Give your old furniture some new skin!
Updated: Mar 2, 2022
Since the onset of the global pandemic, early signs of supply chain issues started to rear their ugly head. Lead times for custom furnishings that were once 10-12 weeks at the most, are now 18-24 weeks if you're lucky! And let's say that you happen to find a sofa online that meets your goals, after Googling size, color, style, price point...aaand it's available to ship right away?!!!! Well, you better jump right on it, because the early bird definitely catches the worm. Your neighbor may snatch it up before you!
I must say that I'm quite resourceful, especially when it comes to the world wide web. Google and I are on a first-name basis. But lately, another solution has become my greatest ally as I try to service my clientele through these unprecedented times. What is it, you ask? Tried and true reupholstering.
Most of us have either had reupholstering done or know someone who has. The key things to ponder are whether the furniture piece was a quality investment, sentimental, or heirloom. If your answer is yes to any of these scenarios, reupholstering could be a consideration.
Now, reupholstery work is not inexpensive. On average, the labor cost for a sofa can run $1200 and $550 for a chair plus the cost of fabric, which can vary anywhere from $30 yd to $100+ yd. But the transformation will be amazing, I promise! You can customize your favorite piece with one or more fabrics and trimmings. You can add pillows or bolsters!
And, all of this can happen within 2-3 weeks on average instead of the pandemic black hole of 24+ weeks!
I'd like to introduce you to my longtime upholstery craftsman, Lester Brathwaite.
Lester came to the US from the South American country of Guyana when he was in his mid-twenties. In his native country, he learned the trade of furniture frame building as well as cabinet making from his uncle.
He is a true craftsman with over 40 years of experience as an upholsterer. Lester’s notable career has included work for Presidents Nixon, H.W. Bush, Clinton, and V.P Quayle and could be seen in The White House, Blair House, and Camp David.
His meticulous attention to detail and ‘old school’ sensibilities are quite evident with the many satisfied customers he’s had through the years.
Check out Lester restoring an heirloom chair using old-school materials, burlap and hay!
Now take a peek at some of the amazing work he has done for my clients!
Did I do a good job in convincing you to reach out for a little chat? Fabulous!
Send me a note along with some pics of your shabby to chic in the making project and we'll find a gorgeous solution together!
Be safe and well!
Lorra
To see more of my work:
or email:
lrdesigns@lorrarivers.com