AUFGEMÖBELT
AUFGEMÖBELT is a repair service for upholstered furniture if traditional repair is no longer cost-effective. Currently, two techniques are offered as a service or DIY kit: a vacuum cover that gives furniture a new outer layer and felting damaged areas. In this way, existing pieces of furniture are transformed into individual, unique pieces. Through a website, users can visualize and configure these repair options using a photo of their furniture. AUFGEMÖBELT, not discarded.
| student: | Lisa-Marie Halwax |
| mentored by: | Prof. Mareike Gast |
| year: | 2026 |
| level: | Master Thesis |
AUFGEMÖBELT is an innovative repair service for upholstered furniture that is no longer worth repairing using conventional upholstery techniques. Its goal is to make furniture repair simpler, more affordable, and aesthetically appealing, offering an alternative to buying new furniture. The concept includes two repair methods: ReCover, a vacuum cover that gives furniture a completely new outer layer, and ReFelt, a technique that repairs damaged areas by needle-felting them. Depending on the type of damage and the desired aesthetic, users can choose the most suitable repair method through a digital configurator. By uploading a photo of their furniture, they can visualize different repair options, customize them, and receive an estimated cost.
Both repair methods are available as a local repair service or as a mail-order DIY kit. In addition, refurbished upholstered furniture is offered for sale. The DIY kits primarily rely on tools commonly found in households, such as a vacuum cleaner. For the workshop and repair service, dedicated repair tools were developed, including a felting machine for the ReFelt process. AUFGEMÖBELT complements existing upholstery repair services by providing more affordable alternatives, closing the gap between costly reupholstery and purchasing new furniture. As a design-driven alternative to fast furniture, the project aims to extend the lifespan of upholstered furniture and normalize repair. AUFGEMÖBELT – Repair instead of replace.