20th-Century Furniture Restoration by BAFRA Restorers
At BAFRA, we provide access to 20th-century furniture restoration and repair specialists. Every member has been rigorously assessed and vetted. Our members are all established businesses that are fully accredited and work to the highest standards and ethics.
20th-Century Furniture Restorers at BAFRA
20th-century furniture includes a diverse range of styles, from Art Deco and Bauhaus to Mid-Century Modern and postmodern designs. These pieces often feature innovative materials such as plywood, fibreglass, chrome, and plastics, alongside traditional wood and upholstery. Over time, wear, fading, scratches, and structural damage can diminish their beauty and functionality, making professional restoration essential.
Restoration begins with a thorough assessment to determine the best approach while preserving originality. Wooden surfaces may require cleaning, re-polishing, or refinishing to revive their natural grain without over-restoring. Veneers, which are common in Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern furniture, may need careful stabilisation or replacement to match the original finish. Metal and plastic elements are cleaned and repaired using specialised techniques to maintain their authentic appearance. Upholstery restoration focuses on retaining period-appropriate materials while improving durability. Foam deterioration, fabric wear, and faded colours are addressed with high-quality, historically accurate replacements. BAFRA skilled restorers ensure that repairs blend seamlessly with the original design, maintaining the furniture’s aesthetic and structural integrity.
Proper restoration enhances both the visual appeal and longevity of 20th-century furniture, ensuring these iconic designs remain functional and valuable. By preserving these pieces, restorers help maintain an important part of design history for future generations.
20th-Century Furniture Restoration FAQs
What types of 20th-century furniture can be restored?
A wide range of 20th-century furniture can be restored, including Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, Bauhaus, and postmodern pieces. Common items include chairs, tables, cabinets, sideboards, and upholstered furniture. These pieces often feature materials like wood, veneer, metal, fibreglass, and plastic. BAFRA restoration professionals carefully assess each item’s condition and use appropriate methods to preserve its design integrity, ensuring that repairs blend seamlessly with the original craftsmanship and materials.
What are common issues with 20th-century furniture?
Common issues include surface scratches, veneer damage, fading, staining, and structural instability. Wooden components may suffer from drying, warping, or cracking, while metal parts may tarnish or rust. Upholstered furniture often experiences foam deterioration, fabric wear, or discolouration. Some modern materials, such as early plastics, can degrade over time. BAFRA restoration professionals address these issues using period-appropriate techniques and materials to maintain both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
How is veneer damage repaired in 20th-century furniture?
Veneer damage is repaired by stabilising loose sections, re-adhering peeling areas, or replacing missing pieces with matching materials. The goal is to seamlessly integrate repairs while preserving the furniture’s original appearance. BAFRA skilled restorers use specialised adhesives, precise colour-matching, and traditional woodworking techniques to ensure that the repaired veneer blends naturally with the surrounding surface. Proper restoration enhances the longevity and value of the piece without compromising its authenticity.
Can faded or stained finishes be restored?
Yes, faded or stained finishes can be restored using professional techniques like gentle cleaning, re-polishing, or refinishing. The approach depends on the type of finish - whether lacquer, varnish, or oil-based. BAFRA restorers carefully remove dirt, surface stains, and discolouration while preserving the original patina. If necessary, they reapply finishes using historically accurate materials to maintain the furniture’s period-appropriate appearance while protecting it from further damage.
How do BAFRA restorers handle metal and plastic elements in modern furniture?
Metal and plastic elements require specialised restoration techniques. Metal components, such as chrome legs or brass handles, are cleaned, polished, and treated to prevent further tarnishing or rust. For plastic parts, restorers may remove discolouration, repair cracks, or replace degraded sections with materials that match the original. The goal is to maintain the piece’s authenticity while ensuring long-term durability and aesthetic appeal.
Can the upholstery on 20th-century furniture be restored?
Yes, upholstery can be restored while preserving the original design. BAFRA restorers assess fabric wear, foam deterioration, and frame stability. Whenever possible, they use period-appropriate fabrics and materials to maintain authenticity. New padding and support structures may be added for comfort, but the overall aesthetic remains true to the furniture’s original style. Proper upholstery restoration enhances both the visual appeal and usability of the piece.
Does restoring 20th-century furniture affect its value?
When done professionally, restoration enhances value by preserving the piece’s integrity and preventing further deterioration. However, over-restoration or improper techniques can reduce value by altering the original design. BAFRA skilled restorers use minimally invasive methods and period-accurate materials to maintain the authenticity of the furniture. Well-executed restoration ensures that the item retains both its aesthetic appeal and investment potential.
Why choose a BAFRA-accredited member for 20th-century furniture restoration?
BAFRA-accredited restorers are highly skilled professionals committed to preserving authenticity and craftsmanship. They use period-appropriate materials and techniques, ensuring that restoration work enhances rather than compromises the piece’s value. With ethical restoration practices and extensive expertise in historical furniture, BAFRA members provide the highest standard of care, ensuring that your 20th-century furniture is restored with precision and respect for its design heritage.
Find BAFRA Accredited 20th-Century Furniture Restoration & Repair Specialists
All accredited, full members are required to have at least five years as a conservation-restoration professional (the average member today has 23 years of experience) and pass an exacting assessment on their skills, knowledge and business credentials. Our members acknowledge the importance of continuous professional development to keep abreast of advances in knowledge, skills and technical developments in the craft of 20th-century furniture restoration.
Find a BAFRA-accredited 20th-century furniture restoration and repair specialist near you by clicking the button below and entering your postcode.