UBCNews - Business - Stop Throwing Out Furniture: Reupholstery Is The Smart Santa Monica Alternative

Episode Date: February 24, 2026

That old chair you inherited from your grandma is warm and cozy, just like she was. You hate to get rid of it, but it's killing your aesthetic. Well, we have news for you: the squared-off, memory-foam monstrosity from the big box store won't do anything for it, either. It's a fact of life: the furniture we use wears out. In our rush to simplify life and declutter our homes, we've created a strong impulse to toss what's shabby and quickly replace it with the cheapest four-star fast furniture item we find online. And in doing so, we're emptying our souls and wallets and overflowing our landfills. Or you could splurge for a new, quality dining room set - and then serve nothing but ramen. Somehow, that doesn't seem much better. But there is another, lesser-known option. The artisans at Joseph's Custom Furniture Upholstery and Slipcovers explain. Growing awareness of fast furniture's environmental footprint is driving many customers to restore existing, quality pieces rather than buy new items manufactured to be disposable. While more than 50 percent of consumers own fast furniture, we know it's not sustainable, according to research from James & James. About the same amount know fast furniture is not acceptable for sustained use, and close to that amount say they would judge others for holding onto it long-term. The environmental impact is undeniable. The rise of fast furniture has driven furniture waste up 450 percent since the 1960s, according to the same study. Considering that the furniture industry creates at least 2 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions annually, it's no wonder that millennials and Gen Z are increasingly turning to vintage furniture shops to outfit their homes. But do you know what's even more sustainable and economical than resale furniture? Furniture that you already own. Giving furniture with worn cushions a fresh look rather than discarding keeps it out of landfills and reduces demand for new manufacturing. Restoration is an especially attractive option for pieces with solid hardwood frames, which provide strength and durability that many modern particleboard furniture items lack. It's also a way to preserve pieces that were meaningful gifts or have sentimental value. When a piece has a strong foundation, reupholstery can extend its life for years while maintaining its original character. Customers keep the original frame, but select new fabrics, colors, and patterns, creating unique pieces that reflect personal style without the expense of custom-built furniture. In many cases, unless they have artistic or historical value, reupholstery can actually add value to these pieces. Getting furniture reupholstered - and even inspected for restoration - takes transportation, time, and effort. Is it worth the investment? The furniture repair experts at Joseph's Custom Furniture Upholstery and Slipcovers give these tips for determining whether your piece is a good candidate for reupholstery: Items that have hardwood frames, such as oak, maple, cherry, mahogany, or walnut Furniture that was made at least 15 to 30 years ago Pieces without broken or damaged frames Construction details like joints that are corner-blocked, glued, or screwed rather than stapled Suspension systems featuring coiled springs rather than webbing Quality reupholstery services may provide free estimates and transportation to help potential clients with logistics. Engaging the experience of these experts can help you make informed decisions that are good for your budget and for the planet. Visit the link in the description for more details. Joseph's custom furniture upholstery and slipcovers City: Los Angeles Address: 1830 W Pico Blvd E, Website: https://josephallupholstery.com/ Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

That old chair you inherited from your grandma is warm and cozy, just like she was. You hate to get rid of it, but it's killing your aesthetic. Well, we have news for you. The squared-off memory foam monstrosity from the big box store won't do anything for it either. It's a fact of life. The furniture we use wears out. In our rush to simplify life and declutter our homes, we've created a strong impulse to toss what's shabby and quickly replace it

with the cheapest four-star fast furniture item we find online. and in doing so, we're emptying our souls and wallets and overflowing our landfills. Or you could splurge for a new quality dining room set and then serve nothing but ramen. Somehow, that doesn't seem much better. But there is another lesser-known option. The artisans at Joseph's custom furniture upholstery and slip covers explain, growing awareness of fast furniture's environmental footprint is driving many customers to restore existing, quality pieces rather than buy new items manufactured to be disposable.

While more than 50% of consumers own fast furniture, we know it's not sustainable, according to research from James and James. About the same amount, no fast furniture is not acceptable for sustained use, and close to that amount say they would judge others for holding onto it long term. The environmental impact is undeniable. The rise of fast furniture has driven furniture waste up 450% since the 1960s, according to the same study. Considering that the furniture industry creates at least two percent of global carbon dioxide emissions annually, it's no wonder that millennials and Gen Z are increasingly

turning to vintage furniture shops to outfit their homes. But do you know what's even more sustainable and economical than resale furniture? Furniture that you already own. Giving furniture with worn cushions a fresh look rather than discarding keeps it out of landfills and reduces demand for new manufacturing. Restoration is an especially attractive option for pieces with solid hardwood frames, which provides strength and durability that many modern particle board furniture items lack. It's also a way to preserve pieces that were meaningful gifts or have sentimental value. When a piece has a strong foundation, re-apholstery can extend its life for years while maintaining its original character. Customers keep the original frame, but select new fabrics, colors, and patterns,

creating unique pieces that reflect personal style without the expense of custom-built furniture. In many cases, unless they have artistic or historical value, re-apholstery can actually add value to these pieces. Getting furniture re-apholstered and even inspected for restoration takes transportation, time, and effort. Is it worth the investment? The furniture repair experts at Joseph's custom furniture upholstery and slip covers give these tips for determining whether your piece is a good candidate for re-apholstery, items that have hardwood frames, such as oak, maple, cherry, mahogany, or walnut furniture that was made at least 15 to 30 years ago, pieces without broken or damaged frames.

Construction details like joints that are corner-blocked, glued or screwed rather than stapled. Suspension systems featuring coiled springs rather than webbing. Quality re-apholstery services may provide free estimates and transportation to help potential clients with logistics. Engaging the experience of these experts can help you make informed decisions that are good for your budget and for the planet. Visit the link in the description for more details.