Upholstery

Sofa, chair and chaise lounge restoration and upholstery involves some specific considerations:

For restoration:

• Sofas often have more complex frames than chairs, with multiple connection points that need attention
• They typically have a hardwood frame (like oak, maple, or birch) that provides structural integrity
• Frame repair might involve reinforcing or replacing damaged rails, legs, or arm supports
• Older sofas may have traditional joinery methods like mortise and tenon or dowel joints that require specialized repair techniques
• Springs systems (coil, sinuous/zigzag, or webbing) often need repair or replacement

For upholstery:

• Sofas have larger upholstered surfaces, requiring more materials and careful pattern matching
• They often use multiple types of cushioning – firmer for structural areas and softer for seating surfaces
• The “drop-in” seat design is common, where spring units are built separately then installed in the frame
• Cushions might be filled with foam, down, feathers, polyester, or combinations thereof
• Modern sofas may use staples for fabric attachment, while traditional methods use tacks

The process typically follows these steps:

1. Strip the sofa to its frame
2. Repair or reinforce the wooden structure
3. Rebuild the foundation (springs, webbing)
4. Apply padding and cushioning materials
5. Cover with fabric, paying attention to pattern alignment
6. Finish with decorative elements like piping, buttons, or skirts

Is there a particular era or style of sofa you’re interested in restoring? Different periods have distinctive construction methods and materials.

GALLERY

For ottoman restoration and upholstery:

Restoration aspects:

• Ottomans typically have simpler frames than sofas or chairs, often with a basic box-like structure
• Many have wooden legs that may need repair, refinishing, or replacement
• Some ottomans feature hidden storage compartments that require special attention to hinges and lids
• Frames are usually made of hardwood like pine, poplar, or birch, though quality varies widely
• Vintage ottomans might use traditional joinery that needs careful restoration

Upholstery considerations:

• Ottomans generally feature a flat, padded top surface as their primary upholstered element
• They may have fully upholstered sides or exposed wooden elements
• The top cushioning is typically firmer than seating surfaces since ottomans often serve as footrests
• Materials commonly include high-density foam for the top with lighter padding on sides
• Some ottomans have tufting (buttons or deep stitching creating a quilted appearance)
• Corner detailing is important, especially for square or rectangular ottomans

The restoration process usually involves:

1. Removing old upholstery and padding
2. Assessing and repairing the frame
3. Adding new padding (typically foam for the top surface)
4. Applying fabric, with special attention to corners and edges
5. Adding any decorative elements like tufting, piping, or nailhead trim
6. Refinishing or replacing legs if they’re exposed

Basic Steps we take when you request an unique Upholstered Headboard

1. Plan and Design: With you we decide on the shape, size, and style. Popular styles include rectangular, arched top, or wingback
2. Cut the Base Board:  We cut  from plywood to our desired dimensions and shape
3. Add Padding: We cut foam to the same shape as your board, glue it to the board and then we wrap the foam-covered board with batting
4. Upholster: Now we fold the fabric neatly on to the board like wrapping a present
5. Mount to Wall or Bed Frame: We finalise by mounting the headboard securely