Reupholstery & sofa recovering
Reupholstery in Barbados — recover the furniture you already love
Good frames are worth keeping. We strip, rebuild and recover sofa suites, armchairs, dining chairs, headboards, ottomans and antiques, and we sew tailored slipcovers when you want a washable, changeable look for the Caribbean climate.

What reupholstery includes
Reupholstery is a rebuild, not just a new cover. Every piece that leaves our Saint James workshop has been taken back far enough to fix what you cannot see.
- Complete strip-down and inspection of frame, webbing and springs
- Frame joints re-glued and dowelled; legs and feet repaired or replaced
- New high-density foam, dacron wrap and cushion inserts cut to size
- Hand-cut templates so patterns line up and seams sit straight
- Piping, buttoning, skirts and pleats to match the original or a new design
- Tailored slipcovers as an alternative or an addition
Sofa suites, dining sets and antiques
Full three-piece suites are our most requested job — recovering the sofa and both chairs together keeps fabric batches and colour consistent. Dining chair seats and backs are quick, high-impact refreshes, especially in mahogany sets. Antique pieces get traditional treatment: hand-tied springs, hessian and calico layers, and finishes made good before the top cover goes on.
Slipcovers made for Barbadian living
In a tropical house, removable covers are practical. We pattern slipcovers to your exact frame with the right amount of ease, then finish them with self-piping, ties or invisible zips so they read as upholstery rather than a throw. White and off-white cottons and linens are popular; performance weaves handle sunscreen, salt and children.
Choosing fabric — and how much you need
We measure your piece and calculate yardage before you commit, so you don't over-order. If you're importing fabric we'll tell you exactly how many yards, the repeat allowance and the right weight for the job. If you'd rather we source it, we'll bring samples suited to your room, light levels and use.
Frequently asked
- Is reupholstery cheaper than buying new furniture in Barbados?
- Usually yes, especially once import duty and shipping on new furniture are counted. A solid hardwood frame recovered in quality fabric outlasts most imported replacements at a lower total cost.
- How much fabric will my sofa need?
- A typical three-seat sofa needs roughly 14–20 yards depending on arm style, skirt and pattern repeat. We measure and confirm exact yardage in your estimate.
- How long does reupholstery take?
- Most single pieces take one to two weeks once fabric is in hand; full suites two to four weeks. Fabric ordered from overseas adds lead time.
- Can I supply my own fabric?
- Absolutely. Many clients bring fabric from overseas or from an interior designer. We'll confirm it is suitable for upholstery before cutting.
Request an estimate
Tell us about your project
Send a few details and photos — we'll come back with advice and an estimate during opening hours.
Also from the workshop
Other services

Upholstery Repair
Sagging seats, split seams, torn arms and tired foam repaired properly — often for a fraction of replacement cost.

Reupholstery & Sofa Recovering
Full recovering of sofa suites, dining chairs, headboards and antiques, with hand-cut templates and tailored slipcovers.

Drapery & Window Treatments
Custom curtains, sheers, Roman blinds, pelmets and throw cushions, measured and made for Barbadian homes and villas.

Marine & Outdoor Upholstery
Boat seating, marine covers, poolside loungers and canvas umbrellas in UV- and salt-resistant fabrics.
Saint James workshop
Bring your furniture back to life
Tell us what you have — a single dining chair, a full villa, or a boat interior. We'll measure, advise on fabric and give you an estimate.