What’s Trending in Reupholstery in 2025

Written By Keely Beal

Here are the big themes shaping reupholstery this year:

1. Earthy & Warm Color Palettes

Cool greys and stark minimalism are stepping back. In their place: warm neutrals and nature‑inspired tones. Think terracotta, clay, olive green, warm taupes, muted mustards, and rich browns. These tones bring warmth, depth, and a grounding energy into interiors. Honored Heirlooms Woodworking+3North Gold Coast+3Fortner Custom Furniture & Upholstery+3

Accent colors are bolder — deep emerald, sapphire, ruby, smoky jewel tones — but often used in moderation (accent chairs, throw pillows, one panel, etc.) so they pop without overwhelming. hautehousefabric.com+2Honored Heirlooms Woodworking+2

2. Textures & Tactile Fabrics

It’s all about the feel. Fabrics with texture are becoming central to reupholstery:

Textures add visual interest, soften lines, and make furniture more inviting. Plus, textured fabrics can help mask wear and minor stains. North Gold Coast+1

3. Sustainability & Material Innovation

This is a major driver of trend in 2025. Reupholstery is being approached with environmental awareness front and center.

4. Vintage Revival, Retro Inspiration, & Pattern Play

Classic styles are getting a refresh:

  • Mid‑century modern silhouettes are popular again, but updated with new fabrics and color tones. Tufted backs, wooden legs, curves. Home Shy | Home Improvement Blog+2Honored Heirlooms Woodworking+2

  • Art Deco is returning: geometric patterns, metallic accents, bold shape lines. These are being incorporated into upholstery patterns or details. meraki.+1

  • Floral prints are reimagined: moody, oversized, or with unexpected colorways (darker greens, muted backgrounds, softer contrasts) so they feel fresh rather than overly sweet or traditional. Homes and Gardens+1

  • Layered patterns or mixing motifs — stripes + florals, geometrics + botanicals — play a role in maximalist or eclectic interiors. westcotedesign.co.uk+1

5. Shapes, Structure & Mixed Materials

It’s not just about fabric — the shape and mix of materials used in reupholstery are also evolving.

  • Curved and organic silhouettes: sofas, chairs, benches with soft, flowing lines are in. The hard edges and boxy furniture are less favoured. North Gold Coast+1

  • Mixed‑material upholstery: combining different materials in one piece (e.g. fabric seat + leather arms or trim; contrasting textures within one sofa) for visual contrast. sofaupholsterer.ae+1

  • Modular and multifunctional pieces are also more in demand — furniture that can adapt, move with you, serve multiple purposes. This is especially big in smaller homes or apartments. idealupholstery.ie

What’s Losing Steam

Just as with what's in, a few reupholstery styles are fading:

  • All‑grey or ultra‑cool neutral palettes are being replaced with warmer, more natural tones. North Gold Coast+1

  • Flat, smooth, and almost imperceptibly textured fabrics (e.g. uniform microfiber without texture) are less exciting, often looking less inviting. North Gold Coast+1

  • Overly “mass‑produced” or generic upholstery designs are being avoided in favour of more custom, personally meaningful choices. North Gold Coast+1

How to Apply These Trends to Your Reupholstery Project

If you’re considering having furniture reupholstered, here are some practical tips for making choices that feel current, but also last:

  1. Select fabric that balances look, feel, and durability. If it’s a piece that sees heavy use (family room sofa, pet‑friendly chairs), performance fabrics or blended natural + synthetic fibers are safer bets.

  2. Start with one piece for bold color or pattern. If you love bold trends but don’t want to commit whole room: try accent chairs, footstools, or cushions in jewel tones or florals. Let the rest of the room be more neutral.

  3. Think about scale & proportion. Big patterns need space; in a small room, too much pattern will overwhelm. Smaller florals or geometrics might work better in compact spaces.

  4. Mix materials wisely. Use leather, velvet, fabric, or wood in complementary ways. For instance leather trim with fabric, or doing a two‑tone design.

  5. Preserve structural elements you love. If the frame, arms, legs of furniture are solid but the upholstery is tired, reupholstering is a great way to refresh while keeping what works.

  6. Factor in cost vs sustainability. Higher‑quality fabrics, sustainable materials, artisanal craftsmanship cost more. But they'll look better longer, perform better, and carry less environmental cost if you reuse instead of throw away.

  7. Maintain touch‑points. Protect high‑use areas (seats, armrests) with fabrics that can be cleaned or are stain‑resistant; maybe use more delicate or statement fabric on less heavily used parts.

So What’s “The Look” of Reupholstery in 2025?

Putting it all together, a reupholstered piece in 2025 likely has:

  • A warm, slightly earthy or jewel‑accent color palette

  • A tactile fabric — plush or textured, possibly performance rated

  • A silhouette with soft curves or a vintage nod (mid‑century, Art Deco, etc.)

  • Perhaps mixed materials or pattern accents rather than flat, uniform coverage

  • An eco‑friendly story: sustainable fabric, responsibly sourced, maybe even reclaimed trims or woodworking.

Keely Beal
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