How to fix a sagging seat?

Most sagging happens when the jute webbing beneath the springs snaps or stretches. An upholsterer needs to strip the bottom dust cover and re-web the frame from below. Sometimes the string tying the springs together has failed. If the springs have collapsed sideways, the entire seat structure usually needs to be rebuilt.

I just inherited a large button-backed piece from my grandmother and the fabric is in tatters but the wood is nice, can I just recover it?

You can, but replacing only the top fabric is rarely enough for a piece this old. The underlying horsehair, hessian and cotton wadding will likely have compacted over time and lost their shape. A proper job involves stripping it back to the bare carcase. This gives a chance to check the structural joints and re-tie the springs before building up new padding and applying fresh fabric.

What exactly is a chesterfield?

A chesterfield is a specific style of deep-buttoned sofa with arms and back of the same height. The seat cushion is sometimes buttoned too. They often have a heavy, rolled top edge.

The wood frame on mine is very dark and shiny but someone told me it was walnut and I thought walnut was lighter brown, is this normal?

Victorian cabinetmakers often stained lighter woods to mimic dark mahogany or rich rosewood, which were fashionable at the time. A dark shellac finish was also applied over walnut to give it a uniform, glossy appearance. Over many decades, old varnish darkens further as it oxidises and absorbs dirt from coal fires and gas lighting. Stripping this old finish destroys the surface history, so most restorers prefer to simply clean and rewax the existing patina.

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Victorian Sofas

1900 - 1920

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Victorian Sofas Dated 1900 - 1920

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Deeply upholstered, multi-seat parlour pieces with exposed timber framing, built during the nineteenth century to accommodate expanding households and formal drawing room entertaining.

Antique Howard & Sons Portarlington Large Sofa Original Ticking Upholstery

1900 - 1920

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Antique Howard & Sons Portarlington Large Sofa Original Ticking Upholstery

From Royal House Antiques

£25,000

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

sofas

Sofa Victorian Style Mahogany Re Upholstered Burgundy Deep Pile Brocade & Sprung Settee Base

1900 - 1920

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Sofa Victorian Style Mahogany Re Upholstered Burgundy Deep Pile Brocade & Sprung Settee Base

From Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art

£1,275

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

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Large Victorian Three Seater Settee by William Birch

1900 - 1920

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Large Victorian Three Seater Settee by William Birch

From Harrison Antique Furniture

£2,750

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

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Victorian Sofas Dated 1900 - 1920

Antique Howard & Sons Portarlington Large Sofa Original Ticking Upholstery

Sofa Victorian Style Mahogany Re Upholstered Burgundy Deep Pile Brocade & Sprung Settee Base

Large Victorian Three Seater Settee by William Birch

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