— Upholstery & Restoration —
Lore Decorator Custom Interior
Expert Upholstery, Slipcovers, and Antique Restoration Bronx-Based Workshop
Lore Decorator Custom Interior provides professional upholstery, slipcover fabrication, and furniture restoration services from our Bronx workshop. With decades of combined experience, our craftspeople understand both structural reinforcements and the subtleties of textile selection. Whether restoring a family heirloom, reupholstering a sofa to modern standards, or creating tailored slipcovers for seasonal protection, our team combines traditional technique with contemporary materials for durable, beautiful results.
Why Upholstery & Restoration Matters
Upholstery is a blend of art and engineering. A well-executed upholstery job restores comfort, prolongs a piece’s life, and keeps sentimental furniture functional for future generations. Restoration preserves historical and aesthetic value, often increasing the piece’s market worth. Reupholstery and restoration are sustainable choices — they reduce waste and conserve the embodied energy of existing furniture.
Key Benefits
Extend the life of valuable or sentimental furniture.
Customize upholstery fabric for durability, pattern alignment, and family needs (pet-friendly, stain-resistant).
Preserve provenance and character while upgrading comfort and support.
Tailored slipcovers offer practical protection and seamless seasonal updates.
Our Upholstery & Restoration Services
01.
Assessment & Condition Report
We provide a thorough assessment of each piece to determine structural integrity, necessary repairs, and estimated costs. The report outlines recommended work, estimated timelines, and fabric options.
02.
Structural Repairs
Services include frame repair, joint stabilization, replacement of broken members, and reinforcement for long-term durability.
03.
Spring & Suspension Work
We address issues with springs, webbing, and suspension systems. Options range from re-tensioning to complete replacement with modern support systems that preserve original seating characteristics.
04.
Cushion Replacement & Refill
We measure and recommend cushion fillings (down, down-wrapped foam, high-resiliency foam) tailored to the desired comfort and appearance.
05.
Reupholstery
Full reupholstery includes fabric selection, cutting, pattern alignment, welt and trim finishing, and professional sewing. We maintain historical details for antiques and can adapt modern construction methods as needed.
06.
Slipcovers
Custom slipcovers are handcrafted for removable, washable protection with precise tailoring to the piece’s silhouette. Choose from elasticized, tailored, or loose-fit styles depending on the function.
07.
Antique Restoration & Refinishing
We provide finish restoration, veneer repair, inlay restoration, and careful cleaning. Treatments aim to stabilize and preserve rather than aggressively strip away patina. Conservation-grade methods are used when necessary.
08.
Decorative Options
Add tufting, welt cord, decorative nails, and piping for a refined finish. We also offer stain-resistant treatments and fabric protectors tailored to selected textiles.
Materials & Fabric Selection
We help clients weigh durability, maintenance, and cost to select the best fabric for use and climate.
Performance fabrics: solution-dyed acrylics, polyester blends, and innovations with stain-resistant finishes ideal for families and pets.
Natural fibers: linen, cotton, wool — selected for breathability and texture.
Leather and faux leather: durable surfaces for modern aesthetics.
Heritage textiles: woven patterns and velvets appropriate for traditional restoration.
Process & Timeline
01.
Consultation & Quote
On-site or workshop consultation to assess the piece and collect measurements. We provide an itemized quote with material and labor breakdown.
02.
Disassembly & Inventory
We catalog original components and take photographs to ensure accurate reassembly. Materials that can be preserved are documented.
03.
Production
Repair, padding replacement, and fabric cutting are completed in our workshop. Timelines vary with complexity: a single chair may take 2–4 weeks; a large sofa or multi-piece set may take 6–10 weeks.
04.
Reassembly & Finishing Touches
Final assembly, finishing details, and quality inspection ensure the piece meets expectations. We apply protective finishes as required.
05.
Delivery & Installation
We coordinate delivery and placement, ensuring the piece fits and is staged as desired.
Pricing Considerations
Upholstery pricing depends on frame complexity, fabric cost, level of structural repair, and decorative details. For antiques, restoration may include additional conservation processes requiring specialized labor. We provide a transparent estimate with a clear explanation of each cost component.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will reupholstering save money over buying new furniture?
Often yes, especially for high-quality frames or sentimental pieces. Reupholstering can be more cost-effective than buying comparable new pieces with the same construction quality.
Can you repair pet damage?
Yes. We replace chewed areas, reweb springs, and recommend pet-friendly fabrics and finishes. We also offer reinforced seams and protective treatments.
How do you preserve original character during restoration?
We document original construction, preserve original hardware and finishing details when possible, and match upholstery techniques consistent with the period. For valuable antiques, conservation-grade methods are used.
Do you provide fabric samples?
Yes. We’ll bring fabric books and full-width samples where necessary to ensure accurate pattern matching and color selection.
Tips for Choosing Fabric for High-Use Pieces
- Consider performance fabrics for durability and ease of cleaning.
- For patterned fabrics, account for repeat and nap direction when estimating yardage.
- Choose darker or patterned surfaces to hide wear in high-traffic areas.
Case Studies & Examples
- Mid-century Sofa Refresh: Structural reinforcement, new suspension, foam replacement, and a solution-dyed performance fabric upholstery resulted in a sofa that looks modern but retains original lines.
- Heirloom Wingback Chair: Structural repair, period-appropriate spring replacement, and traditional upholstery techniques preserved the chair’s original charm while restoring comfort.
- Custom Slipcovers for Seasonal Changes: Removable linen slipcovers provided summer lightness and machine-washable convenience, switching to velvet covers for winter warmth.
How long will my piece be in the shop?
Typical timeframes: chairs 2–4 weeks, sofas 6–10 weeks; time varies with repair scope and fabric lead times.
Is there a warranty on your work?
We stand behind our workmanship with a warranty on labor and installation specifics; fabric warranties depend on manufacturers.
Do you pick up and deliver?
Yes. We arrange secure pickup and delivery with insurance coverage for transit.
Can you replicate original fabric patterns?
We can source similar textiles, but exact historical fabrics may be limited. We recommend alternatives that respect the original style.
Contact & Next Steps
To request a furniture assessment, call (718) 801-5060 or visit loredecorators.shop to schedule a workshop visit. Bring photos and dimensions for a faster initial assessment.
