Preserving Classic Furniture with Skilled, Caring Hands
At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we breathe new life into classic furniture with care, skill and decades of know-how. We understand that every piece tells a story; it could be a Victorian dresser passed down from your grandparents, a Georgian side table picked up in a market, or a mid-century chair you can’t part with.
Classic furniture refurbishment is more than a fresh coat of polish. It’s about protecting the past while making old favourites a part of daily life again. Refinishing isn’t about making something look new; it’s about making it last and feel right.
Why Classic Furniture Matters
There’s something about vintage and antique furniture that flat-pack pieces can never match. These older items are often made from solid wood, beautifully carved and built to last generations. Furniture from past centuries holds both personal and historical value, and our team respects that every time we pick up a tool.
In the UK, love for classic furniture hasn’t faded. More people are choosing to restore rather than replace, which saves waste and keeps the past alive in our homes. Whether it’s a delicate 18th-century writing desk or a battered old pine table, we treat each job with the same level of care and attention.
We offer a friendly and professional refurbishment service that brings a worn, tired piece back to its best. That means careful cleaning, sanding, tightening joints, or reupholstering where needed. Whatever the job, our goal is to maintain the character while improving function and condition.
Our Approach to Furniture Refurbishment
When a client brings in a piece, we always start with a close inspection. Sometimes, the woodwork has suffered from scratches, fading or cracking. Other times, a chair might wobble or drawers might stick. We take note of all the problems, give clear advice, and share what needs doing.
Our workshop is stocked with tools, both modern and traditional. For detailed jobs, we use hand tools that allow us to work slowly and precisely. Where glue joints have failed, we take the time to clean out old adhesives and reassemble the piece properly. Our polishers understand how finishes have changed over time, so they know which waxes, oils, or French polishes will suit a particular wood or period best.
To see how these transformations work step-by-step, you can explore our before-and-after gallery, where repairs and restorations come to life.
Antique Furniture Repair Techniques: Old Meets New
Restoring antique furniture calls for sensitivity and skill. Our team has deep knowledge of joinery techniques from across centuries, from dovetailing to mortice and tenon joints. When needed, we use matching woods to replace lost parts, using cutting techniques that keep the piece entirely in keeping with the original.
We avoid over-restoring. Too much sanding or bleach can strip away the character of a piece. Instead, we enhance the furniture’s natural beauty without hiding its age. A few subtle marks from years gone by often add to its charm. Our touch is respectful and precise.
We also take care when dealing with veneer repairs, warped panels, or lifting laminates. These problems need a steady hand and the right materials. Every item that passes through our workshop is treated as if it belongs in our own family.
When Is It Time to Refurbish?
If your furniture looks worn but still works fine, it might just need refreshing. That could mean a light sand and re-wax to bring the grain back to life.
But if it’s cracked, broken, or missing key parts, it’s best to repair it soon. Delaying big fixes might cause greater damage, especially where joints are loose or wood is splintering. We often tell customers that a well-timed restoration doesn’t just save a piece of furniture, it saves its story.
Our workshop staff are happy to answer any questions. You can also browse our furniture restoration gallery to get a sense of what’s possible. We’re always proud to show how we’ve transformed everything from oak sideboards to mahogany chests and traditional dining chairs.
Common Refurbishment Projects We Handle
We’ve seen all kinds of classic furniture pass through our doors. Some common jobs include:
- Dining tables with scratched tops and loose legs
- Victorian wardrobes with jammed doors
- Antique drawers worn thin at the runners
- Staircases needing spindles and handrails reworked
- Sideboards with uneven finishes or water damage
We’re more than happy to carry out complete overhauls or just small surface repairs. We also restore staircases, which can often receive just as much wear over time as furniture. If your timber staircase is creaky, scratched or dated, we can bring it back to life.
To see what kinds of projects we’ve taken on and completed, check out the examples on our before-and-after page.
The Beauty of a Restored Piece
There’s a special feeling when you see a piece brought back to life. It might be its gleaming polish, tight joints or smooth finish, but most of all, it’s the return of character. Our team takes genuine satisfaction in restoring items to their former glory.
Imagine hosting family dinners around a table your grandparents once sat at, or keeping your favourite books in a freshly-restored bureau. These aren’t just functional items; they bring warmth, continuity and comfort into your living space.
At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we understand how furniture links the past and present. We want you to feel proud showing it off again.
Looking After Restored Furniture
Once your item has been restored, keeping it in good shape doesn’t need to be difficult. A few simple actions help:
- Avoid placing restored wood furniture near radiators or in strong sunlight
- Use coasters and mats to protect surfaces
- Dust with soft cloths, and don’t use harsh sprays
- Apply wax every few months if the finish needs a top-up
We also offer tips and tricks when you collect your piece, so you know what care it needs moving forward. If there’s ever a problem in future, just get in touch, we’re always happy to help.
FAQs
How long does furniture refurbishment take?
This depends on the piece and the work needed. A side table could take a few days, while a dining set or staircase might take several weeks. We give clear timeframes before we start.
Can you match old wood types and colours?
Yes. We try to use period-correct materials and finishes. Where that’s not possible, we use closely matching wood and detailed staining techniques.
Do you pick up and deliver furniture?
Yes, we can arrange collection and delivery in many UK areas. Let us know what you’ve got, and we’ll sort the practical bits.
Is it worth repairing modern furniture, too?
If the piece has sentimental or design value, we can assess it and let you know what’s possible. While most of our work focuses on classic and antique items, we’re happy to look at anything.
What’s your coverage area?
We’re based in the UK and serve clients across England and the surrounding areas. If you’re unsure, drop us a message and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
Give Your Classic Furniture a Fresh Start
Classic furniture doesn’t deserve to gather dust or end up in the skip. Whether it’s a familiar heirloom or just a well-made piece that needs some attention, let us help. At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, you’ll find a trusted, knowledgeable team that genuinely cares.
If you’re curious whether something can be repaired or fully refurbished, take a look at some of the furniture restoration examples on our website, and get in touch for an honest, no-pressure chat.
Let’s bring some old favourites back to life one piece at a time.
