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.

Today we commonly use the term ‘chaise lounge’ to describe a chair, sofa or part of a sectional modular lounge featuring a deep seat to which one can lay. However, this is a derivative of the original French term ‘chaise longue’ describing a long upholstered chair to support the legs of the sitter. Chaise longues sofas originated in France, produced by craftsman in the 1700’s using the most expensive materials for construction being for the wealthy to lay upon without having to retire to the boudoir. This style of furniture was first imported into England in the late 1700’s and over time the chaise longue sofa evolved through the various design eras to become part of the standard home décor. 

Our client was shifting house and decided to have her beloved chaise lounge restored for her new residence. She explained that it was purchased from a second hand furniture dealer in Perth during the early 70’s. This antique chaise lounge reminded her of a similar piece they sat on as children at their grandparent’s home in England. This chaise lounge was constructed in Jarrah so most likely locally made with the design suggesting it was most probably constructed in the 1920’s -30’s. 

The client wanted a full refurbishment, so the existing upholstery was first removed. The frame joints were then repaired and an additional timber rail added during a previous re-upholstery was removed. Then it was sanded back with the indentations filled with resin and then again finely sanded. The Jarrah had bleached over time obviously having been exposed to prolonged periods of direct sunlight so the frame was stained Mahogany. Three coats of 50% gloss clear lacquer were then applied, gently rubbed down between coats.

 Our client was given various options regarding the reupholstery methods and selected for us to use modern methods to acquire a traditional finish. We used heavy-grade elastic webbing and then fitted upholstery edge moulding around the seat top and arm/back perimeters. Premium foam was then fabricated for the seat and double ends and glued into place.  Bonded polyester fibre overlays were also used for the outside arm/back panels lined and padded for a superior finish. 

The upholstery fabric selected by our client was a high quality plain crimson chenille which looked plush against the mahogany coloured show-wood. As most of the original upholstery was absent when we received this piece we had to take some liberty during the re-upholstery process including the finishing trim which we used self-covered banding then space studded. However, the result spoke for itself displaying that a high-quality traditional finish can indeed be achieved using modern upholstery methods. 

We’re sure this preloved chaise lounge will now stay in the family and be enjoyed for many years into the future.

Request to Reupholster Antique Style Lounge Suite

Transforming an Antique Lounge Suite

Step 1.

The chaise and chairs were completely stripped to the bare frames. The frames were soundly constructed requiring no structural repairs.

Step 2.

However, to be expected the show-wood had accumulated a few scratches over time, these were touched-up with stain and polished over to restore the original lustre.

Step 3.

Heavy grade elastic webbing was fitted for the upholstery seat and back suspension. the show-wood had accumulated a few scratches over time, these were touched-up with stain and polished over to restore the original lustre.

Step 4.

Then the foundation shapes were reconstructed using rebounded foam as a foundation then laminated layers of premium foam.

Step 5.

The deep buttoning formation was marked out with cylindrical holes then bonded polyester fibre overlays were applied recreating the original contours.

Step 6.

Our client had selected Warwick Fabrics ‘Lovely Atlantic’ being a flocked velvet with a semi-crushed pile. We initially upholstered the seats then slowly and methodically worked through the deep buttoning process. The outside arm and back panels were lined and padded with twin-piping trim fitted resulting in a fine tailored and slightly modernised appearance.

The End Result

The result was everything our client had hoped for, and we are confident that this re-upholstered chaise and lounge chairs are good for another fifty years.

---