Classic Designs by Joseph S. Hlifka

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Antique Restoration


Antique restoration is one of my specialties. Working with a delicate 150-year-old Victorian settee requires specialized knowledge to properly repair a damaged frame, rebuild a double-stuffed horse-hair seat, and restore the furniture to its original state. I incorporate the same upholstering methods that were used when the furniture was first made.

I do not use screws, nails, or metal brackets to repair antiques. Frames are often completely disassembled, old glue is removed from the joints, and broken dowels are replaced. Damaged frame parts are glued, clamped, and reinforced with wood splines, new dowel-pins, and new glue-blocks fitted where appropriate.

The original seat springs, back springs, and padding are always reused unless it is requested that they be replaced with contemporary materials.

My restoration methods include the following: 

•
8-way hand-tying of coil seat and back springs  
   
•
Expert repair of broken and damaged frames (including dry-rot)
   
•
Hand-folded diamond tufting
   
•
Rebuilding of double-stuffed seats using the original horse, hog, and cattle hair, or natural vegetable fibers such as Spanish moss, tow, coconut fiber, and excelsior  
   
•
Construction of new double-stuffed seats using equivalent original padding materials consisting of a blend of horse, hog, and cattle hair, with a top layer of cotton batting  
   
•
Covering of restored seats, backs, and arms in a utility muslin before applying the upholstery fabric or leather 
   
•
Frames trimmed with decorative scroll gimp and solid brass nails or double-welt fabricated from matching or contrasting fabric

Below are a few examples of family heirlooms and period piece furniture I have restored for my customers.



Click on thumbsnails to enlarge image.
       Before
        After
Spanish Diner Before
Spanish Diner Before
Spanish Diner After
Spanish Diner After
Dining Chairs Before
Dining Chairs Before
Dining Chairs After
Dining Chairs After
1908 Task Chair Before
1908 Task Chair Before
1908 Task Chair After
1908 Task Chair After
Sofa-bed Before
Sofa-bed Before
Sofa-bed After
Sofa-bed After
Channel Chair Before
Channel Chair Before
Channel Chair After
Channel Chair After
Channel Sofa Before
Channel Sofa Before
Channel Sofa After
Channel Sofa After
Corner Chair Before
Corner Chair Before
Corner Chair After
Corner Chair After
French Chair Before
French Chair Before
French Chair After
French Chair After
Spanish Chair Before
Spanish Chair Before
Spanish Chairs After
Spanish Chairs After
Victorian Side Chair Before
Victorian Side Chair Before
Victorian Side Chair After
Victorian Side Chair After
Plain-Back Victorian Sofa Before
Plain-Back Victorian Sofa Before
Plain-Back Victorian Sofa After
Plain-Back Victorian Sofa After
Thrown Chair Before
Thrown Chair Before
Thrown Chair After
Thrown Chair After
Victorian Tufted Settee Before
Victorian Tufted Settee Before
Victorian Tufted Settee After
Victorian Tufted Settee After
High-Back Victorian Arm Chair Before
High-Back Victorian Arm Chair Before
Victorian High-Back Arm Chair After
Victorian High-Back Arm Chair After
Tufted-Back Victorian Sofa Before
Tufted-Back Victorian Sofa Before
Tufted-Back Victorian Sofa After
Tufted-Back Victorian Sofa After
Victorian Side Chairs Before
Victorian Side Chairs Before
Victorian Side Chairs After
Victorian Side Chairs After
Wing Chair Before
Wing Chair Before
Wing Chair After
Wing Chair After
Victorian High-Back Arm Chair Before
Victorian High-Back Arm Chair Before
Victorian High-Back Arm Chair After
Victorian High-Back Arm Chair After
Victorian Desk Chair Before
Victorian Desk Chair Before
Victorian Desk Chair After
Victorian Desk Chair After
Additional Antiques

Victorian Arm Chair with Needle Point Fabric
Victorian Arm Chair with Needle Point Fabric
Victorian Rocker with Needle Point Fabric
Victorian Rocker with Needle Point Fabric
Oak Rocker in Black Leather
Oak Rocker in Black Leather
Provincial Loveseat
Provincial Loveseat
Antique Morris Chair
Antique Morris Chair
French Loveseat
French Loveseat
Traditional Arm Chairs
Traditional Arm Chairs
High-back Rocker
High-back Rocker
Cockfighting Chairs
Cockfighting Chairs
French Arm Chair
French Arm Chair
French Occasional Chair and Stool
French Occasional Chair and Stool
Provincial Arm Chair
Provincial Arm Chair
Lincoln Rocker
Lincoln Rocker
Victorian Tufted Chaise Lounge
Victorian Tufted Chaise Lounge
 


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            Classic Designs in Albuquerque since 1981. Quality craftsmanship on furniture  
            reupholstering, antique restoration, cushions and pillows, custom-built furniture,
            decorative upholstery fabrics and upholstery leathers. 

                                 © Copyright 2011-2023  Joseph S. Hlifka.  All rights reserved.