How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster an Ottoman? 2025 Guide

Tufted ottomans cost 60 to 80 percent more than flat-top ottomans the same size, entirely because of the button work labor. Placing and securing each tuft button takes time, and a fully tufted ottoman top with a diamond grid of 15-20 buttons adds 1.5-3 hours to the production time compared to a simple flat-top ottoman. At shop labor rates, that time premium shows directly in the price.

TL;DR

Accurate pricing requires knowing your actual labor rate (overhead + target wage + profit margin), not a rough estimate.
Most shops undercharge by failing to account for pattern repeat waste, frame repair time, and non-billable admin overhead.
A documented pricing structure with itemized line items builds client trust and reduces negotiation friction.
Fabric markup of 20-40% over cost is standard practice in residential upholstery shops.
Premium work (leather, tufting, custom trim) warrants a premium labor rate, which should be explicit in your quote structure.
Consistent pricing with clear line items also makes it easier to analyze profitability by job type over time.

Ottoman Cost Ranges by Style (2025)

Small square ottoman (under 20 inches, flat top):

Economy fabric: $75-120
Mid-grade fabric: $95-160
Premium fabric: $130-220

Standard square/rectangular ottoman (20-30 inches, flat top):

Economy fabric: $120-180
Mid-grade fabric: $150-240
Premium fabric: $200-350

Large square/rectangular ottoman (30-42 inches, flat top):

Economy fabric: $160-250
Mid-grade fabric: $200-330
Premium fabric: $280-500

Round ottoman (under 24 inches diameter):

Economy fabric: $100-160
Mid-grade fabric: $130-200
Premium fabric: $175-300

Round ottoman (24-36 inches diameter):

Economy fabric: $140-220
Mid-grade fabric: $170-280
Premium fabric: $240-400

Tufted ottoman (small to medium):

Economy fabric: $180-280
Mid-grade fabric: $220-370
Premium fabric: $300-550

Tufted ottoman (large, 30+ inches):

Economy fabric: $240-380
Mid-grade fabric: $300-480
Premium fabric: $400-700

Cocktail ottoman (large, coffee table size, 36-52 inches):

Economy fabric: $200-320
Mid-grade fabric: $260-430
Premium fabric: $380-650

What's Included in the Ottoman Price

A standard ottoman reupholstery at these prices includes:

Tear-down of old fabric
Foam replacement if needed (foam is often included; confirm with your upholsterer)
Dacron batting
New fabric cover
Dust cover on bottom

Foam replacement is typically included at no additional charge for most residential ottomans. Large custom ottomans with specialty foam (very thick, unusually shaped) may have a foam surcharge.

Legs and base hardware are typically cleaned and reattached. Leg replacement is additional ($30-100 depending on leg style and availability).

Additional Ottoman Cost Factors

Fringe or trim: Decorative fringe, gimp braid, or nail head trim adds $30-100 to most ottoman jobs depending on perimeter length and trim cost.

Leather ottomans: Leather ottoman reupholstery runs 30-50% more than the fabric equivalents above. A standard square ottoman in mid-grade leather: $200-350. A tufted round ottoman in premium leather: $400-650.

Storage Ottoman: Storage ottoman lids need fabric on both top and the exposed sides when open, with a clean lining inside. Add $40-80 over the standard ottoman price for storage lid handling.

Boxed cushion vs fixed pad: Some cocktail ottomans have a removable boxed cushion. These cost slightly more than a fixed pad because the cushion has boxing strips, a zipper, and requires a foam insert.

How Long Does Ottoman Reupholstery Take?

Production time (not elapsed time):

Small flat-top ottoman: 30-60 minutes
Standard flat-top ottoman: 45-75 minutes
Round ottoman: 60-90 minutes (round wrap technique adds time)
Tufted ottoman: 90-180 minutes depending on button count

Most shops take 3-7 days from drop-off to pickup for ottomans, as they're typically worked in alongside larger jobs rather than given dedicated priority scheduling.

For yardage calculation on ottoman reupholstery, use the ottoman fabric yardage calculator. The ottoman reupholstery guide covers technique for square, round, and tufted styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much to reupholster a round ottoman?

A standard round ottoman (24-36 inch diameter) runs $130-400 in 2025 depending on size and fabric tier. Economy fabric runs $140-220. Mid-grade fabric runs $170-280. Premium fabric runs $240-400. Round ottomans are priced similarly to equivalent square ottomans, the round shape doesn't add notable cost over a square of the same diameter, though the technique is slightly different.

Is a tufted ottoman expensive to reupholster?

Tufted ottomans run 60-80% more than flat-top ottomans of the same size. A medium tufted ottoman in mid-grade fabric costs $220-370 versus $150-240 for the same size flat-top. The premium reflects the labor for button placement and tufting fold management. For tufted work to look professional, every button must be placed precisely and every pleat must run consistently, this takes time that flat upholstery doesn't require.

How long does ottoman reupholstery take?

Production time runs 30-90 minutes for flat-top ottomans and 90-180 minutes for tufted styles. Most shops complete ottomans in 3-7 days from drop-off. Shops with heavy production schedules may take 1-2 weeks. If your ottoman is part of a matched set with a sofa or chair, shops typically schedule all pieces together and complete them as a coordinated project.

How do I set an hourly labor rate for my upholstery shop?

Start with your actual cost per hour: divide total monthly overhead (rent, utilities, insurance, supplies, equipment) by your billable hours per month, then add your target wage per hour. Apply a profit margin of 20-35% on top of that base. Most residential upholstery shops in 2025 bill $65-120/hour depending on location and specialization. Urban markets and shops specializing in antiques or premium leather command the higher end of that range.

How do I handle clients who want to negotiate the price?

The most effective response to price negotiation is to explain what the price covers, not to simply lower it. Walk the client through the labor time, fabric cost, and any structural work required. If the client needs a lower price, offer to adjust the scope (simpler fabric, no welt cording, tight seat instead of loose cushion) rather than discounting the same work. Discounting without scope changes devalues your labor and creates an expectation of discounting on future jobs.

Sources

National Upholstery Association
Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF)
Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC)
Furniture Today (trade publication)

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