At Finish Pros, located in the heart of Raleigh, NC, we recently undertook the reupholstery of two cherished 1940s lounge chairs that had been in our client’s family for generations. These pieces were more than just furniture; they held stories, memories, and a rich family history. Restoring them required patience, skill, and a genuine passion for our craft. This is what Finish Pros is all about—revitalizing high-quality, vintage, and antique furniture with expertise in custom upholstery and furniture restoration.
To complement the restoration, we selected Thibaut W80718 Apollo fabric for these lounge chairs. Known for its luxurious appearance, this fabric is not only visually striking but also exceptionally durable and stain-resistant, making it ideal for furniture that will see regular use in a modern home. The Thibaut Apollo fabric was a perfect choice, as it provides a high level of durability while maintaining a timeless look that stands the test of time—just like these cherished chairs.
When it comes to reupholstering heirlooms, we understand that our clients are investing in more than just a piece of furniture. They are preserving memories and honoring family legacies. Our furniture reupholstery services offer a unique alternative to buying new, providing a way to enhance and personalize beloved items while maintaining their structural and historical integrity. This blog post shares the journey of restoring these heirloom lounge chairs, providing an inside look at the intricate steps involved in high-quality furniture restoration.
The Importance of a Thorough Assessment
Our journey with these lounge chairs began with a careful assessment of their condition. The frames were solid but needed reinforcement, and the fabric had understandably worn out over decades of use. During this initial inspection, we noted that both chairs would require more than just a fresh layer of fabric. Re-gluing, refinishing, re-webbing, and re-tying springs were essential to ensure that these chairs would not only look beautiful but also remain sturdy and functional for many years to come.
At Finish Pros, we don’t just focus on the outward appearance of a piece. Our goal is to provide a complete furniture restoration service that enhances the durability and comfort of each item, using techniques honed by years of experience in the furniture reupholstery Raleigh NC area. This initial step allows us to work closely with our clients, setting expectations and explaining the full scope of what goes into professional antique furniture restoration.
Step One: Frame Preparation and Refinishing
With the assessment complete, we started by stripping the chairs down to their bare frames. This is an essential part of any comprehensive furniture refinishing Raleigh NC process, allowing us to begin with a clean slate. By removing old fabric, padding, and remnants of previous repairs, we ensured that the new materials would adhere perfectly and create a smooth, polished finish.
Next, our furniture refinishing team hand-stripped the frames, delicately removing any weakened glue and carefully re-gluing the joints for added stability. We then sanded the wood to prepare it for a fresh stain that would bring out the natural grain and beauty of the wood. Our client requested a lighter stain to give the chairs a refreshed, contemporary look while still preserving their vintage charm. Finally, we applied several topcoat layers to protect the wood and create a long-lasting, durable finish. At Finish Pros, we pride ourselves on offering the best upholstery services in Raleigh, NC, and attention to detail is a cornerstone of our craftsmanship.
Reinforcing the Foundation with Jute Webbing and Springs
Once the frames were fully prepped, we moved on to reinforcing the chair’s foundation. We used high-quality jute webbing, which is an eco-friendly and durable choice that provides firm support. For antique and vintage pieces like these, using quality materials is essential to preserve both the comfort and structural integrity of the furniture.
One of the most intricate parts of custom upholstery is re-tying the springs. We employed an eight-way hand-tied spring technique, a traditional method that ensures balanced support and exceptional comfort. Each spring is tied in eight different directions, creating a supportive foundation that will stand the test of time. This level of craftsmanship is a hallmark of our luxury upholstery services in Durham and surrounding areas. By preserving these traditional upholstery methods, we ensure that our clients receive a piece that is not only beautiful but also built to last.
Creating Comfort Through Layering and Padding
The next stage in the reupholstery process was to add padding, an essential element that directly impacts the comfort and appearance of the chairs. At Finish Pros, we understand that selecting the right materials for padding is just as important as choosing the fabric. We used a combination of foam and softer padding, carefully layered to create a seat that is comfortable yet retains its shape over time.
This approach to padding and layering is what distinguishes a high-quality upholstery job from standard reupholstery. Our furniture upholstery Raleigh services are designed to offer maximum comfort and durability, making each seating experience luxurious. The padding was applied not only to the seat but also to the back and arms of the chairs, creating a plush feel that is both inviting and supportive.
