I never used to buy old chairs because I had heard that changing the upholstery is as expensive as buying a new chair. I figured, what’s the point of buying old, if you can buy new for the same price?
Well that’s what we are discussing today. When is it worth it?
Let’s talk for example about my French chairs above. I did have them redone with new linen fabric and the backs are actually from vintage grains sacks.
I’m Southern, which means I can’t resist a lovely monogram. These chairs looked a bit different when I bought them. Now some of you are going to say, they looked better before. See? I DO read your comments! Well I did like the original fabric, but it didn’t work very well in my house because it was a bit yellow, but also the fabric really looked dirty. I thought that really they needed a new cover. And so I sent them out to get new upholstery.
When I got them back, they looked brand new, fresh and clean. The lady told me that these chairs were so old that they were stuffed with horse hair. I was nonplussed. Then she leaned in and said, there were things… living in there. We had to remove it all. Ewww and gross! I am so glad I changed these puppies out.
Okay let’s discuss why it is sometimes worth buying something that will need new upholstery. Because this kind of craftsmanship is a thing of the past. It is almost impossible to find that kind of workmanship today. The woods that were used are not sometimes not available any more. I never hear of anything being made from walnut these days. You need to factor in the cost of the chair, the fabric and the labor. Check around to find the place with the best prices and the best workmanship. One way to keep expenses down a bit is to go with double piping instead of nail-head trim.
So I think it is worth it if I can get the chair frame for a good price and if the workmanship on the chair is exquisite. If the chair isn’t that old and/or isn’t especially nice, then I don’t think it is worth it.
These bergere chairs had fabulous carving on them,
even though they were covered in a dated fabric when I found them.
This bergere chair as well was recovered. I didn’t capture a before photo, but the fabric was a 70’s print that was really not working for me.
So to recap, old nicely carved chairs with wonderful details, that are not overpriced, would be a great investment. Chairs with so-so details that look like something you could buy new; I would pass on those.
And you don’t have to always reupholster the chairs. I love the tattered, worn look on this tapestry settee.
I kept it in it’s original condition, but now that I heard about the horsehair chairs, I’m beginning to wonder about this one.
I love all of your seating pieces! The settee is magnificent, but so are the recovered linen chairs. I have a wonderful intricate French chair that’s in dire need of re-upholtery (literally stuffing coming out – currently covered by a throw… lol). Once I figure out where it’s going in the new space, I can finally make a reasoned decision on which fabric to pick. Now just need to find a good local re-upholsterer… 🙂
I have 2 wingback chairs they have been with me for 38 years. They have been reupholstered 3 times. The third time was after they floated around in our flooded house after hurricane Katrina. We took them outside in the sun, used a knife to tip them open to dry, and because they are so well constructed, no particle board, they dried perfectly. Voila. They now sit in our master bedroom, looking beautiful, and happy to be part of the history of our lives. It’s all about being well constructed. As a side note, our antiques also made it.
What a story Suzanne.
I have purchased some antique ratty-tatty chairs solely because the woodwork on them was so fine! I agree, if it’s so-so, don’t buy it. I would not recover the beautiful needlepoint settee of yours, horsehair or no horsehair– it feels so very French.
I just had this situation with a old love seat in my father’s den. My mother had a custom size for the small room. Fabric was chosen to go with the vintage English hunt theme she had going. But it’s over 20 years old. She spend her final month sitting there so it was hard to think of replacing it. The cushion one one side was completely gone. It held her through 3 bouts of cancer. And the back cushion fabric was beginning to shred. So I finally convinced dad to do something. I thought recover was the answer. He wanted to buy. Either way he had no idea of cost these days. He did end up buying new but sizes are much larger now. And the cost to recover would end up the same as new but the size would have been the benefit.
I agree that it is hard to find new that is made with a good hardwood. I keep seeing pieces made from mango wood. What? I have had several pieces reupholstered multiple times because it is such a good, sturdy chair. I love the monogrammed linen chairs.
Can you tell me what the flooring material is in the 4th photo? It’s the one with the two chairs with blue throw pillows. What type of wood, stain, etc. And I love the way you reupholstered your chairs! They are beautiful and look very comfortable.
That is a pine floor, and I do not know what stain was used.
I’m one of “those people “, that loves old beautiful furniture. Mostly I recover furniture myself, but I did have two beautiful wing chairs professionally done. Of course, I always pick a neutral color that way they can go into any room, just a a pop of color with a pillow or a complimentary patterned pillow, and it looks great!
The cost of fabric, whether you do it yourself or get it done is very pricey. Therefore that’s why I go neutral, I never get tired of it! To each his own, but no matter what, always pick something you love!
Hi Anita! I love your posts! congrats on 4 years, I just found you this year, but I enjoy reading you. I love all of your chairs above and the settee is gorgeous! you could just have them take off the needlepoint, clean it, re-stuff the cushions and just put the needlepoint back on. It’s beautiful. I also like the linen chairs you had redone. You have a beautiful home and I love your style. I too love old linens because of the workmanship and dainty work. I use crocheted dresser scarves for my valances on my old farmhouse windows. there is always a way to re-use linens for another purpose and display. Keep up the wonderful posts!!
Aww thanks so much Julie!!!
I love your work and posts, but , they do not open all the way. I have to guess what is on the right side. Is there a way I can correct this?
Jane, I am working with my tech team to fix that. It seems to be an issue on some computers. I am so sorry. I think it is NOT you!!
I am very partial to beautifully carved French chairs. Several years ago I was not particularly in the market for another Bergere chair, but came across one selling for below-wholesale price upholstered in gold crushed velvet. I loved the chair, and at such a great price, I bought it. The fabric was all wrong so I purchased gorgeous textured blue and white stripped fabric from an on-line source and had the chair reupholstered. Having worked in an up-scale decor shop in the SF Bay Area, I was well aware of the wholesale/retail prices of similar chairs. Costing in the purchase price of the chair, fabric and labor, I came out below what a similar chair (in my choice of fabric) would have cost me at any fine furniture store. That’s what I call a great buy.
I like your note that sometimes having a furniture for reupholstery purchased is worth the effort due to the uniqueness of the design and materials. That is perfect since my father is an antique lover and having a reupholstered furniture as a gift to him would be a great idea. I’ll try looking around later and have it serviced ASAP to make sure that it would be done before the 24th. Thanks!
I like how you said that reupholstery is worth it if the frame is made from an exquisite wood or great craftsmanship. My wife loves to fix up old things but I don’t think she knows how to reupholster something. I’ll look into buying some old furniture and having reupholstered for her as a Valentine’s Day gift.