5 Ways Outdoor Seating Enhances the Dining Experience

Posted on 16/01/202509/01/2025 by Helen

5 Ways Outdoor Seating Enhances the Dining Experience

Outdoor dining has become a defining feature of modern restaurant culture, offering customers a unique and memorable way to enjoy their meals. Whether it’s a cosy patio adorned with fairy lights, a spacious terrace with cityscape views, or a lush garden brimming with greenery, outdoor seating transforms dining into an experience that goes beyond just food. Here are five key ways outdoor restaurant seating enhances the dining experience and why it’s a win-win for both customers and restaurant owners.

1. A Connection with Nature

There’s something undeniably soothing about dining in an open-air setting surrounded by nature. Outdoor seating allows patrons to enjoy their meal while basking in sunlight, breathing fresh air, or taking in the gentle sounds of birds and rustling leaves. Research has shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and improve mood, making outdoor dining a perfect escape from the hustle of everyday life.

For restaurants, incorporating elements of nature—such as planters, trees, and water features—can elevate the aesthetic appeal of the space and enhance the guest experience. Diners are more likely to linger, relax, and savour their meal when surrounded by a tranquil environment. Offering seasonal menus or fresh farm-to-table dishes can further align the dining experience with the natural ambiance, creating a cohesive and memorable experience for customers.

2. Improved Social Atmosphere

Outdoor dining often encourages a more relaxed and social atmosphere compared to traditional indoor settings. The open space and fresh air create a casual and welcoming environment, making it perfect for group gatherings, celebrations, and casual meet-ups. Families, friends, and couples alike enjoy the opportunity to bond in a setting that feels more intimate yet open.

Restaurants can enhance this social dynamic by designing their outdoor spaces with communal seating options, fire pits, or live music areas. Even smaller patios can foster a sense of community by incorporating creative layouts and inviting décor. For example, string lights, comfortable seating, and warm colour schemes can create a cozy ambiance that encourages conversation and connection.

Moreover, outdoor seating naturally promotes inclusivity. Pet-friendly patios, for instance, are becoming increasingly popular as diners want to include their furry friends in the experience. This trend not only fosters goodwill among pet owners but also makes the restaurant a go-to destination for people seeking an accommodating and fun dining experience.

3. A Sensory Experience Like No Other

Eating outdoors engages all the senses in ways that indoor dining cannot. The interplay of natural lighting, fresh air, and ambient sounds creates a sensory experience that adds depth to the enjoyment of food. Customers often report that meals taste better outdoors—a phenomenon attributed to heightened sensory stimulation.

Restaurants can amplify this effect by carefully curating the sensory aspects of their outdoor spaces. For example, fragrant herbs like basil, lavender, or rosemary planted around seating areas not only contribute to the visual appeal but also add pleasant aromas to the air. The gentle crackle of an outdoor fireplace or the tinkling of a water fountain can provide a soothing auditory backdrop.

Additionally, lighting plays a crucial role in creating the perfect atmosphere. While natural sunlight is ideal for daytime diners, soft lighting such as lanterns, candles, or string lights can transform the space into a magical setting for evening meals. By paying attention to these sensory details, restaurants can ensure their outdoor seating leaves a lasting impression on guests.

4. Versatility and Seasonal Appeal

Outdoor seating offers restaurants the versatility to adapt to seasonal changes and cater to different types of diners. In spring and summer, patios and terraces are the perfect spots for enjoying warm weather and lively alfresco dining experiences. During fall and winter, with the right equipment and design, outdoor seating can still be a desirable option. Heat lamps, fire pits, and cosy blankets allow restaurants to keep their patios open year-round, ensuring that guests can enjoy the space in any season.

Seasonal appeal can also be enhanced with decorations and menu pairings. For example:

Spring: Fresh flowers, pastel-coloured table settings, and a menu highlighting fresh produce.
Summer: Shade structures like umbrellas or pergolas, light cocktails, and grilled dishes.
Autumn: Autumnal décor like pumpkins and leaves, paired with warm soups and spiced drinks.
Winter: Festive holiday lighting, outdoor heaters, and comforting dishes like stews or hot chocolate.

