Keep that Vintage Furniture. It Can Have a Second Life!

1960's Reupholstered Vintage Chairs Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

1960’s Reupholstered Vintage Chairs

It’s no secret that I love old things. Vintage and antique items are absolutely my jam. They have a soul. They have stories – most of which we’ll never know about. (But MAN is it exciting when you do get an item whose story you do know!)

150-year-old 8-way hand tied springs and kiln dried wood frame Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

150-year-old 8-way hand tied springs and kiln dried wood frame

Furniture was made SO WELL in the past – there was none of this “fast fashion,” cardboard and plywood crap that we have now. Wood furniture was – shockingly – made out of ACTUAL WOOD! And upholstered pieces had real springs and actual hardwood frames.

That's my dad's toy bank from the '50's and my husband's grandfather's marble collection Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

That’s my dad’s toy bank from the ’50’s and my husband’s grandfather’s marble collection.

Yes, the outside appearance of a lot of these pieces does deteriorate over the decades, but the BONES remain really great!

Beautiful bones - just need some new upholstery! Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

Beautiful bones – just need some new upholstery!

This is why I’m such a huge advocate of refinishing and reupholstering old stuff. They literally do not make things the way they used to – at least, not at the same price point. And new stuff isn’t exactly inheritable or purchasable at a garage sale or flea market.

solid wood, dovetailed dresser with carved wood detail Lindsey Putzier Design Studio Hudson OH

 Go ahead and try getting a solid wood, dovetailed dresser with carved wood detail like the one above for $400.
Yep, that’s how much it cost to purchase the dresser, have it refinished, and put on new hardware.

Don’t get me wrong – there are many situations in which I DO purchase new items – including for my own home – but if you have existing pieces that just need some love, I’d much take the time to revitalize those pieces than to start from scratch.

bone inlay nightstand Lindsey Putzier Design Studio Hudson, Ohio

That bone inlay nightstand is not old. But I love it. And I’ll pass it down to my son, if he wants it.

A classic roll arm sofa hasn’t really changed much in the past 60 years. Rolled arms, cushions on the back and seat, and a skirted bottom.

roll arm sofa frame and cushions are in great shape, but the upholstery has seen better decades Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

This is a roll arm sofa. Look familiar?
The frame and cushions are in great shape, but the upholstery has seen better decades.

Classic sofas look beautiful in basically an traditional or transitional home.

This is the same sofa, reupholstered for a brand new look! Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

This is the same sofa, reupholstered for a brand new look!

Likewise, track arm sofas have been popular since the 1950’s and still look great in transitional and contemporary décor. If the fabric is worn out, that’s easily changed.

track arm sofas Lindsey Putzier Design Studio Hudson Ohio

Here are some track arm pieces for your reference.
(These are new, but you get the idea.)

Those dining chairs you inherited from your grandma do not need to stay looking stuck in the past!

Gorgeous carved wood frame. Questionable upholstery Inherited dining chairs from grandma Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

Gorgeous carved wood frame. Questionable upholstery.

At a very minimum, you can have the fabric changed.

Same chair, new fabric! Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

Same chair, new fabric!

And what a difference a new fabric can make to a classic chair! You can even go further and change the color of the frame itself. If the wood look isn’t your thing, you can have the frame painted a fun color.

If you have a dresser or chest that’s scratched to death, faded from the sun, or has water damage, don’t throw it out!

Not super cute dresser scratched to death, faded from the sun, or has water damage Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

Not super cute

You can have it refinished for a FRACTION of the price of purchasing new.

same cabinet as above with New paint and new hardware Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

 SO cute. Yep, that’s the same cabinet. New paint and new hardware make a huge difference!

Yes, there are legit antiques whose value will plummet if you refinish them. Most families do not have these kinds of items laying around, but if you think you might, PLEASE contact an appraisal company first before changing the finish.

This desk is valuable. We do not paint valuable pieces Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

This desk is valuable. We do not paint valuable pieces

If your antique is valuable but in bad condition, you can still have the piece refurbished – you just have to be careful to find a legitimate refurbishing company that will restore the piece without ruining its value.

But for most of us, we have solid wood furniture from the 1970’s or ’80’s that’s probably not worth a ton of money. Or we have even older pieces that are just so far trashed that their value isn’t there anyhow. In those cases, refinish and/or paint to your heart’s content!

So please, the next time you inherit Great Aunt Mildred’s dining set, think twice before chucking it out the door.

New cushion fabric brought life into this classic dining set Lindsey Putzier Design Studio

New cushion fabric brought life into this classic dining set

Can’t imagine the possibilities yourself? I sure can. Get in touch with me and we can explore the possibilities!

1 Comment
  • Stanley Thomas
    | 6 March 2021

    Thanks for your such useful tips my bed has so much carving I tried it just now and it is awsome……. now it look like a new bed.

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