Frequently Asked Questions | Dizzy & Co Designs Ltd

Generally, purchasing a budget, mass-produced sofa from a high street retailer may have a lower initial price tag. However, reupholstering is an investment in quality, longevity, and sustainability. Many older or vintage sofas feature incredibly solid, high-quality hardwood frames that are built to last generations. By stripping that piece down to the frame, repairing any tired springs, and recovering it in a premium fabric, we transform it into a bespoke, structurally superior piece of furniture that will easily outlast modern, flat-packed, or particle-board alternatives. It is a fantastic way for Dorset and Somerset homeowners to preserve a cherished piece of furniture while creating something truly unique for their home.

Because every character cottage, converted barn, and Georgian home across Dorset and Somerset features unique window sizes, there is no single 'standard' cost for curtain alterations. The price depends entirely on the width of the fabric, the type of lining required, and whether they need to be altered from the top (such as moving eyelets or pinch pleats) or simply shortened from the bottom. We provide clear, bespoke quotes based on your exact measurements. If you have a pair of high-quality ready-made curtains or are moving a cherished pair from a previous home, get in touch with our workshop and we can give you an accurate estimate to ensure a flawless, tailored fit for your space.

While both options add weight and a luxurious hang to your drapery, they serve very different primary functions. Blackout lining is specifically woven to block out external light completely, making it ideal for bedrooms. Thermal lining, on the other hand, features a specialized coating designed to trap air and prevent heat loss. Given the age and stone construction of many character properties and rural cottages in towns like Sherborne, Shaftesbury, and surrounding Dorset villages, keeping heat in and draughts out is a major priority. For the ultimate country cottage solution, we often recommend a combined approach or a heavy thermal interlining to drastically improve your home's insulation while protecting your face fabric from UV damage.

Absolutely! If you still love the look and pattern of your current sofa upholstery, but the seats have lost their bounce and feel soft or saggy, you do not need a full reupholstery job. We regularly help clients refresh their furniture by simply replacing or upgrading the internal fillings. At our Middlemarsh workshop, we provide bespoke foam cutting and professional feather or fibre refilling services. Swapping out tired, collapsed inserts for high-density, premium-grade foam wrapped in comfortable dacron can instantly restore your sofa’s original shape, comfort, and support at a fraction of the cost of full reupholstery.

When choosing fabric for a busy family home, look at the 'Martindale rating' or 'rub count' on the fabric sample. This number tells you exactly how much wear and tear the fabric can take before it starts to break down. For light domestic use, like an ornamental bedroom chair, a rating of 10,000 to 15,000 rubs is fine. However, for your main family sofa, armchair, or everyday dining chairs that face kids, pets, and daily use, we strictly recommend choosing a heavy domestic or commercial-grade fabric with a rating of 25,000 to 40,000+ rubs. At Dizzy & Co Designs, we supply a vast range of premium, high-durability fabrics and can guide you to the perfect material that handles country life without sacrificing style.

For standard domestic homes in the UK, there are currently no strict legal requirements for curtains, drapes, or window blinds to be fire retardant (unlike upholstered furniture and foam inserts, which must pass stringent UK Fire Safety regulations). * However, if you are letting out a holiday cottage, running a local B&B, or upgrading a commercial space anywhere across Dorset or Somerset, your window treatments legally must comply with British Standard BS 5867. We can help you navigate these rules by sourcing inherently flame-retardant fabrics or professionally treating your chosen material to ensure full compliance and complete peace of mind.

es, we provide specialised contract upholstery services for healthcare settings, including dental chairs, medical examination tables, physiotherapist benches, and waiting room seating. For these environments, hygiene and infection control are the highest priorities. We utilise advanced medical-grade vinyls and performance fabrics that feature built-in antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. These heavy-duty materials are engineered to withstand aggressive, medical-grade chemical cleaners and bleach solutions without cracking, peeling, or degrading, ensuring a sanitary and professional environment for your patients.