How Much Does Chair Upholstery Cost in Dubai? (2026 Price Guide)

Chair upholstery cost in Dubai

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You’ve had your dining set for five years. The frames are solid, the design still fits your home—but the fabric is stained, faded, or just tired. Or maybe your favorite accent chair has a tear from your cat’s latest leap. Replacing the whole set feels wasteful… but is reupholstering worth it?

In Dubai, chair upholstery is one of the smartest ways to refresh your space without overspending. But before you call a workshop, you deserve honest answers: What will it actually cost? What affects the price? And when is it better to buy new?

This guide gives you real, up-to-date pricing based on current market rates from established upholstery workshops across Dubai—as of January 2026. No fluff. No hidden assumptions. Just clear, practical insight.

 

Why Chair Upholstery Makes Sense in Dubai

Unlike sofas, chairs are often built with solid hardwood frames (especially dining and vintage pieces). These can last decades—if the fabric doesn’t give out first. In Dubai’s climate, UV exposure and humidity accelerate wear, but the structure often remains intact.

Reupholstering lets you:

  • Keep the perfect size and style
  • Upgrade to spill-resistant, UV-stable fabrics
  • Save 40–60% vs. buying new
  • Avoid landfill waste (aligned with UAE sustainability goals)

But cost varies widely. Let’s break it down.

 

1. Dining Chair Upholstery Cost in Dubai

Dining chairs are the most common request—and the most predictable to price.

 

Standard Side Chair (Flat Seat + Back)

  • Basic fabric (microfiber, polyester blend): AED 180 – AED 280 per chair
  • Mid-range fabric (performance velvet, linen blend): AED 280 – AED 420 per chair
  • Premium fabric (Italian wool, Crypton®): AED 420 – AED 600+ per chair 

💡 Note: Most workshops offer discounts for sets (4+ chairs). Expect 10–15% off total.

Armchair or Curved Back (e.g., Louis-style, Wingback)

  • More complex shaping = more labor and fabric waste
  • Typical range: AED 350 – AED 700 per chair

What’s Included?

  • Removal of old fabric
  • Inspection of frame/joints
  • New foam (if needed—usually AED 30–60 extra)
  • Fabric cutting, fitting, and stapling
  • Cleanup and delivery (free in most Dubai areas) 

✅ Source: Aggregated from 8+ upholstery workshops in Al Quoz, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah (Jan 2025 quotes).

2. Accent / Lounge Chair Upholstery Cost

Accent chairs vary wildly in shape—so pricing depends on complexity, not just size.

 
Chair Type
Price Range (AED)
Why It Costs More
Simple armchair (flat back, square seat)
450 – 700
Moderate labor, standard foam
Tufted or buttoned chair
700 – 1,200
Hand-tufting adds 2–4 hours of labor
Curved or sculpted frame (e.g., Eames-style)
900 – 1,500
Requires custom patterning and skilled stitching
Vintage chair with wood detailing
600 – 1,100
Extra care to preserve finish; may need frame repair

⚠️ Red Flag: Quotes under AED 400 for a tufted chair usually mean machine-tufting (less durable) or thin foam.

 

3. Office / Executive Chair Upholstery Cost

Many assume office chairs can’t be reupholstered—but most fixed-base executive chairs (not ergonomic mesh types) can be fully refreshed. 

  • Standard executive chair (leather or fabric): AED 500 – AED 900
  • Leather restoration (crack repair + recoloring): AED 600 – AED 1,000
  • High-back or reclining chair: AED 800 – AED 1,300 

📌 Note: Ergonomic chairs with mesh backs or complex mechanisms cannot be reupholstered—replacement is the only option.

 

What Really Affects the Price?

It’s not just “fabric + labor.” These factors change your quote:

 
  1. Fabric Choice
    • Local microfiber: AED 45–70/sqm
    • Imported performance fabric (Crypton®, Sunbrella®): AED 120–250/sqm
    • Full-grain leather: AED 300–600/sqm
     
  2. Foam Replacement
    • Standard density (25kg/m³): AED 30–50 per seat
    • High-resilience foam (35kg/m³, lasts longer in heat): AED 60–90
     
  3. Frame Condition
    • Loose joints reglued: AED 50–100 extra
    • Broken wood repaired: AED 100–200
     
  4. Complexity
    • Tufting, piping, or curved edges add 20–50% to labor time.
  

When Is It Better to Buy New?

Reupholstering isn’t always the answer. Consider replacing if:

  • The frame is cracked, warped, or made of particleboard
  • The chair is a low-cost IKEA-type model (new costs less than reupholstery)
  • You need modern ergonomics (e.g., lumbar support, adjustable arms)

But for solid wood, well-built, or sentimental pieces, upholstery almost always wins.

 

How to Get an Accurate Quote in Dubai

  1. Take clear photos (front, side, back, underside)
  2. Measure seat width, depth, and back height
  3. Ask:
    • “Do you include frame inspection?”
    • “Is pickup/delivery free?”
    • “What’s your warranty on labor?”

Most reputable workshops in Dubai offer free in-person or photo-based quotes within 24 hours.

 

Why Local Expertise Matters in Dubai

Reupholstering a chair might seem straightforward—until you’re choosing between 500 fabrics, wondering if your foam will survive summer humidity, or trying to find someone who won’t damage your vintage frame.

That’s where local experience makes all the difference.

In Dubai, sunlight fades cheap fabrics in months. Humidity softens low-density foam. And sand finds its way into every seam. A workshop that understands these realities doesn’t just cover your chair—they engineer it for your environment.

At Sofa Palace Dubai, we’ve specialized in chair upholstery since 2020, serving homes across Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, Business Bay, and beyond. We:

  • Carry climate-tested fabrics (including UV-resistant performance textiles)
  • Use high-resilience foam that holds shape in heat
  • Offer free pickup and delivery across Dubai
  • Provide 1-year warranty on all labor and materials
  • Show you real fabric swatches in natural light—no online guesswork

We don’t push sales. We give honest assessments: if your chair isn’t worth reupholstering, we’ll tell you—and suggest alternatives.

Because in the end, it’s not about selling a service. It’s about helping you keep what you love, longer.

 

Final Thought: Value Over Cost

Yes, you can find someone to reupholster a dining chair for AED 150. But cheap foam flattens in months. Poor stitching unravels. And mismatched fabric fades unevenly.

 In Dubai, where quality matters and sunlight is relentless, investing in proper materials and craftsmanship pays off. You’re not just covering a chair—you’re restoring a piece meant to last.
 

If you’re ready to explore your options with a team that combines craftsmanship, local insight, and transparent pricing, Sofa Palace Dubai is here to help—no pressure, just expertise.

How long does chair upholstery take?

3–7 days for dining chairs; 5–10 days for complex accent chairs.

 

A: Yes—most workshops allow it (may charge small cutting fee).

 

A: Yes. Pricing similar to dining chairs (AED 180–400 depending on padding).

Reputable shops offer 1 year on labor and materials.

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