REUPHOLSTERING YOUR PRECIOUS HEIRLOOMS

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By Gabriele Campbell, A.S.P., C.I.D.                             www.campbellinteriordecorating.ca

Nothing says recycle like reupholstered furniture. It’s the best way to revive a favourite piece and keep it out of the landfill. Bare in mind that reupholstering is not inexpensive – it can cost as much or more than a new piece of furniture – but the benefits are in reusing existing furniture and reducing waste.

But if you ask Daryl Balaberda of Elegant Interiors (780-464-3066) in Sherwood Park what the benefits are, he’ll tell you it’s the joy his clients experience when an heirloom has been restored to its original beauty.

“I get calls, letters and emails from people telling me how happy they are about the finished product. Usually, that piece of furniture holds a precious memory so restoring it keeps that memory alive.”

Daryl began his career 25 years ago reupholstering furniture, automobiles and boats, but now specializes in antique furniture upholstery and restoration.

His first tip: make sure all the pieces are there in order to ensure full restoration. “The more parts that need to be replaced, duplicated or retro fitted (like legs, webbing, springs, arms, etc) the more difficult the project and the more expensive the restoration will be.”

When selecting a piece of furniture for reupholstering, Daryl says to make sure it has a place in the home then choose the upholstery to go on it. “After going to the expense of recovering, it’s important that the furniture piece hold a place of honour. Otherwise, it will just be tucked in a corner and forgotten.”

Picking the proper fabric is a skill he’s acquired through the years. “Some fabrics simply will not work on certain styles of furniture. For instance, if the chair has curves, make sure the fabric you select looks good going around curves. Large prints can hide what small prints can magnify.”

Daryl received his training from a meticulous German craftsman who was passionate about the details, and step one means that every piece is brought down to the skeleton. “It’s important to make sure it’s all strong and intact so the end product looks good and can be passed on to yet another generation.”

What’s the project he can’t wait to see come in the door? “I like working on entire suites of furniture, or chairs with a funky style to the arm or back. I’ve got a real passion for unique upholstery lines with an antique edge.” Daryl’s satisfaction comes from taking a piece of furniture that’s tired and worn, and making it into something fresh and new that can be enjoyed again and again.

Daryl’s Top Five Tips for Reupholstering:

1. Make sure it’s a piece of furniture that’s important to the family and that it fits in the home
2. Choose timeless fabrics, especially if you plan to hand it down again
3. Make sure all the parts are there – legs, arms, ornaments, etc
4. Take allergies into account – horse hair and straw fill should be treated, or opt for foam which is non-allergenic
5. Get a quote to thoroughly understand the scope of what’s required to fully restore the piece

All contents of this article are copyright by By Gabriele Campbell, A.S.P., C.I.D.      Producing any part of this article without written consent is prohibited.             Copyright 2005

Comments, concerns or feedback can be directed to www.campbellinteriordecorating.ca.