Upholstering an Antique Sofa
During my first trip to the Brimfield Antique Show, I purchased this unusual sofa. That curlicue frame and what appear to be old French grain sacks as the lining, did the trick. I have never seen a sofa like it and arranged for it to be shipped back to Phoenix. What would it take to upholster this antique sofa?
Also known as the Brimfield Flea Markets this is the oldest outdoor flea market which runs three times per year (May, July and September) in Brimfield, Massachusetts. This market is HUGE and worth visiting.
And of course, after the purchase, I start to doubt myself. Did I really need another sofa? Where would I put it? Was it really my style? Do I even have a style?
Actually, I was hoping I could sell it during one of our antique/vintage items barn events, but no one seemed interested. Was it too different? Am I the only one to see its potential?
Years pass and I was lamenting about what to do with this sofa to my very talented and visionary friend, Kim. She suggests a houndstooth plaid as the new fabric on the sofa. Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?
Now the next challenge is to select the color of the houndstooth fabric and then to find an upholsterer who would tackle such a project. I find the fabric at Boca Bargoons and my friend, Kim shares the name of her very talented upholsterer. What would we do without our trusted friends’ resources?
Fortunately the upholsterer is able to pick up the sofa, however, I didn’t realize it would take months to complete. Literally months-so many months that I had nearly forgotten about it. Since this is the upholsterer’s very last project before he retires, I really can’t complain.
The upholsterer suggests making seating cushions that would replicate the curve of the frame. Just by adding these 3 cushions, the sofa is not only comfortable, but attractively highlights the shape and style of the gilded frame.
Look at his attention to detail. The houndstooth pattern lines up perfectly from cushion to cushion. This is truly a work of art. The other benefit of the curved cushion detail is that it accommodates those with short or long legs.
I also love the double welt that is along the gilded frame. There is something about adding new fabric to an old piece of furniture that gives it new life. Now this beautifully upholstered antique sofa sits in our master bedroom.
As you can see it is a great place for my youngest daughter to flop! To see more photos of our master bedroom, click here.
We are currently looking to re-build our family room sofa vs. buying a new one. Our 96″ Mitchell Gold couch has seen better days, but it has a North American hardwood frame which is worth preserving. Since we are working with a new upholsterer, I am hoping they are as good as the man who made this antique sofa into something I love.
It is so delightful to reclaim an old piece and transform it into something useable. This is the best form of recycling!
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Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday #607
Inspire Me Monday #291 Life on Oak Hill
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This is an amazing transformation! I wouldn’t have thought of the houndstooth, but it just reads as a neutral. Love the coordinating floral pillow. It’s perfect!
Debra, thank you!!
What a boon to get that upholsterer!!! Art!!! franki
Franki, agree. Great upholsterers are hard to find.
Oh wow! What a great find and it looks amazing now. Great fabric choice.
Rachel, thank you. I love the fabric gives it an updated look against the old frame.
So beautiful! I love everything about it. Hugs to you, my friend.
Oh that’s so beautiful Mary! You had a wonderful vision, and perfect execution – what a talented upholsterer. It looks so comfy too! 🙂
What a beautiful transformation! I loved having the link to see your beautiful bedroom oasis. I was intrigued about the quote door but that link did not work. Is there a way to learn more about it? Thank you.
Rita, I fixed the link. Thank you for letting me know!
Thank you! I really enjoyed seeing that quote door. So interesting and meaningful.
Love the material! And of course the frame is a one of a kind! So glad for you, it is perfect!
How do you know when you found a piece worth saving? I have some furniture with potential , but don’t know how to go about having them redone.
That’s a good question. Being so optimistic, I think anything can be fixed. However, if something has really bad springs I tend to stay away from it. This particular sofa was rejected by the first upholsterer. They said they could do it and then changed their mind. At one point I thought I was never going to get it upholstered, but I found the right person to do it. I am so happy with the end result. I would suggest looking over the piece carefully and make sure the “bones” are good. Often, just repainting or refinishing will do the job. Experimenting with fabric samples is a good way to see how something will look before you go to the expense of re-upholstering. Good luck! I’m sure you will know a good piece when you see it. Trust your gut!
That sofa is fantastic. Love your daughter’s picture!
Oh my! I just love this sofa and your friend was spot on with the hounds-tooth fabric, it looks so great. There is absolutely nothing like refurbishing old/antique furniture and re-purposes it. My husband and I recently had an old sofa that had a hideous and faded psychedelic fabric on it. I fell in love with the frame of the sofa and how long it was. Now it sits in our Family Room shrouded in white leather!
Thanks a bunch for sharing this transformation and I am looking forward to seeing more of the Master Bedroom of Bella Terra!
Love this Mary!