I recently picked up a large Sheraton sofa at a tag sale. I am trying to furnish our new house with only antique furniture - for the quality, but also, for the affordability. Because oddly enough, these beautiful works of art which were handcrafted using the most high quality solid woods, are also as or more affordable than new furniture. Antique furniture is also a very green option, which is something that has always been tremendously important to me.
I've never seen a Sheraton sofa with this style of arm before. The arm reminds me of the volute ram's head stair railing in our center hall. I'm curious as to the story behind it.
It is very sturdy with four fluted Federal feet in the front and two legs in the back. It does need some work (upholstery and I'd like to lighten the wood stain) but structurally, it is in very good shape.
As of this morning, our floors are finally sealed in every room of the house. This means that the process of moving in begins...
As an upholsterer, I'm thrilled to see anyone who's interested in quality old pieces. That said, I'm not too sure what's going on with this sofa. Right off the bat, it just doesn't quite look right, and I strongly suspect that it's been modified in some way. The only way to know for sure is to strip off the upholstery. It's still a very beautiful frame, and it will look great once it's fixed up.
ReplyDeleteAs a fun side note, the side profile and back are nearly identical to a small settee that I bought and completely restored a few years ago. Mine had just 2 queen Anne legs, and plain rear legs, but the frame on it was awesome. Sadly, it had been covered-over 4 times without any proper repairs to the foundation, and it was a complete mess. I was able to save everything, and re-string and re-stitch it the same way. I only paid 30$ for the settee, and another 150$(ish) for all the new fabric, new burlap, webbing, etc.
Actually, if you go to my blog, you can see the entire settee project in multiple parts:
ReplyDeletehttp://my1923foursquare.blogspot.ca/2014/03/my-settee-project-part-1-choosing-fabric.html
http://my1923foursquare.blogspot.ca/2014/03/my-settee-project-part-2-tear-down.html
http://my1923foursquare.blogspot.ca/2014/03/my-settee-project-part-3-frame-repairs.html
http://my1923foursquare.blogspot.ca/2014/03/my-settee-project-part-4-finishing.html
Well done! I often wish I had the talent to upholster, it is quite an art form. I've done a little research on our piece and think it may be from around 1820. Perhaps edging towards the Empire style with the rounded arm detail?
DeleteI would look it up in my antique furniture book but it's been packed away for our move.
It's hard to say for sure exactly what period the sofa is from (especially from just a few photos). It could be as early as 1820s as you say, but it could also be a well made Revival piece from the later 1800s. In either case, it's a wonderful frame, and it will fit in very nicely with the house.
DeleteI would think that a Damask print would look amazing on this, or a very colonial blue and white print, but I know you're also quite fond of plain white cotton duck (which would also look good).
What is the Antique Furniture Book you speak of....I've been looking to find an encyclopedia of antiques that would make it easy to look something up. Any recommendations?
DeleteI love it, I have a wing back rocking chair that would go with it, that I got for a song at Brimfield, and one of my favorite places to sit in the living room. Not only is reupholstering antique furniture green, it is almost always a better quality product when done. They don't make them like they used to. Happy Move in Month! Looking forward to the next post. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree so much about the value of it being a greener option. It is in fact my driving force to find pieces made before 1970 (when chemicals started to be applied to furnishings). Also, of course, it's the idea of re-purposing the beautiful furniture pieces that already exist.
DeleteI so love the idea of using antique furniture -- the workmanship, the history, and re-use, the INITIAL lower cost. . . but that is where I often find I have to stop. I have found a few beautiful pieces, but the cost to either reupholster or slipcover has taken the finished piece from the more economical option to above my budget. Any advice you can share about ways to reupholster on a budget would be much appreciated. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on where you live. I have a friend who pays much more than I pay for upholstery work. And depending on fabric and how much work is needed, I have found that the cost is still below or similar to what one would pay for a good sofa (Lee Industries, etc.). But it's certainly not the most convenient path for a lot of the leg work is left up to you - find the piece, find fabric, someone to do it, etc. But one of my main goals in furnishing our home, is to find things that are not laden with chemicals. For the peace of mind on that alone, I feel that older furniture (pre-1970) is the path for me.
DeleteHow exciting to finally be moving in to your lovely home!
ReplyDeleteThis series of posts is incredible. Thanks for linking. Your dedication is very admirable and I now have a massive appreciation for how much work goes into reupholstering and restoring a piece. It's the perfect answer to the comment below about the cost involved in such an endeavour.
ReplyDeleteSorry, that reply was supposed to be for JC above. I thought the upholstering process of the settee he linked to above was fascinating.
DeleteI like the sofa! It'll look wonderful all fixed up.
ReplyDeleteAlso, horray for moving in!
Have you picked at the fabric along upper sides and back at all? Just wondering if there might be finish-grade wood covered up by the fabric, might be what JC thinks is "off" about it. Using this example as a reference point https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/4a/f2/eb/4af2eb6ffb82960899990312f9ae4643.jpg
ReplyDeleteCheers to your and Mike's progress!
