3 Reasons To Reupholster

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

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

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

Hampton Hill Theatre

Yesterday was a delightful day for myself (Helen) and Scott as we had the pleasure of visiting the enchanting Hampton Hill theatre, accompanied by the lovely Harry Jacobs. Our journey took us back to the heartwarming memory of earlier this year when we undertook the meticulous task of refurbishing a total of 142 upholstered seats in this beloved theatre, which plays a huge part within the local community.

Walking through the theatre’s doors, we were met with a sense of accomplishment as Harry guided us to the seats that had been lovingly restored to their former glory. It was a heartening sight to see these seats back in their rightful place, each one a testament to our dedicated craftsmanship. As Harry led us on a mini behind-the-scenes tour, we felt a sense of reverence for the hidden intricacies that bring the magic of each performance to life.

There’s something truly magical about an empty theatre. As we looked around I could imagine the buzz of bustling actors and actresses, hurriedly preparing backstage, and the hum of excitement that fills the air as the seats gradually fill with an eager audience. In that moment, I felt the tension in my shoulders dissolve, replaced by a profound sense of contentment.

The restoration of the upholstered seats was a project executed with careful precision, completed in four distinct stages to ensure minimal disruption to the theatre’s operations. Our visit not only allowed us to witness the fruits of our labour but also served as a poignant reminder of the enduring allure of the performing arts and the pivotal role that community theatres like Hampton Hill play in weaving the fabric of togetherness and creativity.

Upholstered Seats Hill Upholstery

Dining chair Reupholstery testimonial

At Hill Upholstery & Design we complete dining chair reupholstery for many of our customers – usually when they have good quality chairs but the fabric is worn, dated or simply does not match the new decor in a room. Below is a video testimonial from one of our very satisfied clients who brought her dining chairs to us to be reupholstered:

“Just come in to pick my chairs up today and I am so pleased with them. They have done a fantastic job. Very pleased with the colour but also they did some work underneath the chairs as well which have improved when I sit on them. They have done a fantastic job and a very friendly company and I would recommend them and they have done them very quickly as well. So, very pleased, very happy customer. Bring all your reupholstery to Hills!”

If you would like Hill Upholstery & Design to look at your dining chair reupholstery, please contact the team today!

Dining Chair Reupholstery

Custom Made Kitchen Bench

Have you been searching and searching for the perfect bench for your kitchen? Are you struggling to find something that compliments your kitchen’s style and your family lifestyle? Then stop hunting and speak to Hill Upholstery & Design about a custom made kitchen bench!

With our use of the finest materials and cutting-edge equipment, we possess the skill to create personalised seating solutions for your kitchen. Think about a made-to-measure bench that seamlessly integrates into your kitchen, enhancing the look while delivering impeccable functionality. And that’s just the beginning – we can create bespoke seating for your kitchen in your choice of fabrics – of which we have many to choose from. With an array of choices at your fingertips, you can handpick the fabric that works flawlessly with your cosmopolitan style and adds an extra layer of charm to your kitchen’s vibe.

At Hill Upholstery & Design, we take immense pride in creating a custom made kitchen bench that resonates perfectly with the dynamic spirit of modern living. Stop your endless searching and embrace the prospect of a kitchen bench that mirrors your distinct taste. Join us on a collaborative journey, where your preferences converge with our expertise to conjure up an unparalleled masterpiece – a tailor-made kitchen bench that stands as a testament to your individuality and the beating heart of your home.

If you’re interested in discussing your kitchen seating, contact our team today!

Take a look at this video where we are just finishing off fitting a custom made kitchen bench with a fluted back for one of our clients in Westcliff, Essex.

Custom made kitchen bench

What Makes Good Quality Upholstered Furniture?

What makes good quality upholstered furniture?

If you are looking to buy good quality upholstered furniture to be a feature of your living area for years to come, then there is one crucial question you must ask the seller: “How was the frame made?” This is because it is the quality of the frame that generally dictates the longevity of the furniture.

A well-made, good quality sofa or chair should have a frame made from a solid hardwood – ideally beech – with joints that are screwed, glued and dowelled.

A frame built in this way is ideal to survive the rigours of everyday use. And being solid and strong will ensure you can hold on to them for many, many years and can be reupholstered and recovered as many times as suits your needs.

Remember: Good quality furniture requires a good quality frame – and all sofas custom-made here at Hill Upholstery & Design leave our workshop with just that. Master upholsterer Scott Hill shows us in this video what was hidden inside this armchair and why the frame was certainly NOT built to last.

And here is an example of a good quality frame, which is part of a custom made suite the team are currently working on.

HALABALA Vintage Chairs

Arrived into our workshop this month are some beautiful designer Halabala Vintage Chairs. These are going to be recovered in leather from Futura’s Lena range, white leather with black piping. Keep an eye out for the fabulous finished chairs in our workshop in Essex.

JINDŘICH HALABALA vintage chairs JINDŘICH HALABALA vintage chairs 2
JINDŘICH HALABALA vintage chairs 3 JINDŘICH HALABALA vintage chairs 3

Vintage furniture enthusiasts and design connoisseurs alike have long been captivated by the timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship of Halabala Vintage Chairs. These iconic pieces, designed by the renowned Czech architect and designer Jindřich Halabala, continue to hold a significant place in the history of furniture design. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of Halabala Vintage Chairs, tracing their origins, examining their distinct design features, and celebrating their enduring appeal.

