Reupholster Argyle Furniture

By Frank Parker

Argyle Furniture Designs was founded by Frank Parker in 1982 and was a trading name of F.R Parker Furniture which commenced operations in Perth during the mid-1970s. Prior to this F.R. Parker & Co. commenced in 1964 operating as manufacturers’ agents in WA representing both WA and Eastern States furniture manufacturers.

Argyle Furniture Designs manufactured a range of mainly Australian colonial styled furniture. The signature of their designs were solid well-constructed Jarrah frames featuring the Pullmaflex springing system.  Argyle Furniture Designs was sold to Karl Bloomfield of Living Choice Upholstery in 2006.

A client contacted us having purchased an Argyle Furniture Designs lounge suite in 1989. It had received constant use over the years in their lounge room and they wanted the furniture re-upholstered. It had been originally upholstered in a high quality synthetic suede.

We completely removed all existing upholstery and cleaned the Jarrah show-wood legs. The Pullmaflex springing system remained in excellent condition and the cushioning although originally high quality required replacing. The body padding was replaced and we fabricated new polyester encased premium seat and back cushion inserts.

The lounge suite was upholstered in an Australian made plain chenille and upholstered to original condition. Our clients were elated with the finished result and we trust they have many years of enjoyment  using their re-upholstered lounge suite.

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