-Flo
Amelia Island FL
Great link...Yes, Sheraton sofa's either have the wood trim on the back or have a more boxed back. Until we remove the fabric on ours, we won't know for sure what it was originally. It will interesting to find out!
DeleteFlo, it's hard to say exactly what I think is "off" about it, but it could simply be the fact that it currently looks too "puffy" because it was covered-over by a previous (poor) upholsterer, rather than being redone properly (stripped to bare frame). Let's just say that after being in upholstery for a few years, I can pretty much tell when something isn't quite right. It could also be that there's a wooden rail above the legs under the fabric (because the deck looks too thick), or along the back (covered over), or that the foam cushions don't quite fit the period (it should probably have down a filled cushion). Going back to the deck, it's also possible that this frame didn't have springs in it, and that springs were added later (which is why the deck looks too deep), etc. Lots of variables. The nice thing about historic upholstery is that all the materials are still available, and it can easily be put right again. I can't wait to see more posts about this sofa in the coming weeks/months.
DeleteI love the settee! I am curious how you deal with lead in antique furniture. I recently had a horrible experience finding out a gorgeous antique linen press contained lead (I did not realize stain and clear coat can both contain lead ... paint is not the only culprit). Previously I loved antiques and bought them frequently, but now I am very wary. How do you go about choosing safely? I know you take lead very seriously, as do I. This was a total shocker for me (and to many of the lead experts I spoke with). Would love to know how to handle this, as I really don't want to give up buying antiques!
ReplyDeleteI use the lead test kits on anything I'm not sure about. They are very reliable and recommended by lead experts. It's very surprising where lead is found - even unpainted or unstained wood can turn positive. This is because there is some residue from a previous finish. Also, you can seal antique surfaces with a matte finish. I have used a product by Vermont Natural Coatings to do this and it works great!
DeleteDo you mean seal in antiques that have lead with the clear finish? I have thought about doing this! Glad to know you approve this method! Thank you! :)_
DeleteThis is a beautiful piece of furniture. Looking forward to seeing it in your new home. I am wondering how you go about re-upholstering without using any kind of toxic chemicals. I recently re-upholstered a cushion and had to throw it out in the end because of the horrible smell. Not sure if it was from the foam used or the fabric itself. Can you share some advice about avoiding toxic chemicals when re-upholstering- and keeping the cost low?
ReplyDeleteYes, I did a post on that awhile back - here it is: http://acountryfarmhouse.blogspot.com/search?q=+duncan+phyfe+after
DeleteI think it may easier today (even just a few years later) to find such resources. Ever since the toxicity of furnishings became public, people have been asking for safer alternatives and therefore, options have increased significantly. Good luck!
Generally, antique pieces will be stuffed with natural materials (jute webbing, burlap, straw, cotton, and occasionally horse or hog hair, and down/feathers). Even with natural materials, there can still be some smells in the product. New burlap, for example, has a kerosene type smell. If you have any sensitive allergies when it comes to odors, it's best to go over options with your upholsterer. There are quite a few hypoallergenic options, including unbleached cotton, linens, and filler materials such as Dacron (pillow stuffing), etc.
DeleteA great find here! I agree with restoring older furniture items. I believe the construction of the "bones" was much better than the pieces that can be purchased today. Anxious to see your fabric and wood color choices.
ReplyDeletebest, teaorwine
teaorwine.blogspot.com
I have enjoyed blending contemporary pieces with refinished antiques for the past decade. I learned the hard way, however, to only purchase sofas and chairs with hardwood frames. Who knows, maybe someday those frames will be reupholstered by my grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteIn her younger years, my mother-in-law used to drag home furniture carcasses from garage sales and dust heaps and transform them into something beautiful. We used to tease her that her favorite color, white, wasn't really a color. Since the day I married her son 39 years ago, she has been my inspiration.
I have followed your blog for several years and have always loved the way you furnish your home. You, too, inspire me.
You are so kind, thank you for your kind words.
Deletewhat a beauty! i cannot wait (and i honestly mean that!) to see what you do with this house. xo
ReplyDeleteI think you have found quite a lovely piece.
ReplyDeleteCatherine- thanks so much! Appreciate your help and advice. Very much looking forward to seeing how you decorate your beautiful new home.
ReplyDeleteLiebe Catherine,
ReplyDeleteich finde es richtig großartig, dass Du Euer Haus mit antiken Möbeln ausstatten willst. Am meisten beeindruckt mich dabei die Nachhaltigkeit, Dein "grüner Gedanke"!!! Ich denke ähnlich. Dieser Weg-Werf-Mentalität tut unserer Welt nicht gut...
Alles Liebe und viel Erfolg bei der Suche nach älteren Stücken!
Heidi
I have been following your house progress all along even though I seldom comment. Wishing you much joy in this new house and a smooth move in!
ReplyDeleteThat is great news for you!!! I can hardly wait for you to share all your decorated rooms!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful piece! I can't wait to see it finished how you reupholster it. My home is also full of old pieces that I've searched for over a lifetime. I've followed you for years and love to see what you do with your beautiful antiques and lovely homes. It's a dream of mine to totally redo an old home (which will never be realized), so I get to do it vicariously through you!
