Reviving an old piece of furniture is the ultimate nod to green living. I have preached its virtues before but they bear repeating as I begin a project that is asking me to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Got Bones?
The shape and scale of a piece of furniture are king as there is very little you can do to change its bones if you are considering reviving a piece. Get out your measuring tape – check width and height and length. Suss out the shape of it and the proportions are good, consider giving it a second life.
Comfort Comes First
Sounds like a no brainer but a piece that doesn’t sit well, won’t sit well when recovered. You can play with the fill in the seat and back cushions but the proportions need to be right to begin with.
Details, Details
Select an upholstery weight fabric for the longest possible life and durability. Linens and other natural fibres are lovely but not practical. Check the Double Rub Count/Abrasion Data and if you are in the 25000 to 50000 range, you are good to go. Consider technical or manmade fabrics – they are durable and hard-wearing and as long as they feel good, you are getting the best bang for your dollar.
And you can totally change the look of a piece by playing with the details. Taking away welts (piping) and replacing them with a knife edge or even a top stitch will instantly modernize the piece. Adding a skirt to be a piece with an exposed leg will make it more traditional. Lots of bits to play with.
Not All Upholsterers Are Created Equal
I have been around the block with upholsters and I keep going back to Silva. Its bread and butter is new furniture but they will reupholster and you can COM which means you can provide your own fabric. They do an excellent job – consistently – and adhere to all of my quirky asks around pattern matching and seams. They are competitively priced and Carolyn Bingham is a delight to work with. Love ‘em up.
Furniture Bank
If the bones aren’t doing it for you but the piece is still in good condition, consider the Furniture Bank. For a fee, depending on how many pieces you are donating, two lovely men will arrive at your house within their three hour window and with about 45 minutes notice and take the pieces away. You will then receive a tax receipt that will likely be more than you would get on Kijiji for anything you are trying to sell. Plus you don’t have to deal with dickheads poking around trying to get a $50 chair that you paid $700 for for $15. It happens. Trust me. Not to mention the feel good tingles that come from helping a family in need. Good all around.