Specialist Service

Leather Reupholstery & Repair

Leather

The Art of Working with Leather

Leather upholstery demands a different set of skills to fabric work. The material behaves differently, cuts differently, and the tolerances are tighter - mistakes show. With over 40 years' experience working with leather, I understand how to handle it properly and get a clean, professional finish every time.

I source leather from some of the best suppliers in the country, including Crest Leather, Futura Leathers and Yarwood Leather. Whether you want a rich, full-grain hide for a traditional Chesterfield or a durable corrected-grain leather for a family sofa, I'll help you find the right material for your piece and your budget.

Close-up of white leather upholstery with hand-finished studded nail detail

What I Work On

Leather Reupholstery Projects

Leather reupholstery covers everything from a single dining chair to a full three-piece suite. I work with both modern and antique pieces, and I'm equally comfortable with a contemporary leather sofa as I am with a Victorian leather-topped desk chair.

  • Leather sofas and settees
  • Leather armchairs and wingbacks
  • Chesterfield sofas and chairs
  • Leather dining chairs
  • Antique leather furniture
  • Leather desk chairs and office furniture
  • Leather headboards
  • Switching from fabric to leather (or leather to fabric)
Chaise longue reupholstered in leather

Leather Repair

Fixing Leather Damage

Not every leather problem needs a full reupholster. Scuffs, scratches, minor tears, worn patches and faded colour can sometimes be addressed with a targeted repair. I'll always give you an honest assessment of whether a repair will do the job or whether the leather needs replacing.

For more significant damage - large tears, heavy cracking, peeling bonded leather - replacement is usually the better option. Bonded leather in particular tends to deteriorate beyond the point of sensible repair, and a proper hide will last far longer.

  • Scuff and scratch repair
  • Small tear repairs
  • Colour restoration and re-dyeing
  • Worn leather panel replacement
  • Full leather replacement where repair isn't viable
Cream leather armchair and matching stool

Choosing Leather

Types of Leather

Not all leather is created equal. Full-grain leather is the highest quality - it develops a beautiful patina over time and lasts for decades. Top-grain and corrected-grain leathers are more uniform in appearance and often more affordable. I'll talk you through the options and help you choose the right leather for your piece, your lifestyle and your budget.

I can bring leather samples to show you at the workshop or arrange for sample swatches to be posted. It's always worth seeing and feeling the leather before committing - colour, texture and softness all matter, and they're hard to judge from a screen.

Common Questions

Leather Upholstery FAQs

How much does leather reupholstery cost?

Leather reupholstery costs more than fabric because of the material cost. The final price depends on the size of the piece, the type and grade of leather, and how much structural work is needed. I'll show you leather samples, talk through the options and give you a clear quote before any work starts.

Can you change a fabric sofa to leather?

Yes. Switching from fabric to leather is very common and the results can be stunning. I'll advise on the best type of leather for your situation - whether you want something soft and supple or hard-wearing and practical.

Can damaged leather furniture be repaired?

It depends on the damage. Scuffs, scratches and minor tears can often be repaired. More significant damage like large tears, peeling or cracking usually means the leather needs replacing rather than patching. I'll give you an honest assessment.

How long does leather last?

Good quality full-grain leather, properly maintained, can last 20 years or more. It develops character over time and actually improves with age. Lower-grade leathers and bonded leather won't last as long, which is why I always recommend investing in the best leather you can afford.

Thinking about leather?

Whether you want to reupholster an existing piece in leather or repair leather furniture you already have, drop me a line and we'll talk it through.

Get in Touch

or call 07818 181 117