Attention to Detail: The Art of Pulled Buttons
In reupholstery, details matter. One of the most intricate elements of this project involved the buttoning on the back of the chair. In one of the images, you can see small cotton “poofs” secured with button twine, a technique known as pulled buttons. This meticulous process keeps the fabric taut, preventing any “puddling” or sagging, and adds a tailored, polished appearance.
The pulled buttons not only enhance the aesthetics but also improve the functionality of the chair, ensuring that the fabric remains tight and visually appealing. At Finish Pros, we understand that antique furniture restoration and upholstery Durham clients expect a finish that speaks to the time-honored techniques of the craft. Our team of artisans takes pride in these small touches, which elevate the overall look and feel of each piece.
Final Touches: Crafting Custom Cushions and Adding a Dust Cover
To complete the chairs, we crafted custom cushions with a slight crown—a design feature that creates a subtle rise in the center for both comfort and elegance. By layering softer materials over a foam core, we achieved a cushion that is supportive yet soft to the touch. This “crowning” effect is a signature of high-quality furniture refinishing in Wake Forest and ensures a seating experience that feels bespoke.
Lastly, we finished the underside of the chair with a lightweight black dust cover. This final touch not only gives the chair a polished, finished look but also protects the upholstery from dust and wear, extending the life of the fabric. Every detail, from frame to cushion, is carefully considered and executed, embodying the commitment to excellence that defines Finish Pros.
Reupholstery vs. Buying New: Why Restore?
Clients often ask why they should choose furniture reupholstery Raleigh NC services instead of simply buying new furniture. The answer is rooted in quality and sentiment. Vintage furniture, especially heirloom pieces, are typically made with superior craftsmanship and materials that surpass most modern furniture. By restoring these pieces, you’re not only retaining the sentimental value but also investing in a unique, high-quality item that’s built to last.
When you compare the cost of reupholstering a vintage piece to buying a new one, the decision can feel similar to choosing between fast food and a gourmet meal. Both may satisfy a need, but the quality and enjoyment are worlds apart. At Finish Pros, we believe that reupholstery provides a level of customization and personalization that new furniture simply cannot match. Through our furniture refinishing and lacquer painting Cary NC services, we offer an opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects both your style and your respect for quality craftsmanship.
Investing in Furniture Restoration: A Worthwhile Choice
Furniture restoration may seem like a significant investment, but the benefits are undeniable. By choosing furniture upholstery shops near me or furniture refinishing Raleigh, you’re opting for longevity, sustainability, and artistry. A restored chair from Finish Pros will not only outlast most mass-produced furniture but will also add character and sophistication to your home.
The reupholstery process requires time, expertise, and high-quality materials. When our clients see the final result—a beautifully restored piece that looks and feels brand new—they understand the value of this investment. Our custom upholstery Raleigh and eco-friendly upholstery fabric in Raleigh options allow clients to create a truly unique look that complements their home’s aesthetic.
Building Relationships Through Craftsmanship
At Finish Pros, we value the relationships we build with our clients as much as the furniture we restore. Many clients return with additional pieces, and some even refer their friends and family. This loyalty is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and our commitment to providing the best custom upholstery services for commercial furniture in Raleigh and beyond.
Restoring these cherished pieces is a partnership—a collaboration with our clients to bring their vision to life. We take pride in each project, and our passion for excellence drives us to create pieces that not only meet but exceed expectations. Through our furniture restoration Raleigh NC services, we’re dedicated to bringing beauty, history, and functionality back into each home we serve.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Reupholstered Furniture
Choosing reupholstery and furniture restoration services is about more than just updating furniture. It’s about preserving history, honoring memories, and investing in quality that endures. At Finish Pros, we’re proud to play a role in helping clients keep their cherished pieces alive, breathing new life into furniture that holds sentimental and aesthetic value.
If you have a piece of furniture that deserves a second chance, consider the possibilities that reupholstery offers. From custom leather upholstery Raleigh NC to eco-friendly fabric options, we offer a range of services that combine traditional techniques with modern innovation. Together, let’s create something timeless.