By embracing the changing seasons, outdoor seating becomes an ever-evolving experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

5. Safety and Health Benefits

In the wake of the global pandemic, outdoor dining has gained popularity as a safer and healthier alternative to indoor dining. Many customers feel more comfortable in open-air environments where ventilation is better and physical distancing is easier to maintain. For some, the option to dine outdoors is not just a preference but a necessity, making outdoor seating a vital feature for attracting a diverse clientele.

Beyond pandemic-related concerns, outdoor dining spaces often promote wellness by encouraging a healthier lifestyle. People dining in open-air settings are exposed to natural light, which boosts Vitamin D levels and improves mood. Restaurants can further capitalise on this health-conscious trend by offering nutritious menu options or hosting wellness-themed events like yoga brunches or garden lunches.

From a business perspective, providing a safe and inviting outdoor space can increase a restaurant’s capacity and revenue potential. When managed effectively, outdoor seating can become a cornerstone of a restaurant’s appeal, attracting both new and returning customers.

Making the Most of Outdoor Seating

To fully realise the benefits of outdoor seating, restaurants must pay close attention to the design and functionality of their spaces. Here are some additional tips for creating an outdoor seating area that enhances the dining experience:

Invest in Quality Furniture: Durable, weather-resistant furniture is essential for creating a comfortable and long-lasting outdoor space.
Provide Shade and Shelter: Retractable awnings, umbrellas, and pergolas offer protection from the sun and rain, ensuring guests are comfortable in all weather conditions.
Offer Thoughtful Amenities: From portable heaters to bug repellents, small touches can make a big difference in guest satisfaction.
Stay Up-to-Date with Local Regulations: Permits, noise ordinances, and zoning laws can impact your outdoor seating options. Stay informed to avoid disruptions.
Engage with Your Guests: Use outdoor seating as an opportunity to create unique experiences, such as wine tastings, live music nights, or themed events.

In conclusion, outdoor restaurant seating is more than just an extra seating option—it’s an opportunity to elevate the dining experience in countless ways. By connecting diners with nature, fostering social connections, engaging the senses, and offering safety and versatility, outdoor spaces have become an integral part of modern restaurant culture.

Restaurants that invest in well-designed outdoor seating not only enhance their customers’ dining experience but also position themselves as forward-thinking establishments that prioritize ambiance, comfort, and inclusivity. Whether it’s a sunny brunch on the patio or a cozy dinner under the stars, outdoor dining is here to stay—and it’s changing the way we eat, connect, and unwind.

For more information on Outdoor Seating For Restaurants contact Hill Upholstery.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Reupholstering a Bergère Chair

Posted on 09/01/2025 by Helen

A Step-by-Step Guide to Reupholstering a Bergère Chair

Bergère chairs are classic pieces of furniture that embody timeless elegance. With their intricate wood carvings and plush upholstery, they seamlessly blend functionality and style. However, as with any upholstered furniture, wear and tear over time can make these chairs lose their charm. Reupholstering a Bergère chair can breathe new life into it, allowing you to customise it to match your decor while preserving its historical significance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully reupholster a Bergère chair, even if you’re a DIY enthusiast with minimal experience.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth reupholstering process. Here’s a checklist:

Tools:

Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
Needle-nose pliers
Upholstery staple remover or flathead screwdriver
Scissors (heavy-duty)
Staple gun (manual or pneumatic)
Sewing machine (optional for advanced customisation)
Measuring tape
Hot glue gun (for trims and detailing)
Rubber mallet (for reattaching wood pieces, if needed)

Materials:

Upholstery fabric (measure your chair and add extra for errors or matching patterns)
Upholstery foam (if the existing foam is damaged or flat)
Batting (for a smooth, plush finish)
Upholstery thread and needles
Webbing (if the seat structure needs reinforcing)
Decorative trim or piping (optional for a polished look)
Sandpaper and paint or wood stain (if you want to refinish the frame)

Step 1: Assess the Chair and Plan Your Design

Start by examining the chair. Look at the current upholstery and decide whether the frame needs repairs or refinishing. Check for:

Loose or broken joints in the wooden frame.
Old upholstery foam that may have deteriorated.
Decorative elements that may need sanding, painting, or staining.

Choose a fabric that complements your space and the chair’s style. Bergère chairs typically have ornate frames, so you might opt for classic patterns like damask or modern, bold fabrics for a contemporary twist.

