ATDC reader EMessner would like advice on refurbishing a family heirloom:
"Dear ATDC,
This bench belonged to my great grandmother, and is pre WWII. I have taken it apart to reglue and restain (as it was completely coming apart). Does anyone have any suggestions for the upholstery? Underneath the hideous 60s pattern was a blue silk twill, but whether or not that was the original I don't know. I was contemplating red silk tufts or a William Morris print. Or maybe if someone out there could date it I could put a period seat on it. I was also thinking of adding brass casters. It sits in a neutral room so really, any color would work. Thanks!"
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I'm curious to know what the rest of your decor is like. Since the piece has such classic lines, it might be fun to reupholster it against type--with leather or a more contemporary print--to really bring the lines of the piece into relief.
view DesignBeete's profile
I would use a piece of an old kilim rug for the upholstery - but I wouldn't tuft it nor try to install casters.
view bepsf's profile
The kilim is an excellent idea. Definitely no casters. What do you need them for, anyway?
view bromelia's profile
Personally Id love to see it get all tufted and fluffy, and I would go for a wild paisley or something fun and sensory for the pattern. Imagine a fur or flokita top! I also don't understand the need for casters...And it looks neo-victorian to me.
view mskk's profile
How about a bright Ultrasuede? I would definitely use a solid fabric so as to not compete with the lines of the piece.
view pvett's profile
Hi, OP here.
The casters I was thinking of were brass cup casters, like the one here http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/how-to/how-to-refurbish-an-upholstered-side-chair-073887. It was this post (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/how-to/how-to-diamond-tufting-101-069275) that makes me really, really want to tuft the bench. I wanted casters so that I could easily move the bench, and also so that I could sit on it and propel myself around my apartment like a loon....seriously, I just like the flexibility.
My style is rather formal, so the rug idea isn't going to work. I did consider leather, but I can't find a store that sells remnants or half-hides.
My apartment doesn't really reflect my style, since it's a rental and I'm still graduate student poor. I have a huge beige modern couch, with is too comfortable to part with. My throw pillows are dark green crewel/colonial type, with yellow and dark red flowers. The curtains are yellow silk.
Thanks for your ideas!
view enmnm's profile
I have an almost identical bench that belonged to my grandmother and is between 75 and 80 years old. I reglued ad refinished the bench in a nice walnut stain and when I took the ugly pink fabric off, I found the original rich red and gold silk/satin jacquard covering. It was shredded in places, so it was unusable, but I managed to find a red/gold satiny jacquard fabric in Mood fabrics in NYC. It looks gorgeous. If it's a family heirloom, definitely try to restore it. You will be very pleased with the result.
view katcorr2003's profile
I think it looks Victorian, I am not sure William Morris would suit it -- but go with what you like. Just keep in mind, especially if your current digs are not long term, that you might want it to fit into a specific look later on, so imagine what that is likely to be with your interests and taset, and plan for it now.
If it were mine, I think I'd use bright turquoise ultrasuede or maybe silk Dupioni -- a twist on clasic, and a color I can always fit into my life. Your favorites will probably vary.
view SherryBinNH's profile