ReplyDelete..cannot wait...blessings...laney
ReplyDeleteLove to see the move in, long awaited and I know so well you planned to bring in antiques when you first stated the remodeling of your home you introduced some old finds and it was the start of the excitement to see this project in completion. I love the sofa, and lightening the wood will be great, and can't wait to see its new upholstery job and placed in your home demanding all the attention it deserves.
ReplyDeleteI too fill my home with not only antiques, but vintage, as well as salvaged from a good thrifting find. Going green saves our planet, and landfills from all the waste of unwanted. Love that you too are focused on giving your home some authentic love with found pieces that deservingly belong in your hands and home.
Looking forward to the reveal.
Beautiful weekend to you and yours...a country living weekend!
Xx
Dore
Thank you Dore - and I so agree about the many wonderful benefits of antiques!
DeleteIt is a beautiful piece. Have you thought of painting the upholstery? It looks like a piece that would take to painting very well :)
ReplyDeleteIt is funny to see your sofa as I just missed a chance to buy a vintage Southwood Hepplewite sofa. Sofas such as this and the Sheraton you bought are priceless. It is touching to know that others feel as I do that these sofas need to be used, kept up, and enjoyed for their beauty and craftsmanship. And so to congratulate your family on the craftsmanship accomplished that now leads to all of you walking into a loved home. May the ebb and flow of your day to day time spent there be filled with an awareness of being blessed with the history of so many lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Karen. I so agree about the blessings of history that come with antiques.
DeleteWhile you're busy unpacking and moving, we should start a "What will Catherine Put/Do/Hang Inside the House First?" group meditation.
ReplyDelete[ ] Unroll the seagrass rugs
[ ] Hang a mirror
[ ] Hang pictures
[ ] Uncork champagne
[ ] Get the dumplings' rooms set up
[ ] Etc....
I'm going with the seagrass rugs going down first. Cheers Mike and Catherine!
-Flo
Amelia Island FL
Hi Flo!
DeleteDefinitely, hang the mirrors! That may be the very first thing for the joy of it, but also, just to get them on the wall and out of harms way. But which mirrors go where...? That's something I seem to focus on when I am falling asleep at night.
And as for the rugs, I have to do some rug ordering this week!
Best,
Catherine
Could you please point me in the right direction for a green mattress? Would love your input and happy to trust your research so I don't have to do it myself :) thanks!
ReplyDeleteDo you have a Clean Bedroom in your area? I've been going through them. If not, you could see the lines that they carry and then find a dealer in your area. We are in the market for an organic twin mattress and it's nice to be able to try the different lines out in the showroom. Good luck! Catherine
DeleteIn the FYI department: I had to go hunting for this pic of a similar sofa I'd remembered from the [ongoing] restoration of a Federal in the Hudson Valley NY. The blogger "Reggie Darling" and his spouse [Craig Fitt and Bruce Shostak] have put years of work into the house, and they've started another phase being detailed on Bruce Shostak's Instagram.
ReplyDeleteThe pic of the sofa: http://designfile.architecturaldigest.com/photo/traditional-living-room-shostak-co-inc-claverack-new-york-201306
Bruce Shostak [decorator in NYC]'s Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/bruceshostak/
You might enjoy....
-Flo
Amelia Island FL
Love it! Thank you so much Flo for sending this. And I can't wait to explore that renovation - so appreciate you sending it along! Kind regards, Catherine
DeleteBeautiful piece! I look forward to seeing it in your home. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's really beautiful! Love it.
ReplyDeleteOh where, oh where, has my favorite blog gone? Oh where, oh where, can it be?
ReplyDeleteCatherine - I am sure you are busy with work, moving in to the new house, mothering, etc. but oh, how I miss your posts! Come back, Catherine! I'm dying to see your house!
ReplyDeleteDear Catherine, please do blog again soon. I miss your posts so much!
ReplyDeleteMiss your blog updates on your home. Will you be posting soon? Regards, Kathleen
ReplyDeleteAre you done with your blog? Every day - every day - since Aug 9 I check to see if there's a new post. I'm a little bit sad every day because there isn't. I'm dying to see what you did with the sofa. If you are done, let me know so I stop looking and being sad.
ReplyDeleteI know the sofa will be wonderful and I can hardly wait to see your new home. Such an exciting time!
ReplyDeleteI miss your posts. Hope you are well and enjoying this lovely new home.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the amazing posts? I cant seem to find anything past this one. Is there a new link that I am missing?
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm calling out from Sweden! I visit this blog everyday hoping for updates or a clue to where you might have gone. Maybe you just chose not to post for a while. I just want to say that I miss your fantastic photos, your sense of detail and I am so curious to see how the new house and interior turned out. But I guess it will come if and when you are ready. Best wishes to you and your family. Kind regards Rose-Marie
ReplyDeleteI so wanted to keep this blog as I love your photos and writing, but it's been since August, 2016..............are you not going to continue with your wonderful words?? Thanks - MMR
ReplyDelete