by Metropol | June 24, 2026 8:33 am
Furniture holds memories, from antique family heirlooms to statement pieces. But often these pieces can lose their character through everyday wear and tear, or they might not suit a space anymore. At McDonald and Hartshorne, furniture restoration is guided by three R’s.
Restore
Bring a piece of furniture back to life while preserving its unique character. “If the timber frame is solid, everything else can be rebuilt back up and replaced,” says McDonald and Hartshorne’s Neke McDonald. From worn webbing and foam to old springs, restoration revives a piece while keeping its original character.
Refurbish
Make an old piece of furniture feel fresh and modern through reupholstery. The process involves stripping the original fabric to use as a pattern, before it is rebuilt and reupholstered. “All woodwork restorations are done through Mike Fullen at Seaton’s French Polishing,” explains Neke. “We can be a one stop shop for a complete refurbishment and reupholstery project.”
Repair
Over time, everyday wear and tear can damage the internal structure of furniture, but as long as the timber frame is solid, it can be repaired. Springs including coil, zig-zag, and tension can be replaced, as well as jute and elastic webbing for support.
Visit McDonald and Hartshorne at 424 St Asaph Street or call 03 371 7500 for your next furniture restoration.
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