Step 2: Remove the Old Upholstery

Carefully strip away the existing fabric, working systematically to avoid damaging the frame. Follow these steps:

Remove the staples: Use a staple remover or flathead screwdriver to pull out staples. Needle-nose pliers can help with stubborn staples.
Save the pieces: As you remove each piece of fabric, set it aside to use as a template for cutting the new fabric.
Take photos: Document each step, especially how the fabric was attached. This will help you during reassembly.
Inspect the foam and batting: If these materials are in good condition, you can reuse them. Otherwise, replace them for a fresh and supportive feel.

Step 3: Prep the Frame

If the wooden frame is scuffed, scratched, or dull, now is the time to refinish it. Follow these steps:

Sand the frame: Use sandpaper to remove old paint or varnish. Start with coarse grit and finish with fine grit for a smooth surface.
Apply paint or stain: If you’re painting, use a primer before adding your chosen colour. For staining, apply wood stain with a cloth or brush and seal it with a clear varnish.
Let it dry: Ensure the frame is completely dry before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 4: Cut the New Fabric

Using the old fabric pieces as a template, cut the new fabric. Make sure to:

Leave extra fabric for folding and stapling.
Pay attention to the direction of patterns, ensuring they align correctly.
Label each piece to avoid confusion during reassembly.

Step 5: Replace or Reinforce the Cushioning

A well-cushioned chair is not only comfortable but also looks polished. Here’s how to update the cushioning:

Replace foam: Cut upholstery foam to fit the seat, backrest, and armrests. Use adhesive spray to secure the foam to the frame if needed.
Add batting: Wrap batting around the foam for a smooth finish. This also helps to soften edges.
Secure webbing: If the seat’s webbing is sagging, replace it with new webbing strips. Stretch the strips tightly and staple them to the frame.

Step 6: Attach the New Fabric

Now comes the most rewarding part: reupholstering the chair. Work in sections and keep the fabric taut to avoid wrinkles.

Start with the seat: Position the fabric over the seat cushion, ensuring it’s centred. Fold the edges under and staple the fabric to the underside of the frame. Work from the centre outward to maintain tension.
Move to the backrest: Attach the backrest fabric, ensuring any patterns align with the seat fabric. Staple it securely to the frame, folding the edges neatly.
Cover the armrests: Wrap fabric around the armrests, stapling it on the underside. Cut slits where necessary to fit the fabric around curves.
Finish the edges: Use piping or trim to cover staples and seams. Attach these with a hot glue gun or small staples.

Step 7: Reassemble the Chair

If you disassembled any parts of the chair, now is the time to reattach them. Use screws or a rubber mallet as needed. Double-check for stability and make sure all joints are secure.

Step 8: Final Touches

Inspect your work for any loose fabric or staples. Trim excess fabric and ensure all edges are smooth and neat. Clean the chair with a lint roller or vacuum to remove dust or debris.

Step 9: Showcase Your Masterpiece

Your newly reupholstered Bergère chair is now ready to be displayed. Whether it’s a statement piece in your living room or a cosy addition to your reading nook, your updated chair will surely turn heads.

Tips for Success

Practice patience: Reupholstering is a time-intensive process, but the results are worth it.
Seek inspiration: Look online or in design magazines for fabric and style ideas.
Work safely: Use tools carefully, and wear protective gloves when handling sharp objects.
Experiment: Don’t shy away from bold colours or patterns to make your Bergère chair a unique piece.

In conclusion, reupholstering a Bergère chair is a fulfilling project that allows you to combine creativity with craftsmanship. By following these steps, you can transform a worn-out chair into a stunning and comfortable centrepiece. Not only will you save money compared to buying new furniture, but you’ll also gain the satisfaction of reviving a timeless piece. Happy upholstering!

For more information on Reupholstering a Bergère Chair contact Hill Upholstery.

South London Sofa Reupholstery Look Back!

Posted on 09/11/202217/08/2023 by Helen

We love to look back at furniture we have created and reupholstered – seeing something transformed from being tired, unloved and rundown to a stunning piece of furniture is what makes us tick! Looking back at how something evolves into a delightful item that truly complements a home helps inspire our team but also showcases to our clients why recovering is the answer rather than binning and buying brand new. Recently, we looked back at a South London sofa reupholstery project we completed…

The following images are of a project we did on sofa reupholstery for wonderful clients in South London. Their tired sofa did not look appealing and the seating needed some serious TLC. The fabric we used was Orly Tapestry by Romo which we are sure you will agree looks stunning. Our team carried out this sofa reupholstery job, receiving some fabulous feedback from the returning customers.

