We got an email from Patrick: We have a fantastic 50's original vintage Knoll daybed-ish sofa (the back is firmly in place but the seat part of it actually slides up and then out about 6 inches to turn it into a kinda sleeper) that needs new fabric and also needs to re-cushioned. I found one example of the sofa online that sold in auction for quite a lot so we're looking at it kinda like an investment we can enjoy.
Good Questions: Mid C Upholstery & Restoration?
We are planning on buying the fabric from Knoll (that's easy) but want someone who can restore it as close to original as possible, or I guess someone who has dealt with true mid-century pieces? So any one out there have a recommendation for us?
Patrick, good luck with the project! This might be a good place to start: At the Converso Modern warehouse sale, we picked up a card for Comfort Upholstery (773.523-6666), run by David Arevalo. His card features mid-c classics and the site states "Comfort Upholstery offers a unique approach to classic mid century modern furniture design. Contact us about our renovation and custom work.".
Please send us before and afters!
Anyone else have an upholstery source or suggestion to share?
Comments (6)
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Thanks for any recommendations in advance. We have used Burchell Upholstery over near Damen & Fulton for a few pieces and they have turned out great but this is a more intense project and we really want to make sure we do our homework first.
view Patrickinchicago's profile
Royal Upholstery in Racine, WI is worth a trip. They have outdone themselves on several mid-century pieces for us, including complete re-webbing and cushion rebuilding. They have also worked for a few friends of mine, who have been pleased, too. They did an antique Victorian camel-back sofa with tufting for my best friend and it is amazing!!!!
Larry is the guy to talk to.
view avimom's profile
I have a similar piece that was reupholstered in original Knoll fabric, but I bought it--after the work was done--at Broadway Antique Mart. It had been in the window for maybe 2 hours when we snagged it. You probably thought of this, but I'd ask at BAM who their upholsterers are.
view Saha 's profile
Call the Knoll showroom in Chicago, and ask them who their vintage restoration specialist is. We inherited some original Saarinen Tulip Chairs that need new cushions and were referred by Knoll to someone on the south side (sorry, I can't find the contact info right now). I think they also have a wide selection of fabrics at a good price. The quote they gave us was very reasonable.
view colellis's profile
I'll second Royal Upholstery in Racine. They know mid-century modern. My mother has some original Danish Modern chairs that had their cushions recovered locally. Years later, when it was time to recover them again, we came across Royal Upholstery (Hans Hansen Furniture recommended them), and their new cushions made the chairs look so much better! Like the originals, really.
I've had several pieces reupholstered and repaired by them, including a swivel rocker. They do a lot of work for people between Racine and Chicago, so Larry heads down to Illinois at least once a week for pick-ups and deliveries.
view Moryse Heron's profile
Thanks everyone for the help. We have found out that what we have is a Florence Knoll designed sofa/daybad made in the 50's. Knoll says it is very rare and only available in the occasional auction!
view Patrickinchicago's profile