Oh Dana, that's...not optimal. I'm sorry.

I need hivemind advice. We bought furniture today--sale prices, yadda. It's not blue, it's shady tweedish grey with a soft hand, sturdy construction, high and firm enough to be comfy (I hate sinking butt-first into downy cushions and having to fight my way to my feet). All the good plusses, stain-resist, delivery, plus pickup and donation of our futon and loveseat, both of which have served valiantly, but well, it's time to part ways.

My question: I have my dad's club chair, built like a fricken tank, hard-rock maple frame, joined, no screws or bolts, hand-tied springs, weighs a ton and is indestructible. Somewhere in the 70s Dad decided grey-and-red awning stripe silk damask wasn't his thing (green moss fringe around the seams, green bullion fringe at the bottom, woo!) and had it recovered in cream faux-Naugahyde. Guys, I can't even make the "Do you know how many naugas had to die for that chair?" joke because--*faux*-Naugahyde. The chair will go on forever unless somebody hacks it apart with a battleaxe and lights it on fire. It's a great chair, straight lines, deep seat, perfect angle on the back. I've sat in it, and would still, but I need an ottoman and unless it's the perfect height it wrecks my knees. H hates the chair, the angle of the back's all wrong for him. However, even with the new stuff, we need a chair. So do I investigate how much gold pressed latinum it's going to cost me to have it reupholstered, or price a new chair?

Opinions, please?

I'm a fan of keeping old things, so I'd at least price out re-upholstery, and figure out what height ottoman you need

Maybe the people who re-upholster the chair could make you a custom ottoman to go with?

Oh no, Dana! Good luck, you guys.

Good news, aurelia!

Beverly, at least pricing out reupholstering shouldn't cost you anything? (I mean, right? I have no idea.)

So do I investigate how much gold pressed latinum it's going to cost me to have it reupholstered, or price a new chair?

I do know (because of Jack White!) that reupholstering is fairly expensive nowadays. Pretty much only the very rich do it to maintain expensive heirloom furniture. It costs as much or more than a new couch. But maybe you can find a bargain.

there are classes and such to learn how to upholster yourself.

there are classes and such to learn how to upholster yourself.

I have been thinking about doing a tuck-and-roll on my midsection.

Sounds like a reupholstery job would yield a pretty different chair with much of the objectionable element gone -- you could also make up a matching ottoman, if you're going that route.

Getting a ballpark price estimate would be the first step -- you might find that it would cost a whole lot less to get a new one, although finding the solid wood construction might be pricey...

There's an upholsterer here who offers small classes where people work on projects under her supervision, and it's not all that expensive.

Oh Dana! I am so sorry to hear that news. I do hope one of you finds something awesome soon that does not require moving.

It costs as much or more than a new couch.

Unfortunately this has been my experience. Finding a class or some other more reasonable option might be possible.