How do I restore my antique chairs?
by
Angela A
+10
I have my grandparents set of two very unique shaped antique chairs that I'd love to restore. But I have NO idea how to even begin! They are red leather, U-shaped, with metal stands for bottoms.The leather has a couple of tears, not bad by any means, but I think I need to completely reapolster(?). Because of the age of the leather. It also is missing a couple of buttons on one of the chairs and I doubt I'd find matching ones? The legs themselves don't wobble as they are one solid piece, but the whole chairs do, like they've warped, or they're uneven....no idea how metal could've done that over the years but there you have it. It's like they sit off the ground just on one corner. Ideas??
Both chairs, side by side, you can see that the leather is "dirty", and a couple of buttons are missing on one.
Bottom of one chair
close up of one chair
Bottom view, you can see the legs a little better in this pic I think.
close up of missing buttons.
11 answers
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If they are to your liking, you might want to get them recovered...or even try it yourself. We have recovered in the past (not so good...don't have the knack for it) so I rely on professionals. If you are young and have the patience, go on line and get some videos and learn what tools you need!
Jeanette S
on Oct 27, 2014
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Do you have any pictures of your chairs? That would help get better suggestions!
Hannah V
on Oct 27, 2014
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I do Hannah, but for some reason can't get them to upload here.
Angela A
on Oct 27, 2014
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Thanks Jeanette, I'm thinking professional may be the way for me to go as well... :-)
Angela A
on Oct 27, 2014
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If they are metal and the metal has somehow warped over time, you'd be surprised how inexpensive it would be to take them to a metal shop where they do welding and metal stair building - they have ways of making the metal move. And as far as missing buttons. You can go to an upholstery shop and purchase the buttons that allow you to put your own material on and just pop together. Replace all the buttons with new ones and they don't have to match the original fabric, be creative find something new. Sometimes RV (recreational vehicle) parts shops carry all these upholstering materials. That's where I shop - way cheaper and more selection than trendy fabric shops.
Connie Govig Romanishan
on Oct 28, 2014
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Go for it - if it's sentimental to you - you'll get much more pleasure out of doing as much of the restoration as possible - it can always be redone by someone in the family down the road if they don't like it.
Connie Govig Romanishan
on Oct 28, 2014
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Also, check out @wood restoration co . in Tucker - they might have some good advice or be able to help you!
Miriam Illions
on Oct 30, 2014
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@Connie Govig Romanishan good info, thanks so much! My sweetie works in a metal shop so I think they can do the legs. (I've already had him working on another project lol!) However, the info about the RV place is very interesting and good to know! I will check that out. I am ALLLLL about saving $$$$! but also about getting good value merchandise, and doing it right the first time! LOL thanks so much! :)
Angela A
on Nov 22, 2014
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Try a leather conditioner on an inconspicuous spot to see if it will soften. Then try to repair the tares or take it to an upolstrer for repaid. It looks like you can recover them yourself as they look pretty straight forward. You can use the leather pieces for a pattern. You can spray paint the metam base. If you decide to use a cloth cover look for vintage prints. They really are special, I love them.
Carol
on Feb 06, 2015
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Those are gorgeous! I wouldn't do anything to them until I got them appraised. It is clear that they are quite old and possibly valuable. There appears to be a tag on the underside-check it out and see what you can find out about the chairs before you change them/restore them.
Country Design Home
on Feb 07, 2015
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Thank you all for the great advice! I am going to make this a Spring project for sure. I would love to see these chairs restored to their former beauty, and even be able to use them again one day. :)
Angela A
on Feb 09, 2015
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