If you’re a vintage enthusiast, there’s no doubt you’ve spent many a sunny weekend scouring flea markets and auctioneers for that extra special find. However, as we all know, it’s unusual to come across something in perfect condition. Often an exceptional find will have a flaw or two, whether it be stains, scratches, or indeed a whole chunk taken out of the cushions. That said, you shouldn’t really let this put you off.
Usually, cosmetic issues are easily repaired whilst maintaining the authentic vintage character of a G-Plan armchair or classic Chesterfield couch. Moreover, this isn’t to say that you’ll have to discard the original upholstery or woodwork; on occasions where the piece might just be a bit saggy, deflated or scratched, it’s possible to preserve the original fabric, re-stuff the cushions, polish up the wood and reupholster the furniture once it’s been repaired.
Equally, even if the piece has suffered some serious damage over the years, there’s more often than not several steps you can take to restore your vintage find to its former glory. After all, with antique pieces, it’s often worth replacing things like the upholstery to let intricate carving or beautiful hardwoods take centre stage. In this article, we explain the process of restoring domestic upholstery, so you can snap up those unusual vintage pieces that could use some TLC.
1. Strip down
So, you’ve found an amazing piece of vintage furniture at a market or in an antique dealer, but it’s looking well-loved, to say the least. Your best bet for breathing new life into your vintage find is to seek out domestic upholstery services. However, they’re unlikely to begin with the cushions.
Instead, they’ll remove the original upholstery and start by restoring the frame. First, they’ll check the woodwork for any structural issues to ensure the upholsterers have a solid foundation to work on. Any loose joints will be glued and screwed to make sure the frame is solid, and if you’ve requested french polishing, they’ll get on to that before attending to the cushions.
2. Springs and webbing
Once the frame is fully restored, the upholsterer will make sure the springs and webbings are in good condition. If they look like they could do with replacing, they’ll get changed to ensure the entire internal support structure will stand the test of time. It’s also at this stage that the restorer will replace any padding that’s actually attached to the frame of the furniture and install replacement cushion inners.
3. Restoring upholstery
Once the frame has been fully rebuilt, it’s time for the upholsterers to get to work. You can re-use the existing cloth or choose a modern fabric to ensure your vintage piece is comfy and stylish for years to come. At South West Upholstery, we guarantee a perfect finish whether you choose leather, vintage fabric, or decide to go for a totally new look.
4. Finishing touches
Once the upholstery is applied, the master upholsterer will apply any finishing touches like braid, studs, or piping. It’ll be at this final stage that the restorer will add any new castors or legs, should you request them.
Breathe new life into vintage furniture
Just because a piece of furniture looks like it could do with some love doesn’t mean it’s past its best. With the help of a professional upholsterer, you can return vintage pieces to their former glory. At South West Upholstery, we do just that. Based in Bristol, upholstery is our speciality. We offer a UK-wide furniture restoration service, turning flea market finds into stunning pieces that will stand the test of time. With unparalleled attention to detail, you’ll never have to let a rough and ready vintage find escape you again.