How to Restore Vintage Furniture in Connecticut: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you own a vintage or heirloom piece of furniture and want to bring it back to usable condition, this guide will help you understand your options. At CT Furniture Restoration, based in Stratford, Connecticut, we specialize in furniture restoration, refinishing, and reupholstery services for clients across the state.
Whether you're restoring a mid-century modern chair, an antique dining table, or a family heirloom, these practical steps will help you make the right decisions and get the most from your piece.
Lead artisan Luis Solano works meticulously on a vintage dresser at the CT Furniture Restoration workshop in Stratford, Connecticut.
Step 1: Assess the Condition of the Furniture
Before you begin any restoration project, carefully evaluate the current state of the piece. Check for:
Loose or broken joints
Scratches, dents, or worn finishes
Damaged veneer or missing parts
Signs of water damage, mold, or woodworm
If you're not sure how extensive the damage is, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a local restoration expert. At CT Furniture Restoration, we provide honest assessments and recommend cost-effective solutions.
Evaluating vintage Eames chair components before upholstery restoration, to determine the level of repair and reupholstery needed.
Step 2: Research the Style and Origin
Knowing the style, age, or designer of the furniture can influence your restoration approach. For example, a Danish teak piece may require a different finish than an American walnut table.
We frequently restore:
Mid-century modern furniture (e.g. Vladimir Kagan, Jens Risom)
Antique wood dressers and cabinets
Vintage upholstered chairs and ottomans
Restoring pieces with their original style and materials in mind helps maintain their authenticity and long-term value.
Step 3: Choose the Right Restoration Method
Depending on your goals and the condition of the piece, restoration can include:
Wood Refinishing – Sanding and applying new stain or paint to worn surfaces
Reupholstery – Replacing old fabric and padding with updated, durable materials
Structural Repair – Reinforcing frames, fixing joints, and replacing damaged parts
Full Restoration – Combining all of the above for heavily worn or broken items
At CT Furniture Restoration, we focus on preserving original craftsmanship while improving the piece's function, appearance, and durability.
Restoring an Eames chair with attention to detail; Specialized services in mid-century modern furniture restoration in Connecticut
Step 4: Work with a Trusted Furniture Restoration Specialist in Connecticut
While some basic repairs can be done at home, many vintage and antique pieces require specialized tools, skills, and materials. Working with a Connecticut-based restoration workshop offers several advantages:
Clear communication throughout the project
Easier delivery and pickup options
Knowledge of local styles and historic materials
Consistent quality and follow-up support
Our Stratford workshop welcomes both residential and design clients. Whether you're in Fairfield, New Haven, Greenwich, or across Connecticut, we're here to help.
The final result: a fully restored Eames chair with updated upholstery and refined finishes. ‘CT Furniture Restoration’
Why Choose CT Furniture Restoration?
Based in Stratford, CT, serving all of Connecticut
Trusted by homeowners, collectors, and interior designers
Specialized in refinishing, reupholstery, and custom furniture
Transparent process with attention to detail and quality materials
We restore everything from walnut credenzas to velvet slipper chairs, always focusing on function, finish, and integrity.
Start Your Furniture Restoration Project Today
If you’re ready to restore a vintage or antique piece, or simply want advice on what’s possible, CT Furniture Restoration is here to help.
Visit our workshop in Stratford, Connecticut
Contact us for a quote or to schedule a consultation
We’re happy to work with both individual homeowners and design professionals