quote & Agreement – You receive a quote detailing labor, materials, collection & delivery.
Pickup / Stripping – The furniture is removed or dismantled; old fabric, foam, and components are stripped off.
Repairs & Build-up – Frame repairs, spring/webbing replacement, new foam and padding applied.
Fabric Application – Upholsterer covers the piece in new fabric, creates piping, tufting, and seams.
Installation & Delivery – The finished piece is returned, installed in your space, and final adjustments are made.
Inspection & Care Advice – You inspect the work; the provider may give maintenance advice (e.g., cleaning instructions).
Cost Considerations in Dubai & Sharjah
While precise pricing varies by size, fabric, brand, and labor, here’s a rough idea:
- Upholstering a single dining chair: less cost — depending on fabric quality.
- Re-upholstering a 3-seater sofa: mid-range cost.
- Full majlis seating (large L-shaped sofa / Arabic seating) – higher cost due to size, complexity, fabric meters required.
Many providers market “التنجيد بأقل الأسعار” (upholstery at lowest prices) as a selling point — meaning you can get good value if you select standard fabric and minimal repairs.
For example, Al Afdal Works promotes “furniture upholstery / less cost in Dubai & Sharjah” in Arabic in their service listing.
Choosing the Right Fabric & Finish
Furniture upholstery in the UAE is a smart, stylish, and cost-efficient way to refresh your interiors. A nicely updated furniture piece (whether a sofa, chair, or majlis seating) adds to the impression your home gives, and often enhances the resale value of your whole home.
Fabric Types
- Plain woven fabric – Classic, many colors, moderate cost.
- Velvet / Chenille – Softer, luxurious feel, higher cost.
- Leather / PU leather – Easy to clean, good for high-use, higher cost.
- Outdoor fabric – UV and water resistant, for terraces/poolsides.
Finishes & Style
- Piping (contrast or matching)
- Tufting (buttons) for sofa backs
- Nail-head trim (for classic look)
- Custom cushions, scatter pillows
Look for fabric durability ratings (Martindale rub count) if you’re in a high-use environment.
Care & Maintenance After Upholstery
Whether you’re updating a beloved sofa, re-covering your Arabic majlis seating, or restoring chairs in your living room, further investment in good upholstery pays dividends in comfort, aesthetics, and value. To get the most from your newly upholstered furniture:
- Vacuum regularly and rotate cushions if removable.
- Use fabric-safe cleaning solutions; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Keep away from direct, strong sunlight to avoid fading.
- For outdoor upholstered furniture, cover or store during harsh weather.
- Act on spills quickly: blot immediately rather than rubbing.
- For leather/PU: condition periodically to prevent cracking.
Why Upholstery Matters in UAE Homes
In the UAE, many families host guests, entertain regularly, and value style in their interiors. A well-upholstered piece is not only functional but also a part of hospitality: comfortable, presentable, aligned with your décor, and climate-appropriate.
When selecting a service provider, ensure they offer: solid consultation, clear pricing, quality materials, good workmanship, and after-care advice. With the right choice, you’ll turn an ordinary furniture piece into a bespoke, stylish, and long-lasting asset of your home.
FAQs – Furniture Upholstery in Dubai & Sharjah
Q1: How long does upholstery work typically take in Dubai?
A: It depends on the size and complexity of the piece. A single chair may take 1–2 days; a large sofa or majlis set could take 1–2 weeks, including repairs and waiting for special fabric orders.
Q2: Can I keep my furniture in use while it’s being upholstered?
A: Generally, the furniture needs to be collected or removed from use while it is being stripped and re-covered. Some upholsterers offer replacement or temporary seating if you’re doing a large room.
Q3: Will the upholstery match exactly to my décor exactly?
A: Yes—if you choose a custom upholstery service, you’ll have wide fabric/leather choices, finishes, colors, and styles to match your décor. Make sure you bring fabric samples, photos of your existing room, and discuss style elements with the upholsterer.
Q4: Is upholstery a good investment compared to buying a new piece?
A: Absolutely, if the furniture frame is still in good condition. Upholstery often costs significantly less than buying a new equivalent piece, and the customized fabric and finish mean you get a unique piece aligned to your style.
Q5: How much does upholstery cost in Dubai/Sharjah?
A: Prices vary widely, from modest for a chair to significant for large majlis seating or high-end fabrics. Many providers (e.g., Al Afdal Works) emphasize “upholstery at lowest prices” — meaning you can find quality solutions if you select standard fabrics and minimal repairs. Always get a detailed quote.