The Legacy of Jindřich Halabala:
Jindřich Halabala, a prominent figure in Czech design during the 20th century, crafted a range of furniture pieces that embodied both functionality and aesthetic beauty. Born in 1903, Halabala’s passion for architecture and design led him to establish his own furniture company in 1928. His innovative approach and focus on ergonomics revolutionised the field, with his creations leaving an indelible mark on the world of interior design.

Distinctive Design Features:
Halabala Vintage Chairs are celebrated for their distinctive design features that effortlessly blend form and function. The chairs often feature curved lines, organic shapes, and a harmonious balance between materials. Halabala’s innovative use of bentwood, tubular steel, and upholstery allowed him to create chairs that were not only visually appealing but also comfortable and practical.

Materials and Construction:
Halabala Vintage Chairs showcase a mastery of materials and construction techniques. The designer embraced the use of bentwood, a method that involved shaping and bending wood to create the chair’s frame and arms. This technique allowed for the production of elegant, lightweight, and resilient chairs. Additionally, Halabala incorporated tubular steel, which further enhanced the structural integrity of his designs.

Iconic Halabala Chair Models:
Halabala Vintage Chairs encompass a diverse range of models, each with its own unique charm. Some of the most renowned models include the H259 Armchair, characterised by its sweeping lines and distinctive armrests, and the H269 Lounge Chair, which boasts a low, reclining design that exudes comfort and style. The H367 Dining Chair stands out with its sleek silhouette and ergonomic contours, exemplifying Halabala’s commitment to functionality.

Enduring Popularity and Influence:
Decades after their creation, Halabala Vintage Chairs continue to captivate design enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Their enduring popularity can be attributed to their timeless aesthetics, exceptional craftsmanship, and the impact they have had on subsequent furniture designs.

Restoration and Preservation:
Given the age of Halabala Vintage Chairs, restoration and preservation efforts have become essential in maintaining their beauty and functionality. Skilled artisans and restoration specialists work diligently to repair and refurbish these iconic pieces, ensuring that their original charm is preserved for future generations to enjoy. These restoration projects not only breathe new life into the chairs but also highlight the importance of preserving design heritage.

Collecting Halabala Vintage Chairs:
Collecting Halabala Vintage Chairs has become a passion for many design enthusiasts. These chairs are not only sought after for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical significance. Authenticity and condition are crucial factors when building a collection, as Halabala chairs have been imitated and reproduced over the years. Enthusiasts often engage in meticulous research and seek out reputable sources to acquire genuine pieces that hold true to Halabala’s original vision.

Halabala Chairs in Contemporary Design:
The influence of Halabala’s designs extends beyond the realm of vintage furniture. Today, contemporary designers often incorporate elements inspired by Halabala’s aesthetic into their own creations. The fusion of classic and modern design sensibilities allows for the creation of unique pieces that pay homage to Halabala’s enduring legacy while infusing a fresh and contemporary perspective.

Exhibitions and Museums:
Halabala Vintage Chairs have gained recognition not only among design enthusiasts but also in the art and museum world. Various exhibitions and museums showcase these iconic chairs, providing an opportunity for visitors to appreciate their beauty and learn about their historical significance. These exhibits celebrate Halabala’s contribution to the field of furniture design and educate the public about his innovative approach and lasting influence.

Halabala Vintage Chairs stand as testament to Jindřich Halabala’s remarkable talent and his profound impact on the world of furniture design. With their timeless elegance, distinctive design features, and exceptional craftsmanship, these chairs continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. As we celebrate their enduring allure, we recognise Halabala’s contributions as a visionary designer whose legacy remains an influential force in the realm of interior design and vintage furniture appreciation.

Upholstery repairs

When stripping this chair ready to recover for our customer we noticed the chair’s arms were loose as was the back. Scott Hill explains in this video what the problem is and how we can rectify it.

Looking for a new sofa or chair?

Lured by the sales?

Swaffer Panache upholstery fabric collection

THIS time of year almost every furniture shop will be trying to lure people in with their sales. But while your existing sofas or chairs may have seen better days, buying replacements is not the only (or the best) option.

No doubt you like your existing suite. It fits your room, it fits your family and it fits your needs. But will you be able to find the perfect replacement?

And how many superstores will you have to traipse around before your luck drops and you actually find it?

There is an easier solution, of course, and that is reupholstery.

As long as your furniture has a solid frame, then it can be upgraded, rebuilt or recovered to take it back to its prime or give it a new lease of life. Think about it. Your sofa or chair, the one that fits all your needs, back again as good as new.

Osborne & Little upholstery Fabric

It must be said that reupholstery is not the cheap option. But what you get back is a real quality item to your exact specifications. You can choose the colour and type of fabric, some examples on this page. You could change the type of cushions if you wanted or have a firmer seat. How about leather instead of fabric. Any and all options are open – the world is your oyster!

Why not design your own upholstered furniture from scratch – to fit perfectly in the spot you have in mind, ticking all the right boxes.

So, if you have a unique personality that your average store doesn’t cater for or you just want your chair back to its former glory, then an upholsterer is your perfect choice.

Get in touch with us today and see how Hill Upholstery & Design can help you.


 

Feel inspired by these photos, let us send you some fabric samples to consider…