A useful upholstery quote starts with a clear picture of the furniture and the work you want done. For a vintage piece, small details—such as a loose joint, unusual trim, or previous repairs—can affect the assessment. You do not need to identify every material or diagnose damage yourself. Gather a few practical photos, take basic measurements, and describe what you know. This gives the upholsterer a stronger starting point and helps identify what may need an in-person inspection.
Take Clear, Useful Photos
Photograph the whole piece from the front, back, and both sides. Take the pictures in even light, with the furniture against a simple background if possible. Include one image that shows its overall shape and proportions, then add closer views of the seat, arms, back, legs, and any decorative details. Keep the full piece in frame so the upholsterer can understand how the parts relate.
Show existing damage rather than hiding it. Photograph tears, stains, sagging areas, loose trim, cracked wood, missing buttons, or exposed springs. If a frame or underside is accessible without dismantling anything, include a photo of it. Avoid removing fabric or turning a heavy item over just to get a picture; note that the area was not visible instead.
Record Basic Measurements
Measure the overall width, depth, and height, and write each measurement beside its label. For a chair or sofa, include seat width, seat depth, and the height from the floor to the seat. Measure the back and arms if their size will help explain the shape. Use the same units throughout, and say whether you measured to the outer edges or between the arms.
A tape measure does not need to capture every curve. Aim for repeatable measurements taken at the widest or tallest points, and mention any unusual shape that makes a measurement approximate. If the furniture has cushions, note whether the measurements include them. Photos with a tape measure can clarify a specific dimension, but keep the numbers written in your message so they are easy to review.
Describe the Piece and Its History
Share what you know about the furniture: its type, approximate age, maker or label, and how long it has been in your possession. Include any provenance or family history that may matter to you, but distinguish known facts from estimates. A photo of a label, maker’s mark, or identifying detail can help the upholsterer understand the piece without requiring you to identify its style or construction.
Describe previous upholstery work, repairs, or changes as accurately as you can. Mention whether the fabric appears original, whether the cushions are removable, and whether the piece has been altered. If you do not know, say so. An upholsterer can assess visible features, but hidden frame condition, filling, and earlier repairs may only become clear during closer examination.
Explain the Work You Want
Be specific about the result you are considering. Say whether you want a full reupholstery, new cushion covers, repairs to a particular section, or advice on suitable options. Note whether you want to retain details such as buttons, piping, nail trim, or a particular silhouette. If you have a fabric in mind, provide its name or a link, and ask whether it is appropriate for the piece’s shape and use.
Tell the upholsterer how the furniture is used and what matters most to you. For example, explain whether it is used every day, displayed, or kept as a family keepsake. Mention access or transport constraints if the item is difficult to move. Ask whether the quote is provisional and what an in-person inspection might change; a photo-based estimate may not reveal hidden damage or construction details.
Send a compact set of clear photos, labeled measurements, and honest notes about the furniture and your goals. This helps an upholsterer assess the visible work and identify questions that need a closer look. Perth Heritage Upholstery can discuss a vintage piece using these details; contact the workshop to ask what to provide for an initial assessment.