— Furniture Refinishing & Restoration —
Lore Decorator Custom Interior
Professional Refinishing, Repair, and Conservation for Furniture of Every Era
Furniture carries stories and history; restoring it preserves value, memory, and craftsmanship. Lore Decorator Custom Interior provides expert furniture refinishing and restoration services focused on structural stability, finish restoration, and sympathetic conservation. Our work ranges from surface refinishing to structural repairs and full conservation treatments for heirloom and vintage pieces.
Why Furniture Refinishing & Restoration Matters
Refinishing and restoration breathe new life into existing furniture, often at a lower environmental and financial cost than replacement. It preserves craftsmanship, recovers function, and can significantly enhance a piece’s market or sentimental value. Professional restoration prevents further damage and addresses issues correctly rather than applying temporary fixes.
Key Benefits
Our Refinishing & Restoration Services
01.
Our Refinishing & Restoration Services
Every restoration begins with a full condition report documenting structural issues, historical features, finish conditions, and proposed treatments. We photograph and catalog components to ensure accurate restoration.
02.
Structural Repair & Stabilization
We repair loose joints, replace damaged rails, and reinforce frames using techniques appropriate to the piece’s construction era. Structural stabilization is prioritized to secure the piece for future use.
03.
Veneer & Inlay Repair
We address cracked, missing, or lifting veneers with careful reattachment, patching, or replacement using matched veneers. Inlay repair involves recreating missing elements and integrating them with the original surface.
04.
Finish Restoration & Refinishing
We employ finish methods from gentle cleaning and conservation to full stripping and refinishing. Options include shellac, lacquer, varnish, oil, and wax finishes compatible with the piece’s original method and appearance.
05.
Surface Repair & Touch-Up
We execute scratch repair, fill dents, and apply color-matched touch-ups that visually blend with the surrounding finish while retaining original patina where appropriate.
06.
Replacement Hardware & Insertion
Missing or damaged hardware is replaced with period-appropriate reproductions or custom-fabricated pieces. For valuable pieces, original hardware may be repaired and reconditioned.
07.
Protective Treatments
We apply finishes and sealants designed for durability and to protect surfaces from humidity, wear, and UV exposure. For antiques, reversible conservation methods are used when necessary.
Materials & Techniques
Historically accurate methods: Shellac French polishing, traditional glues, and hide glue joint repairs when appropriate.
Modern consolidants and adhesives used where stability and longevity require them.
Color matching and aging techniques to blend repairs seamlessly.
Conservation vs. Refinishing Our Philosophy
We evaluate whether a conservation approach (stabilizing and preserving original surfaces) or a full refinish is appropriate. For highly valuable antiques, conservation is often preferred to maintain authenticity. For pieces that will remain in daily use, a respectful refinish that preserves character while improving function can be more practical.
Process & Timeline
1. Intake & Estimate: Detailed scope and proposed methods with cost estimates.
2. Workshop Restoration: Depending on the scope, timelines range from weeks for surface touch-ups to months for complex restorations that include inlay and veneer work.
3. Client Review & Approval: We review progress with photographs and staged reviews for complex projects.
4. Final Finishing & Delivery: Final finishing, waxing, and polishing followed by delivery and setup.
Pricing Considerations
Pricing depends on:
- Extent of structural repairs.
- Complexity of veneer or inlay work.
- Type of finish chosen and number of finishing stages.
- Rarity and sourcing costs of replacement hardware or materials.
We provide itemized estimates to clarify material and labor components.
Case Examples
- Antique Dresser Restoration: Structural reinforcement, veneer repair, and shellac finish restoration returned an inherited dresser to functional and aesthetic use.
- Mid-century Modern Table: Surface stripping, re-sanding, and oil finish preserved the table’s original lines while protecting it for future use.
- Inlay Repair for a Victorian Sideboard: Intricate inlay replacement and color matching restored the sideboard’s center medallion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you decide between restoration and refinishing?
We evaluate the piece’s value, condition, intended use, and client goals. For historical pieces of high value, conservation is prioritized. For everyday furniture, restoration may include more modern stabilization techniques.
Will refinishing change the original look?
Refinishing can update the look while honoring original lines. Our goal is to respect the piece’s character; we discuss finish options with clients and provide samples and mock-ups.
Can you repair water and heat damage?
Yes. We employ techniques to stabilize stains, lift water rings, and repair heat marks where possible. Severe damage may require fill and color-matching treatment.
Is restoration expensive?
Costs vary. Often restoration is more economical than replacement for high-quality pieces. We provide transparent quotes and phased approaches when needed.
How do you care for restored furniture?
We provide finish-specific care instructions, avoid harsh chemicals, and recommend humidity control to maintain wood stability.
Contact & Next Steps
To request a restoration assessment, call (718) 801-5060 or book an appointment via loredecorators.shop. Provide photos and dimensions for an efficient preliminary estimate.
