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?
And of course, after the purchase, I started to doubt myself. Did I really need another sofa? Where would I put it? Was it really my style? Do I have a style?
Actually, I was hoping I could sell it during one of our barn events, but no one seemed interested. Was it too different? Am I the only one to see its potential?
Years passed and I was lamenting about what to do with this sofa to my very talented and visionary friend, Kim. She suggested a houndstooth plaid as the fabric. Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?
Now the next challenge was to select the perfect houndstooth fabric and then to find an upholsterer who would tackle such a project. I found the fabric at Boca Bargoons and my friend, Kim claimed she had a very talented upholsterer. What would we do without our trusted friends’ resources?
Fortunately the upholsterer was able to pick up the sofa. However, I didn’t realize it would take months to complete. Literally months-so many that I had nearly forgotten about it. This was the upholsterer’s very last project before he retired.
The upholsterer suggested 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 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 cushion detail is that it works for those with short or long legs.
I also love the double welt that is along the gilded frame. This beautifully upholstered antique sofa now sits in our master bedroom.
As you can see it is a great place for my teenage daughter to flog! To see more photos of my master bedroom, click here.
Have you changed the look of an antique piece? It is so delightful to reclaim an old piece and transform it into something useable. If only the sofa could talk….
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