Leather seats give any vehicle a sophisticated, timeless look and a particularly comfortable seating experience. But what do you do if the old seats are worn, damaged, or simply no longer look contemporary? The solution: have the seats reupholstered in leather. But many people ask themselves beforehand: How much does it actually cost?
Why reupholster at all?
Leather is robust, but not indestructible. Over time, cracks, discoloration, or wear spots can develop – especially in light-colored leather or after heavy use. Anyone who wants to customize a vehicle to their liking, for example, in a desired color or with contrasting stitching, cannot avoid reupholstering 🎨.
Especially in used cars with fabric upholstery, retrofitting leather upholstery can significantly enhance the interior – both visually and in terms of resale value.
These factors influence the price
The cost of reupholstering depends on several things:
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Number of seats: Typically, all seats in a vehicle are reupholstered – driver, front passenger and rear seat.
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Choice of material: Genuine leather is more expensive than synthetic leather or Alcantara. High-quality nappa or aniline leather, in particular, can significantly influence the price 🐂.
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Design & Extras: Contrast stitching, embroidered logos, seat heating cutouts or perforations increase the workload.
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Vehicle type: Sports seats, integrated airbags or seat contours with pronounced bolsters are more complex to cover.
What does this cost in practice?
Depending on the effort and quality, you can expect to pay between €2,000 and €4,000 for a complete vehicle interior upholstery in genuine leather. This usually includes the front and rear seats, as well as matching door panels and headrests. Cheaper versions with synthetic leather sometimes start at as little as €1,200 , but offer less durability and feel.
Individual seats – for example just the driver’s seat – can be purchased for between €300 and €600 , but are usually only worthwhile in the case of specific damage (e.g. burn hole, tear).
Reupholstery or refurbishment?
Sometimes a leather restoration is enough to make seats look like new again – for example, in cases of scratches, minor tears, or discoloration. This costs significantly less (often €150 to €400 per seat), but is not permanent for deep damage.
If you prefer a premium look and a new appearance, you'll be better off in the long run with a professional new upholstery 🧵.
Investment in comfort & value
Upholstering seats in leather isn't a bargain—but it's an investment in luxury, quality, and value retention. If you love your vehicle or are looking to sell it, a new leather interior will give it a new shine—and a whole new driving experience.