Reproduction upholstered antique furniture was a more substantial sector of the market during the 1960’s and 70’s. The majority of reproduction antique furniture made during this period tended to be of higher quality than furniture presently manufactured. The reasons for this are that generally antique furniture has declined in popularity over the prior decades and reproduction furniture produced now is sold on price not quality, so the value has vanished.

Our client approached us with two antique reproduction chairs that had originally been purchased by her mother in Johannesburg in the early 1970’s. They were re-production antique chairs made in South Africa which had a thriving furniture industry during these years.

The vintage antique chairs had only attracted light use over the years so had never been re-upholstered but were now in drastic requirement of re-upholstery. They were originally covered in a regency stripe brocade which tends to be distorted with the deep buttoning.

Here is How to Reupholster an Antique Chair (the Parker Interiors way)

1. The chairs were stripped down to the frames
2. Then jute webbing was fitted
3. Coil springs were laced in and tied down
4. Hessian overlays were fitted
5. Synthetic ‘thumb roll’ was also replaced with premium foam laminated to the seats and backs
6. The button locations were pre-marked and cored and
7. Bonded polyester fibre was then laminated over the foam with the chairs gaining shape

Our Recovering Antique Chairs Process

The refurbished antique chairs were reupholstered in a floral brocade This looked superior to the original fabric as the abstract floral pattern was a preferable choice for buttoning. The outside back and arm panels were lined and padded then quality gimp was used for finishing trim.

Two Reupholstered Antique Chairs – Perfect for Retirement

Our clients had just re-located to a new down-sized home and these chairs have taken pride of place. We know they will enjoy their retirement in their superbly reupholstered antique chairs.