Learning how to upholster furniture to satisfy that Do It Yourself itch? We know it can be intimidating. One How To guide includes a list of 13 essential hand tools, 16 more suggested hand tools, 16 supplies, and 16 power tools and machines. Some of these items you may already have, like a fire extinguisher and glue gun. Others, like an air compressor and webbing stretchers, might require some extra trips to the hardware store.

Still, that doesn't mean learning how to upholster isn't worth the investment of your time and money. But there's an essential task in any furniture reupholstery project that will ultimately make or break your efforts -- picking the right fabric and design. So always choose your fabric carefully. If you select a tacky, garish fabric, then you could end up ruining your entire room. But if you pick the perfect fabric for the perfect piece, you can end up with an eye-popping creation that will be the envy of all your friends and guests for years to come.

So how do you pick the perfect fabric for your creation? You can put your trust in professional designers and furniture upholstery services. The best furniture reupholstery NYC has to offer will be able to offer hundreds, if not thousands of fabric samples for you to choose from. About 47% of Americans haven't updated their home's design or decor in five years or more, so it may be high time to give your home the face lift it needs, even if that means seeking professional help.

Plus, modern furniture is often poorly constructed. In fact, chairs and couches made 10 to 15 years ago usually contain much sturdier and longer-lasting frames than modern pieces. That means reupholstering furniture is often a much smarter investment than purchasing new furniture.

If you're committed to learning how to upholster the DIY way and looking for upholstery ideas, you can check out the work of professional upholstery and leather upholstery designers for inspiration. And in addition to choosing the perfect fabric, consider other elements to improve the furniture's design. Adding buttons or stripping away unnecessary design elements can turn an antique into a modern centerpiece, or a faded, sagging sofa into a timeless classic.