Why Antique Furniture Needs Expert Repair
Antique furniture connects us to the past. Each piece tells a story, whether it’s a Victorian dresser passed down from your grandmother, or a Georgian cabinet you picked up at a quaint village auction. These pieces hold not just financial value, but deep emotional meaning. Over time though, daily use, age, or even accidents can cause them to wear, break or lose their charm.
Repairing and restoring antique furniture needs more than just glue and polish. It requires deep knowledge of traditional techniques, the right materials, and a gentle hand. That’s where we come in. At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we’ve spent years mastering the art of antique furniture repair right here in the UK.
What Counts as Antique Furniture?
Generally, anything over 100 years old is considered antique. That includes furniture from the Edwardian, Victorian, Georgian, and even older periods. Many of these pieces are made from rare woods like mahogany, walnut or oak and crafted with details like dovetail joints or hand carvings. They were built to last, but even so, age takes a toll.
Antique furniture often suffers from loose joints, missing veneer, broken legs or damaged finishes. Some items have suffered from years of improper cleaning or poor repairs. When handled improperly, even a small fix can ruin the value or character of a cherished piece.
That’s why it’s so important to trust professionals who understand these old techniques and materials. Our team has the skills to restore your furniture sympathetically, keeping as much of the original piece as possible.
How Our Restoration Process Works
Every item we restore is different, which is why we treat every piece individually. First, we assess the damage and understand the item’s history. Whether it has woodworm holes or a broken leg, we’ll come up with a plan that suits the piece and the owner’s wishes.
We take pride in using only traditional methods when working on older items. That might mean French polishing rather than quick varnishes, or using hide glue as the original maker would have. We never rush the job.
Cleaning is another crucial step. Years of grime or old wax build-up can be gently removed with specialised techniques. Sometimes the colour of the wood is restored simply by removing the dirt, revealing tones and grain that had been hidden for decades.
You can learn more about our complete list of services on the What We Do page.
Common Repairs We Handle
Antique furniture repairs are as varied as the furniture itself. Here are some of the common problems we come across, and how we solve them:
Loose or Wobbly Joints
This is common with chairs and tables. We remove the old glue, clean the joints, and use traditional hide glue to reassemble everything tightly.
Missing Veneer
We carefully match the wood grain, colour, and texture before replacing the missing section. Once done, it blends in perfectly with the original.
Broken Legs or Arms
Where possible, we repair the original part. If that’s not possible, we replicate it using the same type of wood and methods.
Sun Bleaching or Water Damage
We gently clean the surface and refinish it with French polishing to match its original sheen.
Woodworm and Insect Damage
We treat the wood and fill in the damage while preserving the piece’s character.
Every repair is done with care, always preserving the look and feel of the period.
Why Professional Restoration Saves Heirlooms
Many people are tempted to fix furniture themselves or hire someone without specialist knowledge. While these quick fixes might hold for a while, they often do more harm than good. If a repair is made with modern chemicals or using incorrect techniques, it could reduce a piece’s value or even cause permanent damage.
By using expert furniture restorers, you’re protecting the value and life of your piece. Just as you wouldn’t patch up a painting with house paint, your furniture deserves the correct restoration.
At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we take that responsibility seriously. We respect every item and its story. Whether we’re working on a small side table or a large cabinet, we treat it like a piece of history.
Our Work Speaks for Itself
Over the years, we’ve worked on everything from delicate inlaid writing desks to large four-poster beds. Many of our clients come back over and over because they trust us with their most treasured items. You can see some of our restoration projects in the gallery, which show the incredible difference quality care can make.
Whether it’s restoring the legs of an Edwardian dressing table or bringing the finish back to a much-loved grandfather clock, every piece is unique. And the results are always satisfying for both us and the owners.
Protecting Antique Furniture for the Future
Once your furniture is repaired, it’s just as important to look after it. Antique furniture doesn’t like direct sunlight, dry air, or damp corners. Ideally, place items away from radiators and large windows. Keep humidity levels as stable as possible and avoid modern spray polishes, which can clog the wood.
We’re always happy to advise on how to care for your restored furniture. A little simple maintenance can keep your pieces looking beautiful for decades to come.
We also help with safe transport if you’re worried about moving something fragile. Our team knows how to handle antique items carefully and securely.
FAQs
How long does furniture restoration take?
This very much depends on the condition of the item and the kind of repair needed. Minor repairs might take a few days, while larger jobs may take several weeks.
Can you match the missing wood exactly?
Yes. We work with a wide selection of wood types and finishes so that missing parts blend in perfectly.
Can you work on-site, or do you take the furniture away?
We do both. Some jobs can be done on-site, but complex work is usually done in our workshop.
Is old furniture worth restoring?
In most cases, yes. Furniture made over 100 years ago was often handmade from solid woods. Even if it isn’t valuable in terms of money, it can have a lot of sentimental value.
Do you only work with ancient furniture?
No, we also restore mid-century modern and 20th-century pieces that need repair, as well as staircases. You can learn more about our varied services on our main website.
Trust Experienced Hands All Across the UK
Antique furniture deserves more than being left in a dusty corner or passed over for a trip to the tip. When it’s mended with patience, care and traditional skill, it can shine again, a beautiful reminder of its time.
At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we don’t just fix furniture. We protect family stories, honour outstanding craftsmanship, and bring beauty back to life. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, we offer trusted and reliable services throughout the UK. From early consultation to the final polish, you’ll find our honest, practical approach works well for families and collectors alike.
If you’ve got a chest of drawers that’s starting to sag or a favourite chair that’s lost its steadiness, we’re ready to help. It’s never too late.
Take a look at our gallery of restored furniture to see just what’s possible when you trust your antiques to true craftsmen.
Bring Your Furniture Back to Life Today
When your cherished table or antique chair starts to show its age, don’t hide it away or write it off. Let’s bring it back to its original character together. At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we’ve got the tools, techniques and patience to restore your heirlooms with care.
Ready to talk? Visit our main website to get in touch, and let’s have a chat about how we can help your antique furniture shine once again.
