Hello AT,
We were lucky to inherit a pair of Knoll Brno chairs and 2 Saarinen tulip chairs. The fabric on the Brno chairs is in sad shape.
Can anyone suggest a place where we can get them redone in leather? Would any upholsterer recommended on this site specialize in that type of work for modern chairs? What about the Saarinen chairs? Is there any place that restores (or way to restore) the finish on plastic/fiberglass mid-century chairs ?
Thanks for any suggestions, Eric in Brooklyn
We suspect that upholsterers are prepared to deal with all kinds of upholstery - including modern furniture and leather.
We stand behind our recommended upholsterers and they should tell you themselves whether yes or no. For fun, we would also go to the source, Knoll, and ask them directly what or who they would recommend. Their number is (212) 343-4000. (Thanks, Eric!) MGR
I had great success with Prestige Furniture and Design in Queens (718)721-2200. They were recommended to me by one of the SoHo antique shops (can't remember which one - it was a couple of years ago). I had wanted him to do two chairs for me and I ended up buying a loveseat that had in the shop that a customer of his no longer wanted and that needed to be redone.(I haven't gotten my chairs done but will at some point.) Solomon will take on anything, but specializes in mid-century. He helped me pick fabric (a chocolate brown Maharam)and since the piece was on the smaller side, I was able to use a remnant that he had in the shop. Maybe others have had experience with him.
Here is a great place to buy your semi-aniline leather hides wholesale:
http://www.hightoweraccess.com/pricelist/elmo.html
Save the markup from the upholstery company!
Peace.... Annie
Yes- as Stacey mentioned above: Prestige Furniture and Design in Queens (718)721-2200. They definitely know what they're doing, and while they're at at, do long-lasting, quality work. Hard to find that type of business nowadays..
Highly recommended!
-Rebecca