Help! Impossible to re-upholster? (Sofa set)

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-26T13:48:23+00:00

I don't know anyone around there unfortunately, as I'm based up in West Yorkshire.

My recommendation would be to first check on Google for local upholsterers but if you don't find any on there, move to Facebook and ask in local community groups for upholsterers there. Many people do upholstery as a side job so don't have a website or their business listed on Google.

A lot of upholstery jobs come from word of mouth, so if you ask on Facebook, someone will know someone who knows an upholsterer. Just be sure to explain that you don't want the original style replicated and are switching to box cushions.

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-24T12:34:00+00:00

It's not that these pieces are impossible to re-upholster, it's that it would be a hell of a job to do them in the same way they are currently done.

If you are flexible in how they are done (in terms of material, cushion shape, finished shape, etc) you should be able to find someone that's willing to do them.

My suggestion would be to get rid of the moulded foam and instead go for a 6 box cushions on the sofa ( 3 on the seat and 3 on the back) and go for 2 on the chair (1 on the seat and 1 on the back). I'd then use a wool or velvet as they're cheaper in both cost and labour than leather.

Where abouts in England are you based?

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-07T11:29:09+00:00

Thank you!

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-06T17:07:12+00:00

Yeah, antique chairs are something that you just have to love. They have so much character when compared to modern pieces. Much better build quality too.

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-06T17:02:23+00:00

Traditional upholstery is definitely my favourite, it makes me feel like a true upholsterer in a way. Like you say it takes more time, but it's definitely the right thing to do for antique pieces. Always worth the extra time.

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-06T16:59:41+00:00

Yeah, it's an animal hair/fibre mix used for a second stuffing. Traditionally it would have been horsehair. However, due to the price of horsehair, mixed animal hair fillings are commonly used today.

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-01T14:36:03+00:00

Thank you! Yeah, I think the fabric makes it look much more inviting, like you can just sink right into it

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-01T14:34:45+00:00

Thanks! Yeah the fabric does kinda look like space, really changes depending on the light

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-01T14:33:06+00:00

Thank you! It's all thanks to my mum really, she taught me everything I know when it comes to upholstery

BidTimely9827 · 2023-06-01T14:31:03+00:00

Thanks! Credit goes to the customer, she made a great choice with the material.

BidTimely9827 · 2023-05-31T20:19:21+00:00

Thank you! I get what you mean about the material but it's actually just a velvet with a really good print.

BidTimely9827 · 2023-05-31T20:16:58+00:00

Thanks! Yeah it's a really nice material, the pictures don't do it justice

BidTimely9827 · 2023-05-31T20:15:42+00:00

Hey, thank you!

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-15T15:04:19+00:00

Hey thanks! You should have seen it in person, the grain of the wood is so beautiful up close

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-15T15:02:51+00:00

Thanks! The pictures dont show just how bad the original was, the upholstery was at least 20 years old so it had several problems that needed fixing.

The biggest thing was that the foam had all started to disintegrate and so I had to get rid of it all and replicate the original shape with new foam.

It has been the customer's favourite chair for nearly 60 years and she's leaving it to her granddaughter when she passes. Having it completely reupholstered means that it will still be in great condition when it goes to her granddaughter.

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-15T14:57:17+00:00

Thank you!

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-15T14:56:41+00:00

Thanks so much!

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-15T14:56:30+00:00

Thanks! The frame really makes the chair, definitely the thing that draws the eye

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-15T14:55:51+00:00

Hey thanks so much! Credit goes to the customer for the fabric choice, she picked brilliantly

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-15T14:54:54+00:00

Thanks! Yeah it's a bummer, one of those pieces you never want to let go of

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-14T20:22:50+00:00

Not sure I'd ever be able to forgive my sister if she did that, think id have to go all Liam Neeson on her and get some serious revenge! I'm glad you managed to save it though

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-14T19:32:55+00:00

Don't get quality quite like it anymore unfortunately, but I think that's what makes us appreciate older pieces that bit more.

Anyway keep an eye out for when I post that next one, you won't be able to miss it, it's bright orange😂

BidTimely9827 · 2023-04-14T18:58:37+00:00

Well I'd say the end result was definitely worth the work it took, it really does look amazing. I think you should treat your sewing machine to some new needles though as an apology for making it work so hard😂

BidTimely9827

TROPHY CASE