What Is Reupholstery?

Restoring the Past. Reimagining the Present. Creating Something Beautiful for the Future.

At Shar-J Experience, we believe that beautiful furniture deserves more than a second chance. It deserves a new experience.

When your furniture is well-made but has seen better days, reupholstery can be the perfect solution. Rather than replacing a beloved piece, reupholstery allows you to restore its comfort, refresh its appearance, and preserve the craftsmanship that made it special in the first place.

Whether it's a cherished family heirloom, a favourite sofa, an antique chair, or a statement piece that no longer suits your décor, reupholstery offers the opportunity to transform something familiar into something extraordinary.

Because sometimes the best furniture isn't new. It's simply waiting to be rediscovered.

A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP - FROM JENSO UPHOLSTERING TO SHAR-J EXPERIENCE

Our story began in 1991 with JENSO Upholstering Inc., a family-owned business built on quality workmanship, traditional upholstery techniques, and a dedication to customer satisfaction.

For more than three decades, JENSO served clients looking to restore, preserve, and transform their furniture.

Although JENSO Upholstering Inc. has now closed its doors and no longer operates, its history, knowledge, and appreciation for skilled craftsmanship remain an important part of our story.

THE SHAR-J EXPERIENCE REUPHOLSTERY PROCESS

It's More Than Just Changing the Fabric.
Reupholstery is a detailed process that goes beyond simply covering old furniture with new material. Depending on the age, condition, construction, and requirements of your furniture, the process may involve several stages of restoration.

Step 1: Assessment and Consultation

We begin by understanding your furniture, your design preferences, and what you hope to achieve.

We assess the visible condition of the piece, discuss fabric options, and identify areas that may require additional attention.

Step 2: Removing Existing Upholstery

Where a full reupholstery service is required, the existing fabric and appropriate underlying materials are carefully removed to expose the furniture's construction.

This helps reveal any hidden wear, damaged components, or issues that may not have been visible during the initial consultation.

Step 3: Inspecting the Frame

The structural condition of the furniture is assessed, including the frame, joints, and supporting components.

Where required and approved, repairs or reinforcement may be undertaken to help restore stability.

Step 4: Springs, Webbing and Support Systems

Depending on the furniture's construction and condition, worn or damaged webbing, springs, and support systems may be repaired or replaced.

These components play an important role in providing comfort and support.

Step 5: Foam, Padding and Cushioning

Old or deteriorated foam, padding, and stuffing may be replaced or restored to improve comfort, shape, and appearance.

Whether you're looking for firmer support or a softer seating experience, we can discuss suitable options for your project.

Step 6: Fabric Selection and Application

This is where your vision begins to come to life.

With access to an extensive range of upholstery fabrics, colours, textures, and performance materials, Shar-J Experience helps you choose a fabric that complements your design preferences and practical needs.

Your chosen material is then carefully measured, cut, fitted, and upholstered using techniques appropriate to the furniture.

Step 7: Finishing and Quality Review

The final stage focuses on details such as seams, edges, fabric alignment, and decorative finishes where applicable.

The completed piece is reviewed against the agreed scope of work before collection or delivery arrangements are coordinated.

Please note: Every furniture piece is unique. The exact restoration process and any necessary repairs depend on its construction, condition, and approved quotation. Not every project requires complete stripping, structural work, or replacement of internal components.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? REUPHOLSTERY OR LOOSE COVERS?

Both options can refresh the appearance of your furniture, but they serve different purposes.

REUPHOLSTERY  A MORE COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION

Reupholstery involves removing and replacing the existing upholstery fabric, with additional restoration work performed where needed.

It may be the right choice when:

  • Your furniture is structurally sound but the fabric is worn or outdated.
  • You want to improve seating comfort or replace deteriorated cushioning.
  • You have a sentimental or valuable piece worth preserving.
  • You want a fitted, tailored finish.
  • You wish to change the style, colour, texture, or overall appearance of your furniture.

Reupholstery offers the opportunity to renew both the appearance and, when included in the project, the internal comfort of your furniture.

LOOSE COVERS - A FLEXIBLE ALTERNATIVE

Loose covers, sometimes called slipcovers, are removable fabric coverings designed to fit over existing upholstery.

