Ready to be restored to new condition by Living Home Furniture of Livingston, Montana

Solid frame construction will support a long life after an update on the duds, with new upholstery padding and fabric. Restoration includes a reworked and smoothly curved outside back, and restyle options for the inside back – ‘as is’ or with ‘spider-web’ piping. Restored to new condition by Living Home Furniture of Livingston, Montana

Ready to be restored to new condition by Living Home Furniture of Livingston, Montana

Our client told us that this pair of slipper chairs was re-upholstered many years ago by her mother, and had since become her cat’s favorite chair. The tough corduroy fabric had withstood the test of time admirably, but no fabric lasts forever, and sometimes you just need a change…

Her choice of a beautiful teal velvet transformed the chairs – and her living room!

Images of the restoration process:

Upholstery removed and legs sanded for refinish

One dark leg dictated the final coloring of all the legs on both chairs

The padding layers are re-fitted together on the frame after replacement of the edging

After the seat fabric is secure, the seat band is attached along with welting

The seat band is folded down over the new padding and stapled under the seat

The buttons are secured at the back with wads of cotton

The seat backs and seats ready for assembly

1. poke the butt-end of a wooden match into the existing hole and mark where it stops flush with the surface

2. pull the match stick out and cut it off at your mark

3. squeeze a drop or two of wood glue into the hole

4. set the cut match stick end back in the hole with the glue

5. tighten the screw firmly into place and let the glue dry

6. VOILA! a tight fit that will last – your chair arm, leg or seat joint is now ready for its new life!

Before & After: repairs on this Mid-century Club Chair include replacement of a split board & addition of a new bolt attachment to reinforce the frame

This is a question we hear often – in reference to vintage finds or family heirlooms. The answer is important because restoration is really an investment, whether you’re doing it yourself, or paying a professional to do it. You want to know that you are investing in something that will last.

Here’s my checklist for determining the potential of a piece of upholstered furniture.

• First and Foremost: How do you feel about it – whether that feeling comes from a memory, the pleasing shape, color, or style? Perhaps it recalls a certain era or person in your life.
• Metal frames may separate at weak points, and can usually be repaired with a tack-weld.
• Connecting hardware (screws and bolts) can be replaced and tightened anew.
• If it is a wood-frame antique, chances are the frame is hardwood and worthy of revitalization. Even if the joints are loose, they can be re-glued, and even broken parts may be easily repaired by a woodworker.
• If the age isn’t obvious, carefully remove one corner of the fabric covering the underside to check for solid wood framing. Particle board & chip board are not repairable once the material has been compromised.
• Parts that are compromised can be replaced with something stronger and more permanent. For example, a splintered dining seat platform that is not part of the supporting frame can be easily replaced with new wood.
• Springs that are broken or ‘every-which-way’ can be replaced or re-tied.
• Webbing or other platform material may be replaced.
• Stinky upholstery padding and fabric can be replaced – the old parable “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” applies nicely here.

The solid construction of this "ugly duckling" holds great promise for rehabilitation

Do you have questions that are not addressed in this checklist? Contact us with your inquiry.

Edward Wormley Drexel Precedent chair restored with Carla Pyle's signature silk leaf design

In 1947, Edward Wormley brought his creative talents to the Drexel Heritage furniture company to create Precedent. The collection was called Precedent because “it promised to set so many bright new standards in contemporary living.” It is noted for its superb joinery and beautiful woods such as bleached mahogany, silver elm and beechwood. Wormley created 100 pieces for Precedent, priding the collection with convenience, style, fine craftsmanship, and a great value for every home.

Wormley’s style embodied the essence of modern design combined with tradition. He was able to interpret the modern into a style that became predominant from the 40s through the 60s. He was considered by many to be unique in his ability to create such a fresh and modern outlook, while preserving cherished elements from the past.

We support the Cradle to Cradle Goal

Read more at William McDonough’s home page and the Cradle to Cradle community

Currently stored in the basement of the original purchaser in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, they are both in need of re-upholstery, and some minor wood repair. As of the date of this post (Jan 2, 2012) the owner is debating whether to keep or sell them – with any decision postponed until May 2012 at the earliest.

A photo from the Craft Associates website showing the same chair

mid-century Flexsteel sofa with original label attached

Classic mid-century styling with three separate sets of coordinating cushions

Choose from 3 toad stool sizes and cover it with your own unique fabric choice

Come to this fun one-day class to create a toad stool unique to your own tastes and decor!

What you will learn:
You will experience hands-on personalized instruction from expert ‘Upholstery Stylist’ Carla Pyle. You will learn basic upholstery skills, including fabric layout & cutting and tool use & safety in a fun and supportive atmosphere as you upholster your own toad stool. Choose one of three different sizes. We provide the wood frame and base materials, you provide the fabric of your choice. This class involves pneumatic staple gun use, with no sewing machine use.

The prerequisite Discovery Class will help you to choose your toad stool size and determine fabric requirement so you know exactly how much to buy and what fabric types are suitable for your project.

We provide:

• a pre-made toad stool frame, foam & dacron
• basic tool use, including staple-remover, pneumatic staple gun, pliers and hammer
• photos of class projects after the class is over
• the option to purchase high quality upholstery fabric through our studio at a 15% student discount

You provide:

• pre-approved fabric (approx 1 yd) – amount and type to purchase is determined in the 1-hr Discovery Class

When: Feb 11, 2012 or Mar 24, 2012 (9-4:30)
Where: 508 South 10th St, Livingston, MT

Class size: 2-3
Class fee: $185 + fabric

Registration deadline: 3 days prior to class for those who have approved fabric, 2-3 weeks for those who need to order their fabric. Call Carla at 406-223-3834 to register or if you have any questions.

Click here to see additional class offerings. Click here to see the current Class Calendar.

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