Take a look at the full details of this sofa reupholstery work. You can also view some of the other reupholstery work we have undertaken.

If you would be interested in finding out the difference Orly Tapestry could make to your tired and dated sofas and chairs Contact Our Team today to see what we can do for you.

Before	Before
Before	After
After	After

Bespoke Restaurant Seating In Bloomsbury Underway

Posted on 08/11/202217/08/2023 by Helen

Bespoke Restaurant Seating Bloomsbury Underway

Devoted to their craft, the skilled artisans comprising our workshop team dedicate their efforts ceaselessly, driven by the singular goal of bestowing upon your homes and businesses a touch of opulence through unparalleled seating arrangements. These carefully crafted pieces not only serve as functional amenities but also seamlessly harmonise with the existing ambiance of any room, acting as a testament to their commitment to finesse and the embodiment of a company’s distinctive identity.

With a proven track record, we’ve woven together tailor-made seating arrangements that grace the interiors of pubs, bars, and restaurants with an air of exclusivity. The ongoing endeavour finds us engrossed in the creation of bespoke restaurant seating in bloomsbury, the literary nucleus of London’s illustrious West End. As the vibrant tapestry of this project unfurls, offering a tantalising glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship, we eagerly anticipate presenting you with the final masterpiece in the not-so-distant future.

The fusion of artistry and functionality is our hallmark, evident in each meticulously upholstered piece. The textures, hues, and contours seamlessly meld, resulting in seating that elevates both form and function. Stay tuned as we prepare to unveil the culmination of our dedication, where every stitch, every flourish, will stand as a testament to the elegance we strive to deliver. Your spaces, whether domestic or commercial, are not just adorned with seating, but with a reflection of sophistication and luxury meticulously curated by our artisans.

You can take a look at some of the other bespoke pieces of furniture we have created for various establishments throughout London and Essex on our commercial upholstery case studies pages.

3 Reasons To Reupholster

Posted on 05/10/202205/10/2022 by Helen

At Hill Upholstery & Design, we are the number one choice when it comes to Essex upholstery – we have been commissioned with creating some truly stunning bespoke furniture for clients throughout Essex and London. However, it is not just bespoke furniture that we are famous for – we are also experts at adding new life to your old furniture with our reupholstery services. We have been thinking about the advantages of reupholstering furniture and why some of our customers choose to reupholster rather than buy new – have a look at just 3 reasons to reupholster below.

Colour Scheme
If your room is looking dated, in need of a full refresh and needs a whole new lease of life, changing the colour scheme can make a huge difference. Instead of going on the hunt for new furniture to complement your new colour scheme, consider having your furniture reupholstered in a more modern fabric. Our upholstery team based in Fobbing, Essex use only the highest quality fabrics and materials and are able to bring a whole new lease of life to tired, old furniture – your guests won’t even realise it is your old furniture!

Save money
Choosing to reupholster your furniture will save you money and mean you don’t risk purchasing furniture that’s just not quite as comfortable as the last lot! We live in a ‘throw away’ society, so make the right environmental choice and reupholster!

Custom Designs
When you choose to reupholster rather than buy brand new furniture, you are not restricted to what the shops have to offer you. With a huge selection of top quality materials, we are confident we will have the perfect material to reupholster your furniture and transform the room it belongs in. You know the furniture already fits in the room, so just take the next step to updating it!

If you’d like to know more about how the Hill Upholstery & Design team work and how we can assist you with your Essex upholstery needs, contact us today!

We have reupholstered furniture throughout Essex and London for some very happy clients. This stunning nursing chair reupholstery proejects is on of our favourites!

Furniture Trends for 2023

Posted on 05/10/202205/10/2022 by Helen

The team at Hill Upholstery & Design like to keep ahead of the game so we can advise our clients on the furniture trends and must have styles for the homes and businesses.

