Tips on Restoring Antique or Classic Furniture

Old and classic furniture will always have sentimental value to a person who has inherited the item. It comes from a long list of occasions and emotions. Restoring classic furniture could be a fragile task and that is why there are precautions that need to be taken when restoring it.

Before starting with the stripping down and reupholstering, you should have an image of what the final product will look like. Deciding as you go along could end up taking more time than anticipated and mistakes will be a regular occurrence.

Cleaning the surface that needs to be restored is important. Wooden objects will need to be sanded down and re-varnished to elongate its life span and quality. Couch pillows will need a fluff up or complete replacement if the fibres are damaged by liquid or dirt.

Repairing any loose or missing parts is the next step in restoring any classic furniture. Depending on what the frame is made of will determine the tools you need to use. There will also be certain resins to use on wood to keep it in place with a professional end appearance. Repairing is usually done before varnishing so that the glossiness doesn’t get damaged. This will also include painting.

When it comes to the use of the fabrics, you must have certain upholstery skills. Measuring and cutting out the shapes will take the shortest time in reupholstering the furniture. Stitching and fitting the cushions will be the toughest hands-on task when it comes to restoring classic furniture. These cushions are usually rounded shapes that need more pleating and fitting to make the end product look smooth. Some couches also have the armrests made entirely with cushioning so it would require more time and patience to upholster.

Reupholstering also requires knowledge of the different fabrics that can be used on a lounge suite. You will have to look for the most durable fabric that can handle force and compression. The fabric also needs to be easy to use when creating the new covering for the couches. If the fabric is too hard and stiff, it will become difficult to form it around the cushion. This also applies to very soft and thin materials. Soft materials can easily deform because they have fewer fibres.

Furniture upholstery requires dedication and patience with a passion for the art. Restoring classic furniture will bring out the creativity in you and add new life to the living room. Keeping the inherited classic furniture is also a good way to keep the legacy of your family in succession.