How do you clean the upholstery?

Vacuum the fabric gently using a brush attachment. Dust works its way into the weave and breaks down the fibres over time. Surface dirt often lifts with a dry sponge. Leave wet cleaning to a specialist, as old dyes run easily.

I found one in my grandmother's attic and the fabric is falling apart but the wood seems okay, should I just recover it myself or leave it alone?

Stripping off the old cover works fine if the top layer is ruined. Keep any original stuffing intact if it holds its shape. Tacking on new fabric takes some practice. You need to pull the tension evenly so the frame avoids twisting. Call an upholsterer if the webbing sags. They know how to rebuild the foundation properly.

Can I change the leg height?

Leave the legs alone. Cutting them down ruins the proportions. Adding modern castors rarely works. Extra hardware splits old timber.

The legs on the one I bought at a car boot sale are a bit wobbly when you put weight on it, what is the best way to tighten them up without ruining the wood?

Loose joints need taking apart and cleaning. Forcing new glue into a wobbly gap rarely holds for long. Look for wooden pegs or old nails holding the tenon in place. These must come out before the leg will tap free. Animal hide glue works best for the repair. It grips bare wood well and allows future dismantling if needed.

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Victorian Foot Stools

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Low, often upholstered wooden frames resting on four short legs, antique foot stools were built to keep feet off cold floors or provide comfort while sitting in a larger chair.