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Antiques & Collectibles

Would you reupholster circa 1910 chairs?

17 years ago

The dining room chairs in question (set of 4) are English red oak. I'm sorry, I have not yet figured out photos here, but I will try to describe them.

They are ornately but somewhat naively carved. They have the original painted (dark green) canvas seats and backs, which after 20 years of our use (yes, we use our antique and "antique in waiting" furniture)are getting increasingly frayed. One also has a sagging seat. The backs strike me as quite unusual, with decorative spindles, a canvas insert, a fleur de lys motive . . . I'm thinking that they were probably not terribly upscale when made. I must say that they are unusual (I have never seen anything quite like them in my auction lurking in the US) and are very pretty.

My best guess, for want of any better info, is that they are circa 1910. For those who might have better info, the label is "Brough Bros. Cabinet makers and Upholsterers. London Road, Liverpool." I have not been able to track this down.

DH and I bought these chairs as poverty-stricken grad students 20 years ago. DH wants to smarten them up with new upholstery or, perhaps, recycle them. I'd really like to keep them, and do not want to reupholster at all. I love them the way they are, sagging seat, fraying canvas and all.

Arguments either way are welcome. It will be grist to the mill on an ongoing (pleasant but passionate) discussion.

Thanks in advance for your input.

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Comments (4)

lindac
17 years ago
Class is accepting charming old ( and knowing the difference between old and worn out)..
No class is having everything restored, refurbished and new.
Class is having things around that speak of love and use...
No class is getting rid of anything more than 15 years old.
Ask your husband if you should get rid of him or have him "recovered" when he gets a few wrinkes, sags and gets frayed around the edges.
If the chairs are not filthy, leave them as they are....I am sure they are charming.
Remember when worn and chipped paint was looked down upon? Now it's the height of chic...
Linda C
quiltglo
17 years ago
Maybe it's time to flip a coin.

I would redo them so that they have an even longer life. I would hate to have to sit in a chair with the seat sagging. You can take the time to find appropriate fabric (online if needed) to keep with the time and feeling of the chairs.

I think items which are used daily need maintaining to stay comfortable.

Gloria
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It shouldn't be a terribly hard project because the arms aren't upholstered and you only have to do the back and seat. If the underlying structure is sound, you'll only have to replace the outer fabric. That said, I'd get a few upholstery books and/or videos from the library or check out upholstering videos on Youtube before getting started, especially if you're a perfectionist, have a low frustration level, or have bought expensive fabric. There are some surprisingly good videos on Youtube, usually in 5-minute chunks. When you take the fabric off, trace all of the pieces on paper to use as patterns for cutting your new fabric. Be sure to pay attention to centering the pattern horizontally and vertically on the front, back, and seat. Use your digital camera to take pictures at every step of the way, so you'll have a visual reference for putting it back together. Good luck! Can't wait to see the finished chair.
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I got 4. How sad is that! And that is only because I KNEW those pieces. I'm going to give myself half credit for the Finn Juhl chair, since it's still being made today. So, 4-1/2! Shoot, now that I look at G again I can see that it is a chair. I thought the "back" was really a "handle" of some kind that stood straight up!
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I dont think its the color I think it's the style of the room has too much going on. I also think you may have too much going on in this small space. The table lamp isnt working, I also think maybe the end table should be on the other side of the love seat. Not sure you need a sofa table in here, perhaps that would give you some room to pull the sofa back a bit and open up the room some more. Two chairs would be great. maybe a sofa with a chaise on the doorway side what is to the left of the fireplace, is that a heater? I would not decorate on top of it, I would put a picture over it. maybe do try the sofa on the stained glass wall and two chairs facing the fireplace. Might be more open feel.
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As a durable upholstery fabric I would suggest twill or jacquard weaves because they are tightly woven. Instead of just a solid color, consider using a print/pattern that gives more interest to the upholstery. For instance, HERE is a jacquard with a primitive pattern in what the manufacturer calls turquoise but which looks teal to me. This is the biggest problem you will face with suggestions made to you—color is subjective. Teal is a blue-green, which I think also has a gray tone. Some think teal is more green and others think it is more blue. Plus, the actual color may not look like it did on your monitor. Many online stores will sell and ship to you a sample piece so you can see the fabric in your home. According to a chart I have, your chair should take about 8 yards of fabric. If you are trying to match up stripes you might need more yardage. If you want piping in the same fabric you would need more yardage. It might be cost effective to buy pre-made piping, but depends on fabric price.
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gillianma
Original Author
17 years ago
LOL, and many, many thanks Linda and Gloria!

Your two points of view precisely reflect the discussion going on here. We are taking our time with this decision and it is a pleasant discussion. I think I am going to have to figure out the photo thing so that you can judge for yourselves how "worn and needs care" or "well-loved and keep it" these chairs actually are. I admit the sagging seat is worrying, but I think the painted canvas is charming.

Linda, you are in my corner on the chairs. Thank you! But honesty compels me to admit -- I'm probably more in need of reupholstery than my husband -- so I dare not go there. LOL!

Thanks again, and please keep those opinions coming!

Gillian
chelone
17 years ago
There is nothing wrong with reupholstering elderly chairs that have seats that are FAILING. A chair is designed to SEAT YOU... a sagging, failing seat provides little comfort and NO joy for a weary backside. Unless you live in a museum furniture has to WORK, and therefore, wear is unavoidable.

Sure! have them reupholstered. BUT, make sure you speak to the upholsterers and make it clear that you want them to reuse the "stuffing" (it's likely horsehair, the "Cadillac" of filling). Request that the original coverings are removed carefully and returned to you. Keep them in a safe, cool place.

I had the c.1840 sofa redone in 1992. It's handsome.

Reusing materials that are now hideously expensive is the key to a good job.

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