They can be a practical option when:

  • The existing furniture is still in good condition.
  • You want a removable covering for easier cleaning.
  • You enjoy changing fabrics or colours seasonally.
  • You prefer a softer, more relaxed appearance.
  • You want to refresh the look without removing the original upholstery.

Loose covers primarily address the exterior appearance and do not typically correct deteriorated foam, damaged springs, or structural problems.

Which option is best?

It depends on your furniture's condition, budget, lifestyle, and desired results. Shar-J Experience can help you understand the differences and determine which available service best suits your needs.

Before

After

UNDERSTANDING REUPHOLSTERY TECHNIQUES

Reupholstery combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques.

Different styles and ages of furniture require different methods, and the most appropriate approach may only become clear once the existing upholstery has been examined.

Some common techniques include:

Traditional Upholstery

Methods used to restore antique and older furniture, which may include webbing, springs, natural stuffing, and hand-finished details.

Modern Upholstery

Techniques incorporating contemporary foams, padding, support systems, and fabrics commonly used in today's residential and commercial furniture.

Deep Buttoning and Tufting

Decorative upholstery techniques that create dimension, pattern, and texture, often found on headboards, sofas, ottomans, and statement chairs.

Piping and Decorative Finishes

Custom finishing details that help define the shape and character of an upholstered piece.

Cushion and Foam Replacement

Replacing deteriorated cushion inserts or foam to improve comfort and restore the furniture's appearance.

Custom Upholstery Solutions

Depending on the project, we can assist with upholstered headboards, benches, banquettes, ottomans, dining chairs, and other specialty furniture.

Every project is assessed individually to determine the techniques, materials, and services best suited to achieving the desired result.

WHY REUPHOLSTER INSTEAD OF BUYING NEW?

Quality furniture is often worth preserving, especially when its construction remains strong.

Choosing reupholstery may offer several benefits:

  • Preserve quality: Maintain the craftsmanship of well-built furniture.
  • Protect sentimental value: Keep meaningful pieces and family heirlooms in your home.
  • Personalize your design: Choose from fabrics, colours, textures, and decorative details that reflect your individual style.
  • Reduce unnecessary waste: Extend the useful life of existing furniture rather than automatically replacing it.
  • Restore comfort: Address worn cushioning and other components where appropriate.
  • Create something unique: Transform an older piece into a personalized statement that reflects your space and personality.

Reupholstery isn't always less expensive than purchasing new furniture. However, for a well-constructed or meaningful piece, it can offer lasting value, personalization, and a level of craftsmanship that may be difficult to replace.

A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE REUPHOLSTERY

At Shar-J Experience, we've reimagined how we connect with our clients.
With JENSO Upholstering's traditional storefront now closed, we're moving forward through a more personalized business model.

What does that mean for you?

  • Consultations are arranged by appointment.
  • Fabric selections and samples can be coordinated based on your project.
  • Quotations and project communication are handled primarily by email.
  • Upholstery work is coordinated through our Mississauga workshop arrangements.
  • Pickup and delivery can be organized through independent third-party providers selected by the client.

Our goal is to make the process approachable, transparent, and tailored to your individual needs.

THE HISTORY REMAINS. THE EXPERIENCE EVOLVES.

JENSO Upholstering Inc. will always be part of our history, and we're proud of the foundation established over more than three decades.

As that chapter comes to a close, Shar-J Experience represents the next chapter - where traditional craftsmanship meets creativity, design, and a more personalized way of doing business.

We honour where we came from while embracing where we're going.

READY TO GIVE YOUR FURNITURE A NEW EXPERIENCE?

Whether you're considering a complete furniture transformation, replacing worn cushions, or simply exploring your options, we'd love to hear about your project.

Request a Personalized Reupholstery Quote

To help us understand your project, please email:

  • Clear photographs of your furniture, including the front, back, and sides.
  • Approximate measurements.
  • Details about any damage, wear, or comfort concerns.
  • Your preferred fabric, colour, or design inspiration, if available.
  • Your location and any relevant project timeline.

We'll review your information and discuss the next steps.

SHAR-J EXPERIENCE

Wearable Art | Art | Reupholstery | More

Email: therealsharj@gmail.com

Personalized consultations by appointment. Serving the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities.

Same roots. New vision. A whole new experience.