Question 1

Is it cheaper to reupholster a sofa or buy a new one from a UK high street store?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How much does it cost to get curtains shortened or altered near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is the difference between blackout lining and thermal lining for draughty cottage windows?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Can you re-stuff or replace saggy sofa cushions without changing the fabric

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How do I choose the right fabric durability (Martindale rub count) for family home furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Do my domestic curtains or blinds need to be fire retardant in the UK?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

If I have a designer fabric remnant, can this be used for an upholstery project?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! A designer fabric remnant is perfect for smaller creative projects. While they may not be large enough to cover a full sofa, these premium offcuts are excellent for smaller upholstery fabric remnants projects like recovering dining chair seats, updating a footstool, or making luxury scatter cushions. It’s a fantastic way to get high-end style on a budget.

Question 8

Do you design and create bespoke headboards in Dorset?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. We design and craft bespoke headboards in Dorset, custom-made to perfectly match your bedroom's layout, style, and bed size. Whether you are looking for a deep-buttoned traditional look, a sleek modern panelled design, or a unique shape tailored to a historic property, we handle the entire process from our local workshop. We can help you source the perfect luxury fabric or work with a material you already have in mind.

Question 9

Do you provide bespoke reupholstery for armchairs in Dorset?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialise in creating bespoke armchairs in Dorset through expert reupholstery and restoration. We take your tired, worn, or antique armchairs and strip them right back to the frame, repairing joints and replacing springs before rebuilding them to your exact specifications. It is a completely bespoke process—you select the perfect premium fabric, details, and finishes to turn your old chair into a unique heirloom statement piece.

Question 10

Do you design or reupholster custom footstools in Dorset?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we love creating and reviving custom footstools in Dorset. Whether you have an existing footstool or Ottoman that needs a complete fabric overhaul, or you want a bespoke piece built to specific dimensions for your lounge, we can help. It’s a fantastic way to utilize a standout pattern, coordinate with your existing furniture, or make use of our premium designer fabric remnants to create a high-end accent piece for your home.

Question 11

Do you supply and make bespoke voile curtains in Dorset?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialise in handcrafting voile curtains in Dorset. Perfect for coastal properties, country cottages, and modern homes alike, our sheer and voile curtains are lightweight and elegant, allowing natural daylight to fill your room while maintaining daytime privacy. We can professionally custom-make your voiles to suit any window size—including historic or uniquely shaped windows - ensuring they are beautifully finished to complete your interior styling.

Frequently Asked Questions | Dizzy & Co Designs Ltd

Have a question about a bespoke upholstery project in Dorset or Somerset? Browse our expert guide below or get in touch for a custom quote.