We have already been looking ahead to what is expected to be popular next year and wanted to share some of our findings with you. The following article was published on trendbible.com and highlights some of the furniture design trends you can expect to see in 2023…

Fluid & Curved
For Autumn Winter 2023 householders will relish the experience of opening up their homes again and celebrating being close to loved ones. For furniture designers, focus on products that can help support intimate moments, extra long, curved and fluid style seating helps to create cosy spaces for friends and family to relax, eat and work together.
Take a look at this stunning curved custom made sofa we created for a client in London – Custom Made Sofa, London

Rebooted Classics
Forecast in our Autumn Winter 2023/24 trend, Modern Renaissance; graceful architectural aspects, such as intricate curves, cylindrical shapes, columns and arches are finding new life in modern furnishings. For sofa design, consider playing with sculptural shapes and classical elements to create a monumental presence within the home.
We reupholstered this family’s sofa in South London which fits the rebooted classics theme – Sofa Reupholstery London

Woven Finishes
In our Spring Summer 2023 trend Superbloom, woven finishes and wobbly-lined weave are adorning sofas and soft furnishings. Add surface interest with woven, often multi-coloured yarns, (faux) leather, recycled plastics and dyed rattan weaves.
We reupholstered this Lancaster Easy Chair with a gorgeous multi-coloured fabric – Lancaster Easy Chair Reupholstery

Darker Tones
As forecast in our Autumn Winter 2023/24 trend, Lust for Life, the home becomes a place to embrace yourself and your loved ones. For seating design consider darker tones in deep red and peach tones to create a more intimate, enveloping space.
This bespoke Chesterfield sofa hits the right notes with its dark leather – Bespoke Chesterfield Sofa

Modern Quilting
As householders increasingly immerse themselves in nature, hiking culture weaves its way into the home. For textiles and sofa upholstery incorporate recycling, mending, and repairing to give a modern quilting aesthetic, with clean vertical lines and panelled patch pieces.

You can read the full article on trendbible.com.

If you have furniture which is in need of modernisation, then give the Hill Upholstery & Design team a call and see how we can help update your sofas and chairs. Contact us today – we can hep with your London upholstery and Essex upholstery needs!

Upholstered Footstools, Ottomans and Hassocks

Posted on 17/01/202211/02/2022 by Helen

There are some pieces of furniture that are simply workhorses in your room because they can be used in so many different ways. Upholstered Footstools, Ottomans and Hassocks fall into this category. But is there a difference between these three pieces of furniture? The simple answer is — not really. They are all small pieces of furniture whose purpose is to provide a spot to rest your feet. That being said, ottomans tend to be larger and are often used in lieu of a coffee table; a hassock is smaller and rounder and a footstool is usually a bit lower to the ground and smaller in size. Let’s take a look at the various ways these furniture pieces can be put to work.

Ottomans

It is common to find an ottoman used as a coffee table. They can be made into any shape including round, square and rectangular. The legs can be fitted with casters allowing you to move it out of the way or around the room as necessary. Placing a tray on top of the ottoman will provide a spot set a drink glass or to corral all those necessary items such as eyeglasses, books and the ever present remote. The top can be removable, exposing lots of storage space for extra blankets, magazines etc.

This trend of using an ottoman in place of a coffee table will work in any interior. A tufted velvet ottoman with brass casters is lovely in a traditional setting. For a contemporary space, a sleek black leather ottoman on polished chrome legs fits the bill. In a country, eclectic or transitional interior, choose a fabric that coordinates with other fabrics and colours in the room for a coordinated look.

Hassocks

Really just another term for an ottoman, a hassock is generally a bit smaller in size and is often round in shape. These, too could be used as an end table by placing a piece of glass on top. You may consider sliding two hassocks under a console table for use as extra seating when needed. Placing one in front of a fireplace provides a nice spot to warm your toes without taking up too much space. Like ottomans, they can be upholstered in any fabric of your choice.

Footstools

A footstool’s sole purpose is to provide a spot to rest your weary feet. They sit low to the ground, ranging from 9-12″ in height and 12-15″ deep. They can be placed directly in front of a chair, sitting between two occasional chairs or up against a wall holding books until they are needed. Since they are so small you can upholster them in a fabric that you would not want to use in large volume such as an animal print, a bright colour, a custom needlepoint etc. Have fun with these.

Tassel trim, braid, gimp and nail heads can all be used to embellish your footstool, ottoman or hassock to add a unique look to your home.

For more information about Upholstered Footstools just contact us.

