Armchair Restoration Project

Overview

This project involved the complete dismantling, frame repair, and reupholstery of a traditional armchair. The chair had extensive wear to both the fabric and the internal frame, requiring structural repairs before it could be reupholstered in a modern fabric finish.

Initial Condition

The chair arrived with:

• Worn and faded patterned upholstery.

• Loose and damaged arm frame on right side

• Structural weakness in the timber frame, with split joints and broken dowels.

• Collapsed padding and tired support webbing.

(Images 1–2: The original chair showing fabric wear and arm looseness)

Dismantling

The upholstery and padding were carefully removed to expose the frame. This revealed:

• Split arm sections.

• Broken dowel joints.

• Evidence of previous repairs with old nails and staples.

(Images 3–4: Arm dismantled, broken frame components, spring and hessian layers removed)

Frame Repairs

Significant restoration work was required to bring the frame back to a sound condition:

• Broken dowel joints were drilled out and replaced.

• Damaged timber was rebuilt with new hardwood inserts, shaped to match the original curves.

• Joints were re-glued and clamped to restore alignment.

• Reinforcements were added where necessary to strengthen the structure.

(Images 5–7: Repair and reconstruction of frame sections, clamps used during gluing and curing)

Reupholstery

Once the frame repairs were complete, the chair was rebuilt:

• New webbing and hessian base were installed.

• Springs were retied and stitched for firm support.

• Fresh layers of fillings were applied to restore and increase comfort and add shape.

• The chair was upholstered in a modern teal fabric, giving it a refreshed and contemporary look while maintaining its classic form.

(Images 8–12: Restoration complete with fully re-upholstered chair)

Finished Result

The completed chair now combines a solid, repaired frame with high-quality reupholstery. The transformation has restored both its functionality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring many more years of use.