Choose the details to preserve
A particular seam, an exposed frame or the original silhouette may be central to the piece. Make those priorities clear before planning changes.
Furniture upholstery
Vintage furniture upholstery
A vintage piece can carry good proportions, familiar memories or simply a shape you love. Fresh upholstery should begin with what is worth preserving. Assess the frame and support, consider the original details, then choose how closely the new material should follow the piece’s earlier life.
Text a full view of your piece and a close-up of what needs attention.
What to consider.
Inspect before committing
Age can bring fragile materials and hidden repairs. The underlying construction needs assessment to understand whether the upholstery project is practical.
Compare period and modern fabrics
A period-inspired textile and a contemporary fabric tell different stories. Both should be considered in relation to the shape and intended use.
BEFORE YOU BEGINDetails that
Details that
shape the work.
- Photos of the whole piece and distinctive details
- Known age, history or previous repairs
- Any original elements you want preserved
Common questions.
Will reupholstery affect the value of an antique?
It may. If historical or financial value is a concern, seek an appropriate appraisal or conservation opinion before altering the piece. Routine reupholstery and specialist conservation are different scopes.
Can old fabric be used as a reference?
Yes, surviving fabric and photographs can help communicate color, pattern and construction. Exact replacement materials may not be available, so alternatives need to be discussed openly.
Can the shape stay the same with new padding?
That can be a project goal, but the original construction and current condition matter. Padding choices should be considered alongside the silhouette rather than treated as an unrelated comfort upgrade.
Let’s make it
yours again.
Tell us what you’d like to repair, restore or reimagine.
Text a full view of your piece and a close-up of what needs attention.