Re-upholster antique chaise lounge

By Frank Parker

When given a restored antique chaise lounge frame to re-upholster the problem is that there may have been many different ways it was traditionally upholstered. Therefore the method of upholstery depends upon the client’s interpretation on how the furniture appeared originally combined with the restorer’s knowledge and research into period pertaining to this style of furniture.   

This antique chaise lounge frame was given to us by a client who wanted it upholstered for her bedroom. Apparently this piece originated from the 1880’s and she did not want any deep buttoning in the upholstery. We went through much archival material on chaise lounges from this period and found examples of similar double ended pieces from this period with plain upholstery which coincided with our client’s expectations. Above all our client also wanted the re-upholstered chaise to be comfortable giving us considerable autonomy regarding upholstery methods.

We set about our task and first cleaned and repaired the original castors. We then webbed the base with heavy weight jute webbing, laced in the coil springs, tied them down then fitted a hessian overlay. We then used synthetic furniture edging and built the seat, back and scroll ends up with varying hardness’s of high density cushioning encased with bonded polyester fibre. The result of building up the platforms this way is that the traditional look is maintained however unlike the furniture from this era comfort has not been sacrificed for style. The upholstery was trimmed with matching gimp trim creating a superb finish.

Our client was elated with the stylish finish of her re-upholstered antique chaise lounge but was equally impressed with the comfort which would not have been such a necessity in the bygone days. We trust our client will enjoy and relax on her rejuvenated chaise lounge for many years.

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