Why Re-Upholster? Get Exactly What You Want
How Melissa got exactly the chairs she wanted for her great-room makeover (even though she couldn't buy them.) And had fun in the process.
Melissa sent us pictures of a pair of wing chairs. She liked their larger scale - they were to flank the hearth in her great room. But the existing botanical crewel clashed with the more modern look she was bringing to the room.
Design Inspiration
Shopping for new chairs, she found a Massoud chair from Horchow featuring a shimmery zebra print that fit her vision. It was paired with a complementary velvet and a leather seat cushion. She sent us a photo.
She hesitated buying them, since the scale seemed a little small for the setting. As they retailed for $8,698 for two (on sale for $6,524), she felt her larger chairs could be custom re-upholstered with similar fabrics at those rates.
We agreed.
The Fabric Collaboration
Right away we all knew that the zebra print would determine the coordinating velvet and leather. After a dozen samples, the right balance of color, shine and availability came from Fabricut.
Then came coordinating samples of leather for the seats and of velvet and chenille for the insides. We visited to discuss her final selections and enjoyed creating combinations from all the samples.
The final array survived a day/night lighting test (and spousal approval).
Fabricut Tichinor-Ash
Kravet 34191-1
Casper Hill Upholstery Leather
The Chairs She Wanted
A few weeks later we drove back to Haddonfield with her re-upholstered wing chairs. Already unique, now they expressed her idea.
The scale and the style worked very well against the fireplace and in the spacious room.
This beautiful pair came through their door in a few weeks for $3,496, complete.
A few days later we got a note from her:
“We wanted to thank you and Jim very much for your expert work reupholstering our two living room chairs, they look marvelous. We couldn’t be happier with them and always appreciate your finishing touches, such as the pillows. They really help bring everything together. Thank you for your professionalism and communication. It is always a great experience working with you. ”
Office Chairs Re-Upholstered - The Softer Side
Re-upholstering office chairs with a residential style fabric gives a consultant's office a fresh, familiar atmosphere for long discussions.
Office Guest Chairs with A Soft Makeover
In certain business settings we've noticed people are opting for fabric more commonly seen in residences - warmer, softer and more subtle. The fabric used to reupholster these chairs is an example. Notice the low contrast of the silvery grey paisley pattern over the ivory background color. The effect is calming and familiar, yet fresh.
The office is one where discussions evolve into consensus and decisions are made. The consultant wanted an unhurried, crisp atmosphere for those deliberations. We think his fabric selection met those criteria.
Office Guest Chairs Re-Upholstered in Neutral Tone Fabric
Re-upholstered and delivered to a consultant's office in Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
By James Conklin
Office Chairs Re-Upholstered with Some Flash
Executive seating taken from boring to bright! A computer screen example steers the re-upholstery project.
Guest Arm Chairs - Before
The owner of an insurance adjusters office was looking for an upgrade to her executive seating. But couldn't find something she liked enough to buy. She gave us a call about re-covering her existing chairs.
You have to admit that the typical oxblood was ... uninspiring.
She had seen an example of what she wanted and sent us a photo of it on her computer screen. The pearlescent sheen on the soft vinyl was a must. As were the crystal buttons. Especially the crystal buttons.
Upholstery Style Example
We sent her some vinyl samples with the pearl finish and she picked one almost immediately. Locating the crystal buttons was more challenging. Many sizes and colors were available, but not for upholstery use. The bases and the loops needed to be robust enough to be pulled strongly down into the deep tufts in her chair. We ended up using regular upholstery button bases and gluing the crystal buttons over them. Strength and beauty!
Executive Seating After Re-Upholstery
So the shimmer and the flash and a fresh look that gave her space the lift she was looking for.
Guest Arm Chairs - After
By James Conklin
Jim Conklin and friend
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We have another series of short posts showing completed upholstery and window treatment projects. Photos, details and prices:
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