loose covers

Loose Covers

Let’s talk about loose covers.

Back in the 1980s, loose covers became really popular. The idea was appealing, the sofa body was plainly upholstered in a base cloth, a calico for example and the cover pulled on with fixings at the back by ties or velcro. Some sofas came with two sets of loose covers so you could switch seasonally or fancied a change. You could order new loose covers too and we have made many replacement loose covers over the years. The downsides are that when washed the covers tended to shrink which made re-fitting a bit of a battle, once fitted they tend to lose the tailored look and looked a little miss-shapen and untidy. Avoid washing if you can, if you do, re-fit when damp.

Can we make new loose covers for a sofa?

Yes, we can make loose covers for any sofa or chair. We tailor make the covers to fit the furniture bespoke tested against each panel. We do not replicate using the original covers as a template. We can make loose covers for a sofa or chair that previously did not have loose covers and we can fully upholster a sofa or chair traditionally too rather than staying with loose covers.

Is there another loose cover option?

Yes, fully reupholster the furniture and add full-size arm caps and removable cushion cases. This option allows you to remove and wash the main fabric areas with the benefit of the fitted upholstered look.

Photos of loose covers we have made are shown below.

loose covers
loose covers
loose covers
loose covers
loose covers
loose covers
loose covers
loose covers
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue

Chaise Longue

Ten examples of chaise longue we have restored and reupholstered. The modern chaise longue was first popularised during the 16th century in France, hence the rather lovely name ‘Chaise Longue’ – it always congers up a sophisticated romantic feel. Chaise Longue were created by French furniture craftsmen for the rich to rest without the need to retire to the bedroom. I think I need one.

An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
An example of a completed reupholstered chaise longue
Dourest Sofa

Duresta Sofa

We reupholstered the stunning Duresta sofa in a cream flat weave fabric for our customers. A brave choice of colour you may think? It is worth it to create a statement piece like this plus the fabric is an AquaClean fabric by Ross Fabrics which can be cleaned with water.

Reupholstery Experts. High-Quality Reupholstery. We restore quality, important, historic, antique, and retro soft furnishings.

Duresta Sofa
Duresta Sofa
Duresta Sofa
Duresta Sofa
Corner sofa

Corner Sofa

A lovely corner sofa. I have not seen one of these corner sofas for a while. Super practical, use space beautifully and on-trend.

This corner sofa we restored and reupholstered for a customer in North Yorkshire.

Exceptionally crafted furniture repairs, alterations, restoration, manufacture and reupholstery completed – nationwide service – contact us for details.

Free Estimates | Reupholstery Experts.

wing chair

Wing Chair

This wing chair, a fireside wing-back chair, is a turn of the century classic. The inside back panel you can see is a coordinating pattern fabric. The fabric is the original fabric of the chair our customer wanted to retain as it is a reminder of her late husband who loved the chair.

Linwood omega velvet fabric is what we chose to compliment the original fabric. The customer is delighted with the result and so are we – it looks just lovely.

Custom Made Sofa

Bespoke Made Sofas

Indulge in the luxury of tailor-made comfort with our custom bespoke sofas and sectional corner units. We meticulously craft each piece to complement your room and reflect your unique style. Whether you desire a replica of a cherished sofa like the example below based on an Edwardian sofa our customer-owned or dream of a made-to-order fitted corner unit perfectly tailored to your space, we bring your vision to life. Elevate your living room with our sectional designs, thoughtfully designed to seamlessly integrate with your lifestyle, offering versatile configurations and optional storage solutions. Experience the art of personalized living with our bespoke creations. Reach out to Jo Griffiths to discuss this. Shipping nationwide can be arranged.

custom made sofa to our customers specification
utility rocking chair

Rocking Chair

This is a utility rocking chair. Utility furniture was furniture produced in the United Kingdom during and directly after World War II.


This has been in the same family and has witnessed good and bad times.
Reupholstered in a fabric by P&S, tartan. Framed cleaned and waxed leaving the historical patina.

Before and after

Before and After

Well, it’s not really. This is the first Kingston chair (on the left) we reupholstered as part of a group of six. The one on the right is, of course, one of the chairs before we *reupholstered it and on the left is the freshly reupholstered Kingston chair. We hope you like this strong demonstration of what we produce. It’s not often we get the chance to show a ‘before and after’ photograph.

*When we reupholstery an item of furniture we don’t always explain that the internals is also fixed, strengthened, re-foamed, wrapped, and re-sprung as required before we reupholster.

See a Google review from this customer | Read more about Kingston Chairs

Kingston Chair

Reupholstery Expert

Knole Sofa
Exceptionally crafted furniture repairs, alterations, restoration and reupholstery completed – nationwide service – contact us for details. Free Estimates | Reupholstery Experts.

Loose covers for sofa - detail

Uplift, Repair, and Return Service​.


All types of repairs are covered through our Uplift, Repair, and Return service. We address common issues such as broken frames, spring replacements, and under-seat platform repairs. Our prices include most repair parts; however, additional components such as bespoke foams or sprung units may be necessary at an additional cost—feel free to inquire about a quote for these items. The Uplift and Repair service is priced at £650, inclusive of complimentary collection and delivery within Darlington. In most cases, we will repair and rectify common issues and make your sofa good for many years in the future all in one go.

For areas beyond Darlington, please arrange shipment to our workshops. We currently use Proovia Couriers. For a precise estimate, please request a specific quote.

Platform Repair

How the Uplift and Repair came about:

Over the years we have collected sofas and chairs for repair, occasionally retrieving them again later for further repairs. We realised the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of conducting all necessary preventative repairs and refurbishments in one comprehensive process while the furniture was in the workshop was a better idea. For instance, if a customer’s sofa has broken springs, we address that issue along with checking and tightening the frame, and replacing the platform, all while the sofa is disassembled on the bench. Cost-effective and prevents further disruption.

What is Covered in the Price

The uplift and return delivery to your home. Check and make good the frame, springs, webbing and any other issues like ripped platform.

Every job is different. Usually, a sofa will come into the workshop for one repair item, while it is there we check and repair all as stated above included in the price.

An Example

A customer contacted us to repair a ripped platform (the fabric liner under the seat cushions). We suggested the Uplift, repair, and return service​. On investigation, we found the cause of the ripped platform was sagging springs. So we replaced the serpentine springs and checked the frame which prevents future damage.

Options are bespoke foam seat cushions, fibre back cushions, replacement legs and new seat cases. New feather inner cases to order.

We Complete All Repairs to any Upholstered Furniture.

victorian chaise lounge

Victorian Chaise Lounge

A classic victorian chaise lounge we reupholstered for our customer. Our customer sourced the fabric, it looks stunning.

We have restored and reupholstered countless chaise lounges over the years – here are some other Chaise Lounge examples Often they are in a bad state, the frames are delicate due to the fine design and long stretch between the legs and the coil springs will need replacing or re-tieing. All are repairable to make your Chaise Lounge as it was new.

You can ship your furniture to us and arrange collection once completed book a quote here