The original version of this article was posted on www.onlinefabricstore.com

Metal Chair Frames As A Furniture Trend

Posted on 10/01/202211/02/2022 by Helen

We saw metal chair frames as a feature trending in Cologne and it’s continued in Milan. Metal chair frames are nothing new, they’re popular in the contract market because they have certain benefits, outlined below, but now manufacturers are taking these benefits and making a design feature from them, providing function and desirability in one. They’re also available in decadent finishes including gold, rose gold & now titanium, which goes hand in hand with the trend for decadent comfort.

Benefits of metal frames on chairs

Metal is the strongest material; a welded joint is as strong as the metal itself and will not snap. Simple metal work is also cheaper than wooden equivalents. Further, metal legs often have plywood or plastic moulded shells screwed to them as a cost-effective solution. Metal chairs will also stack highest because the frame is thin & strong. Even better, painted metal also chips less than painted wood providing an longer lasting finish. Read more about chair materials in our blog Pros and Cons of Dining Chair Materials.

Metal frames as a feature on chairs and tables

Here is a selection of the new chairs with this trend that we saw in Milan. Many are so new they’ve yet to be added to our website. Click on the image for more product details where available or contact the team for more information about products not currently on our website.

Free Furniture Style Guide: Milan Edition

Discover more trends from Salone del Mobile including: metal frames as a feature on chairs, cage frames, the colour green even handbag stools!

Download Furniture Style Guide: Milan Edition Summer 2018 to browse new products from Milan, discover innovative styles and see projects they’re applied in.

For more information about Chair Frames just contact us.

The original version of this article was posted on info.thecontractchair.co.uk

8 Useful Pointers For Contract Furniture – Leather Upholstery

Posted on 03/01/202211/01/2023 by Helen

There are very good reasons why leather is an enduringly popular choice for contract furniture; it is robust and (usually) gets even more attractive with age. Here are some useful pointers about leather upholstery qualities that we have identified from our experiences:

1. Expect every piece of leather furniture to have unique character

Leather hides are the skin of cows, and as no two cows are exactly the same, no two hides are the same either. The grain (which is the term for the outside of the hide) – will have its own collection of wrinkles, insect bite marks and healed scars & scratches that have been acquired through the animal’s lifetime.

2. More character often means better quality

A hide’s unique characteristics can actually be a pointer of better quality leather upholstery as they demonstrate that the leather has not been overly processed – some poor hides can be sanded to make then appear more unmarked, in the process perhaps also losing some of their character.

3. Leather hides are irregular, so care has to be taken with ordering by the m2.

Because hides are rather irregular in shape, even when the area of the hide is accurately measured, all this area cannot be fully used. This regularly means that not enough leather is ordered – if a chair requires, say, 4sqm of leather, it might seem generous to allow a whole hide of perhaps 5m; but the hide’s irregular shape might mean that not all of this can be used. Hide sizes tend to vary too, averaging around 5 sqm.

4. Leather is supplied in full hides, so small requirements will lead to wastage

It is not possible to order less than a full hide and therefore, costs to make an order requiring only 2sqm of leather (for example) can jump up considerably, as you would still need to pay for the full hide.

5. Leather that has been printed with a repeat pattern will require a lot of leather

A repeat pattern exaggerates the difficulties with the irregular shape of a hide (our point 3 above), limiting an upholsterer’s flexibility. This will mean considerably more needs to be ordered, with concurrent extra waste. Occasionally a design scheme calls for the central ‘ridge’ of a hide to be centralised on a seat; this of course means that each seat requires (at least) a full hide, even if of diminutive proportions.

6. Leather can stretch over time

Unsupported expanses of leather upholstery will stretch if subject to regular use. So, for instance, the top surface of a cushion on a lounge chair will probably slightly expand over time, giving it a slightly baggy appearance. The larger an area of leather, the more noticeable this will be. This is generally perceived to be an endearing characteristic of leather furniture. But we strongly recommend extreme care with leather ‘slung’ furniture (ie leather suspended across a seat), which will eventually stretch too far to be comfortable, unless the leather is well-glued to an un-stretchable backing material.

7. Some leather finishes are more robust than others

Leather is resilient by nature, but raw leather will stain extremely easily. Because of this, leather for contract use is usually coated with both a colouring pigment and a clear protective layer. Both of these processes individually will help protect a leather surface; together they provide significant extra protection.

