What does an upholstery project include?

An upholstery project comprises a vintage or antique seating frame sold explicitly without its final decorative textile covering. These pieces retain their structural core and sometimes older calico or hessian layers. Buyers receive a bare or partially stripped carcase that requires complete stripping, webbing, padding, and top-covering by a professional or skilled hobbyist.

How do I choose the right frame?

Selecting a frame depends on evaluating the exposed woodwork, the overall proportion, and the stability of the joints. Look for hardwood structures, such as mahogany or walnut, that show no structural wobble or severe woodworm. Consider the intended room and seating posture, choosing between deep country house armchairs, compact slipper chairs, or expansive salon settees.

How are these frames dated?

Dating relies upon the timber species, turning styles of the legs, castors, and characteristic silhouettes associated with specific eras like the Edwardian period or Victorian reign. Stylistic markers such as inlay work or camel back profiles provide clear chronological clues. Construction methods, including hand-cut joints and early fastening types, further verify whether a piece originates from the eighteenth, nineteenth, or early twentieth century.