How to Reupholster Furnishings that Have Sentimental Value
In our line of work, we strive to find a balance between the old and the new. The just-manufactured and the well-loved. The newest technology and the techniques that stand the test of time.
Sure, it is always exciting when we get shipments of accessories and artwork that can be added to our showroom floor. We love staying on top of the latest trends in cabin life furniture and decor. And it is our pleasure to share those items with you season after season.
But there is nothing that feels quite as good to our team as when a customer brings a piece into our furniture upholstery workroom, one that has true, lasting, sentimental value. They come to us in the hopes that we can restore it to its former glory. It is those inquiries that bring us joy, give us purpose, and make us fall in love with this industry all over again.
So today, we are going to share some of those stories with you…tales of cast-off upholstery that was given a new life…family heirlooms that were lovingly revived:
- A Rocker Restoration
- An Oak Chair Overhaul
- New Life for Needlepoint
- A Saved Settee
Come hear their stories…
A Rocker Restoration
One of our clients brought in this rocker that had seen better days…
It once belonged to his great-grandmother, whom he affectionately called Granny, a petite southern woman who loved her family well, worked hard every day of her life, and is remembered as a wonderful cook.
While our client never had the chance to spend much time of his own with her, he was quick to recognize the role that Granny played in his father’s life, influencing his upbringing and helping him become the great man and loving father that he is.
At some point along the line, this rocker surfaced, and while our client didn’t see any need to keep it, his wife instantly saw its beauty and potential. Her affection for the piece was all the motivation our client needed.
They brought the piece to us and our team reupholstered it to more than its original beauty…
Our client and his wife were so grateful that this family heirloom was saved and preserved that their sentiments extended far beyond that of the rocker.
He said, “In this throw-away world in which we live nowadays, I can say that I am truly grateful that my wife saw [the rocker’s] value, and because of her love for it, I chose to see its value also…I would encourage people to find the beauty in the old things of their life, whether it’s people and relationships or just some old piece of worn out furniture that needs some love and care and time spent on it!!”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Reupholstering a piece of well-worn furniture can preserve the past, inspire others, and change lives for the better. (Have we mentioned that we love what we do?!)
An Oak Chair Overhaul
It wasn’t long ago that another client brought in a pair of Viking oak chairs…
They were hand-carved, no longer manufactured, and most significantly, once made by a company owned by our client’s family. But they needed some time and attention.
So our team carefully replaced the worn-out, dated upholstery, and gave these chairs a second life…
We like to think they look as good, if not better, than the day they were made. Our client agreed and was proud to bring them home to display and enjoy for years to come.
A New Life for Needlepoint
When a client brought in a piece of needlepoint art with an 80+ year history, we had no choice but to do our part in rescuing it. Four generations of women had worked tirelessly to complete the stunning needlepoint canvas that you see here…
In an effort to preserve the painstaking handiwork, we carefully upholstered the canvas onto this stool, not only displaying the beauty and history in a new way, but also giving purpose to this piece that so many women had spent years perfecting.
The result is a gorgeous stool that we know will be cherished by the family for at least four generations more.
A Saved Settee
Yet another client brought in this unique settee…
It had been in the family for decades and saw many makeovers during that time. But it needed another facelift, and our team was happy to oblige.
With brand new upholstery, a restored seat cushion in a complementary pattern, and our team’s extreme attention to detail, we created a piece that preserves the piece’s history while elevating and modernizing the aesthetic.
It is the perfect vintage accessory for this client’s Northwoods home, don’t you think? You betcha!
How Do We Do It?
Great question! The answer? Two words… or names, rather: Jay and Ann.
Jay Fawley and Ann Koester
This phenomenal upholstery duo specializes in window treatments, bedding, cushions, and pillows for your home.
They inspect any piece that walks through our doors, outsource any finish and frame repairs that need to be completed first, add new padding, remove old cotton and fillers that have an odor, create brand new cushions, and update the fabric.
Sound like a lot of work? Not for them. They are the best of the best and can take any sentimental piece and restore it to its original beauty without sacrificing the history or value in any way. Jay and Ann are amazing!
Now it’s Your Turn…
If you have an older piece that needs to be revived, give us a call! We would be delighted to inspect and measure your piece, assist you in choosing the perfect fabric, discuss options for new seat and back cushions, and provide you with a quote for the scope of work.
If you choose to move forward, we require a 50% deposit along with the signed contract. (Disclaimer: Sometimes problems remain hidden until the fabric is removed, so there are occasionally extra charges when unanticipated repairs arise, but we promise to keep in communication with you so that you aren’t hit with unexpected charges on your final bill.)
After that, you drop off your piece, we work our magic, and a transformed piece of furniture is delivered to your door. Simple as that!
The best news for you, though?
During the month of February, we are running a 20% off special for all fabric with a signed workroom contract on a new piece or reupholstery.
This applies to window treatments, cushions, bedding, pillows, and more. Just ask us for the full list when we chat.
It is our distinct pleasure to do what we do. It is a great honor to be trusted with a family heirloom. And it is an absolute joy to be a part of the restoration process that rescues well-worn pieces, breathes new life into them, and blesses the owners in the process.
If you like what you see in the pictures, you’ll love it even more when the transformation is on a piece of your own! Our showroom is open (with safety precautions in place), and we would be thrilled to welcome you and your sentimental furniture in for a quote.
Let’s take that worn-out piece that you wouldn’t dream of parting with and give it a new lease on life…preserving it so that you and your family can enjoy it for generations to come.
Yours,
The Lakeside Living Team
