A Century Plus of Stories: Restoring an 1880s Modified Chair

Every Piece Has a Story

At Finish Pros, every piece of furniture that comes through our doors tells a story, and it’s our job to uncover it. But some stories are more intricate than others, and occasionally, a project surprises even us. Recently, a client brought in a family heirloom—a charming chair that she believed dated back to the 1920s. What began as a typical reupholstery project turned into a journey through time, revealing layers of history, craftsmanship, and creativity.

This chair, which had undergone several transformations over the past century, proved to be a stunning example of how furniture restoration can preserve the past while creating something extraordinary for the future.

Step 1: A Routine Inspection Reveals a Hidden Treasure

When the chair arrived at our shop, it appeared to be a straightforward Art Nouveau piece from the 1920s. Its channeled back and smooth lines were indicative of that period’s style, and the frame showed signs of age, with worn upholstery and sagging springs.

But as we began peeling back the layers of material, the chair’s true story emerged. Beneath decades of cotton padding, horsehair, and fabric, we found a frame that told a much older tale. The chair’s original structure was crafted in the 1880s, featuring a Victorian-era mahogany frame with exquisite satinwood inlays, mother-of-pearl accents, and carved acanthus leaves.

The transformation didn’t stop there. We discovered that sometime in the 1920s, someone had modified this Victorian parlor chair into an Art Nouveau piece. The delicate carvings were covered, and extensions made from scrap wood—including slats from an old fruit crate—had been added to the backrest to create the channeled design. It was a crude, yet resourceful, reimagining that reflected the trends of the era.

Step 2: Collaborating with the Client

Once we unearthed the chair’s original craftsmanship, we couldn’t wait to share the discovery with our client. She was thrilled to learn the chair was far older than she had thought, but it also presented a dilemma. Should we restore the chair to its original Victorian glory or preserve the 1920s Art Nouveau transformation that her grandmother had cherished?

After discussing the options, the client decided to honor the chair’s most meaningful chapter—its 1920s redesign. Her grandmother had adored the sleek, upholstered style, and she wanted to continue that tradition. Together, we set out to create a piece that would preserve the history while incorporating modern materials and techniques to ensure it would be enjoyed for generations to come.

Step 3: The Restoration Process Begins

1. Reinforcing the Frame:
   The frame had seen better days. Decades of use and the makeshift 1920s modifications left it unstable. We carefully reinforced the structure, reinforcing the scrap wood with professional-grade materials while maintaining the integrity of the original frame.
2. Reviving the Spring System:
   The sagging springs and brittle webbing were completely replaced. We installed durable, jute webbing and springs to restore the seat’s comfort and support, ensuring it would withstand daily use.
3. Selecting the Perfect Fabric:
   Fabric selection is one of the most exciting parts of a restoration, and this project was no exception. Our designers worked closely with the client to choose a material that complemented the chair’s elegant lines and honored its Art Nouveau style. The final choice? A luxurious, linen-look fabric that was as practical as it was beautiful. While it mimicked the delicate appearance of natural linen, it was actually a high-performance, stain-resistant material with excellent abrasion resistance. This fabric not only enhanced the chair’s aesthetic but ensured it would stand the test of time in a busy household.
4. Rebuilding the Padding and Upholstery:
   We replaced the layers of horsehair and cotton batting with high-quality foam and padding to provide modern comfort. The channeled backrest, a defining feature of the chair’s 1920s redesign, was painstakingly recreated by our expert upholsterers, who ensured each channel was perfectly aligned and plush.
5. Polishing the Mahogany Details:
   While the Victorian carvings were hidden under the upholstery, the chair’s mahogany legs remained exposed. Antique furniture stripping was done to remove the old finish and we meticulously sanded and refinished the wood, restoring its rich, warm tone and adding a protective finish that brought out its natural beauty.

Step 4: A One-of-a-Kind Masterpiece

When the restoration was complete, the chair was a stunning blend of past and present. Its channeled back and clean lines honored its 1920s transformation, while the gleaming mahogany legs hinted at its Victorian origins. The new stain-resistant fabric not only looked timeless but also ensured that the chair would be as practical as it was beautiful.

For the client, the finished piece was more than just a chair—it was a family heirloom reborn. She loved that we had preserved the elements her grandmother adored while ensuring the chair would remain a centerpiece in her home for years to come.

Step 5: Why Restoration Matters

This project highlighted why furniture refinishing and custom upholstery are so rewarding. Not only do we bring worn-out furniture back to life, but we also uncover and preserve the stories behind each piece. At Finish Pros, we believe every client deserves a piece that reflects their personal style and family history, and we’re proud to deliver that through expert craftsmanship and design.

Let Finish Pros Tell Your Furniture’s Story

This restoration journey reminds us that every piece of furniture has the potential to become something extraordinary. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a vintage thrift find, or a favorite chair that’s seen better days, Finish Pros can help you preserve its history while creating a one-of-a-kind piece you’ll cherish for years to come.

If you’re ready to breathe new life into your furniture, contact us today. Let us show you how our expertise in antique furniture restoration, custom upholstery, and fabric selection can transform your treasured pieces.

Do you have a family heirloom or vintage piece in need of a refresh? Share your story in the comments, or reach out to us for a consultation. We’d love to help bring your furniture’s story to life.