As a contrast, Aniline leather, which can be superbly soft, undergoes a process that preserves and colours the leather, but does not protect its surface. As a result Aniline leather (or semi-aniline leather, which offers some protection) is not as resilient as pigmented leather.

8. Leather requires maintenance and care

Leather improves with age, but only if it is treated with some respect.

For more information about Contract Furniture and Leather Upholstery just contact us.

The original version of this article was posted on info.thecontractchair.co.uk

Five Upholstery Nightmares And How To Solve Them

Posted on 23/12/202111/01/2023 by Helen

As an upholsterer – whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years – there are some things you come across that will cause your heart to sink. Unfortunately, no one is immune to the upholstery nightmares that lie beneath the surface or the hidden secrets that spell upholstery hell. Here are the five discoveries that strike fear every time!

Moths

They may look harmless, but when you see these tiny, winged creatures come into contact with fabric, it’s a catastrophe. As an upholsterer, an infestation of moths is possibly the most disappointing upholstery nightmares. If there was any part of the piece you’re working on worth saving, the appearance of moths means it all has to go. Sadly, you can’t take the risk of leaving anything other than the frame intact, so everything else needs to be ripped off and got rid of.

Thankfully, I’ve only had one completely disastrous run-in with moths in eight years, but it does surprise me how many households still suffer with them. Clothes moths mainly feed on wool clothing, carpets, and rugs and, of course, upholstered furniture. They will also feed on synthetics or cotton blends but are less attracted to manmade fabrics such as polyesters and velvets. Damage most likely appears in hidden locations like crevices and in between cushions. When they take grip, it’s a disaster!

The only solution is to strip everything away and let the bare frame sit. When you’re sure there’s no evidence of moths or their larvae left, the piece needs to be professionally fumigated. What a palaver!

Woodworm

Next up on the list of upholstery nightmares you really don’t want to come across is another small but sinister creature – woodworm. An infestation of woodworm (the wood-boring larva of the furniture beetle) is relatively easy to spot as they leave a mass of tiny holes in the wood when the adults mature and fly away. If they’ve got into the joints, you may find that the frame is wobbly too. One way to spot if they’re active is to hit the wood. If a flurry of fine sawdust comes out, there’s a good chance they’re still busy!

Chemical treatments involve injecting each and every hole. When purchasing and bringing old furniture into your home, check it over for indications of a woodworm infestation and ensure that it has been treated to drive out any remaining larvae and make it harder to take hold in the future. Older pieces of furniture that may have been subject to woodworm attacks in the past may need joints securing by drilling out and replacing dowels.

Bodge Jobs

I’m fully supportive of anyone having a go at basic upholstery themselves, but it’s important to know your limits and when to call in a pro. Bodge jobs, badly executed repairs and a lack of knack can create big upholstery nightmares. I’ve come across all sorts of unbelievable cock-ups and makeshift solutions. People that use plywood instead of webbing, for instance – a common quick fix that does NOT make for a comfy landing.

The trouble is that some chairs that have been done up look innocent enough from first inspection, but undercover all sorts of problems can be waiting. Having to fix issues, take away what’s not right and re-tread old ground is one of the most frustrating upholstery challenges of all.

Wonky Webbing

Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it should be disregarded. For me, I always make sure every project I work on looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside. In other words, get the foundations right before you even begin to think about anything else. When it comes to webbing, it’s so common to see a poor job and people don’t use enough. Sometimes I see it and wonder how the entire seat hasn’t fallen through.

These days, I’m coming across more and more elastic webbing and I have to say I’m not a fan. In my opinion, there is nothing as reliable as good old black and white, jute, herringbone webbing. And don’t scrimp on it! A decent, structured webbing base will make all the difference between a chair you sit ‘in’ and a chair you sit ‘on’. And elastic webbing? Forget it!

Metal Back Tack (AKA Ply-Grip)

Fixed with staples to fold fabric back over and create a blind seam, you may love Ply-grip, but I think its lethal! Like dealing with shark’s teeth, it’s a beast to come up against. While it may apply nicely, it creates a nightmare for anyone having to strip it away down the line. Not only does Ply-grip bruise velvet, you have to give the piece a real whack to fix it and it’s vicious stuff. Call me old-fashioned, but I always favour a slip stitch. And that’s the kind of satisfying process that definitely won’t give you nightmares!

The original version of this article can be found at www.vintiqueupholstery.com