Horsehair to High-Density Foam: What’s Inside Your Antique Chair

Introduction

Before the rise of synthetic foam padding and polyester fiberfill, American furniture was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Back then, comfort came from natural materials—horsehair, straw, cotton batting—not the mass-produced foam we know today. While the solid hardwood frames of antique pieces have often stood the test of time, the padding inside hasn’t fared quite as well.

At Finish Pros, we specialize in antique furniture restoration, custom upholstery, and furniture reupholstery across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Apex, and surrounding communities. Join us as we peel back the layers of history to reveal what’s really inside your heirloom furniture—and how we restore it for modern comfort and style.

A Look Beneath the Surface

When restoring antique furniture, the first step is complete removal of the existing upholstery—not just covering the old with the new. Many upholsterers skip this step, upholstering over previous fabrics to save time, which ultimately compromises both comfort and the clean lines of the original piece.

At Finish Pros, we believe in doing things the right way. Once the old layers are stripped away, we uncover the true condition of the padding and interior structure. These historic materials, while fascinating, are often outdated and compromised. Here’s what we commonly find:

Horsehair Padding

Horsehair was a premium material used in 18th to early 20th-century furniture:

• Resilient and breathable, retaining its shape for decades
  
  
• Moisture- and pest-resistant
  
  
• Common in armchairs, sofas, and mattresses in high-end homes and hotels
  
  

We carefully assess whether it can be retained or needs replacing with modern alternatives that preserve historical accuracy.

Straw and Hay

More common in regional or rustic furniture, straw was a low-cost filler. However, it holds odors, moisture, and allergens—and breaks down easily. A recent restoration of a Victorian settee from Beaufort, NC revealed padding that resembled chicken coop bedding more than interior cushioning.

Cotton Batting

Cotton batting was layered over springs and horsehair to provide a smooth, soft surface. It’s breathable and organic, but it compresses over time. We still use cotton batting in many upholstery projects in Raleigh and Chapel Hill to preserve a traditional feel and comfort.

Coconut Fiber & Kapok

These plant-based fillers were widely used from the late 1800s through the 1950s:

• Coconut fiber (coir) is firm and moisture-resistant
  
  
• Kapok is silky and lightweight
  
  

While eco-friendly, they’re less ideal for clients sensitive to allergens—making modern foam or latex better choices in upholstery projects around Wake Forest and Cary.

Feathers and Down

Used for luxury seating and cushions, feathers and down provide comfort but flatten and absorb moisture over time. We offer down-alternative options that provide the same plush feel with better support and ease of maintenance.

Before & After: Real Projects from Across the Triangle

Tufted Chair Restoration – Raleigh, NC

A once-elegant tufted chair came to us faded and uneven. Upon teardown, we discovered multiple layers of horsehair and cotton compressed beyond repair. We rebuilt it from the frame up—adding high-density foam and new natural cotton wrap. The chair was finished in performance velvet from our upholstery fabric collection in Raleigh, giving it renewed charm and comfort.