Restoring furniture can be challenging but rewarding. Bringing it back to life can add a touch of character to your home, whether the piece of furniture is a family heirloom or a unique mid-century piece you found at an antique store. But where do you start? Read on for five tips for restoring vintage upholstered furniture so you can confidently tackle this new project and restore your new favorite old piece.
Search for High-Quality Materials
The material’s quality is one of the most essential factors in upholstered furniture. Look for sturdy wooden or metal frames when searching for vintage pieces. Checking on the condition of the upholstery’s fabric, cushioning, and springs is also beneficial. By checking these components, you can note what’s salvageable and what needs replacing. Consider asking a professional upholsterer for advice on what materials to use in a restoration project.
Take the Furniture Apart
You should disassemble the furniture entirely to see what needs repairing or replacing—make a checklist and take photos for reference before putting it back together. Write down or snap a picture of cracks in the frame, loose joints, or missing parts. Also, check the upholstery material for stains, holes, and tears.
Clean and Prep
Clean and prep your work area after your inspection. Vacuum the fabric thoroughly or use a steam cleaner to remove dirt and stains. You can also use a warm, soapy water solution to spot-clean minor stains. Make sure to let the pieces dry completely before moving to the next step. Patch any tears or holes in the fabric with seam tape or a fabric patch.
Rebuild the Furniture
Reupholstering furniture isn’t easy, so don’t approach this project with high expectations. Still, invest in high-quality fabric and foam, and choose a furniture adhesive to secure it in place. Stretch the fabric over the seat and back of the furniture, ensuring each pull is tighter as you go. After securing the fabric, smooth it out and remove any excess pieces. Do the same with the foam. Ask a professional upholsterer for assistance if you feel uncomfortable during this step.
Final Touches
After reupholstering, the final step is in your hands! Reattach the original parts and trims or accentuate them to your liking. Don’t forget the screws! Use a wood or metal polish often to give it its long-awaited eternal glow. Now, stand back and admire your work!
Use these five tips for restoring vintage upholstered furniture to help you along your restoration project. By taking your time, paying attention to detail, and following these tips, you can give new life to your beloved furniture. In need of quality tools? Choose Salco for the best staples for upholstery. Our staples are the best in the industry, so let’s make sure you have something sturdy to use on your next DIY project!