Before you toss out grandpa’s favourite recliner chair that’s been rotting away in the shed, give consideration to the miracles that can happen with reupholstering. Glen Byrne has been an upholsterer for 18 years and sees hope in even the most dilapidated of furniture. "If you get the frame or the foundation right first, then it’s just a matter of using good elastic or spring, or in older furniture it may be coconut fibre, jute webbing or even tie-in springs," he says. "Then, with a good foam for the seat and quality material for the cover, you can bring almost anything back to life." Just bear in mind that if you don’t have a good-quality product to begin with, reupholstering furniture may not be worth the cost or effort.

The cost of reupholstering will vary considerably, depending on the age of the piece and how often it’s used, but Glen says "For very old, antique pieces it can be much more expensive, but it may mean another 60 years of life."

When looking for a good reupholsterer Glen says your best bet is to go with a company that deals in quality materials. "Those who are using suppliers such as Warwicks, Jacka-Wortley or Howe Leather, for example, and who are surrounded by good things, will generally create something that will last."

For DIYers who want to reupholster their own pieces, Glen doesn’t recommend experimenting on valuable pieces. "Reupholstery is a trade and to get the best out of your furniture you should get it done properly," he says. "Of course, lots of people pick up a few chairs from the local op shop or off the side of the road and just want to have a bit of fun, and I get quite a few requests for advice on this."

So next time the old recliner is looking a bit sad, it certainly is worth investigating a reupholster – that way you can keep your favourite things and save money too. Contact an upholsterer in your area to bring your old furniture back to life.