So, you’ve got a chair that’s seen better days, but you’re not quite ready to toss it. Or maybe you scored a vintage gem at a thrift store, and now it’s calling out for a glow-up. Reupholstery might sound like a job for the pros (and hey, it kind of is), but choosing the right fabric and working with an upholsterer can actually be a fun, creative process—especially when you know where to start.

Let’s break it down and take the mystery out of the makeover.

Fabric First: What You Sit On Matters

The true star of any upholstery project? The fabric. It’s what you’ll see, feel, and live with every day—so it needs to be more than just cute. You want something that fits your lifestyle, reflects your personality, and can hold up to whatever life (or your kids, pets, or wine nights) throws at it.

That’s where Modern Fabrics comes in—aka your new favorite place to hunt for designer upholstery fabric gold. Located in Huntersville, NC (with a dreamy online store at modern-fabrics.com), they rescue gorgeous, high-end textiles from being tossed out by top furniture brands. Think of it as fabric treasure-hunting with an eco-conscious twist.

Their showroom is a color and texture lover’s dream, filled with bolts from luxe brands like Maharam, Knoll, Schumacher, Romo, and Holly Hunt—many of which are normally only available “to the trade.” But Modern Fabrics believes in opening the designer vault to everyone. Even better? You’ll snag them at 50–75% off retail. Yes, really.

How to Choose the Right Fabric (Without the Headache)

Before you get lost in a sea of swatches, ask yourself a few key questions:

• How will the piece be used? If it’s your go-to reading chair or a dining bench your kids climb all over, skip delicate weaves and look for something durable and easy to clean.

• Do you want it to pop or blend in? Bold patterns are perfect for statement pieces, while soft neutrals play well with others.

• What’s the vibe? Sleek and modern? Cozy and traditional? The fabric’s color, weight, and texture should match the mood you’re going for.

• Need help visualizing? Modern Fabrics’ Instagram (@modernfabrics) is full of real-life examples and design inspo that might help you picture the possibilities.

Bonus tip: Learn the lingo. “Double rub count” measures how durable a fabric is. The higher the number, the better it holds up to wear and tear. Look for something in the 30,000+ range for everyday furniture.

The Upholsterer: Your Secret Weapon

Once your fabric dreams are pinned down, it’s time to find the person who can turn them into reality. A skilled upholsterer isn’t just a technician;, they’re an artist. They’ll help you figure out how much fabric you need, how to accent the shape of your furniture, and what upgrades (like new foam or better springs) might be worth the splurge.

Ask around—Modern Fabrics’ team is a great place to start for referrals. You’ll want to see examples of their work and feel confident in their experience, especially if your piece is vintage or uniquely shaped.

And yes, bring your fabric (or a generous swatch!) to your consultation. It’ll help the upholsterer quote the job accurately and give you a better sense of the final look.

Shop Smart, Sit Pretty

Upholstery projects are one of the best ways to personalize your home—and they’re kinder to the planet, too. Instead of buying something new, you’re giving new life to something you already own or rescued.

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Modern Fabrics makes that easier than ever. Visit them at 15435 NC-73 in Huntersville, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or shop online at Modern-Fabric.com. Have questions? Shoot them an email at [email protected] or call the owner at 704.740.9676.

Because once you’ve found the fabric, the rest is just fluff (pun absolutely intended).