Vintage/Retro Upholstery

[Undertow]

If this seems out of line, throw it out!

My father is a disabled veteran who is currently recovering from a double lung transplant (6mos and counting!). At one point he was considering getting a job when he was feeling better but we're not sure he'll ever recover fully enough to get back into the working world.

So, in order to keep himself busy, he's considering going back into the business of custom upholstery. I wanted to see if any of you folks would be interested in custom upholstery, from vintage/restorative automobile work to furniture, to aprons, duffel bags, awnings, etc.

We're trying to get a feel for the market to see if there's actually anyone even interested in this sort of work. I figured of all places, the FL was always interested in handmade and custom work.

Go ahead a post your responses here. Also, if this kind of thing sounds interesting enough, let me know what kind of work you would consider having done (if you had the money, time, etc), or what kind of work you would like to SEE done.

 

[Viola]

I seem to run an Orphanage For Unwanted Chairs, so, uh, I have an interest but no knowledge of what reasonable prices are. I don't want to promise to be clientele because of my ignorance but it sounds like it could be cool.

I have this one chair especially (I saw especially because for a woman with no real house I have a surfeit of chairs...6? 8? Something crazy) that is sooo comfy, sort of a clubby armchair thing, but totally disreputable. I have it under a baggy one-size-fits-all Walmart slipcover but its, uh, not cute in its current incarnation.

 

[dhermann1]

As long as there are cats, there will be people who need a good reupholsterer.

 

[Viola]

True fact! That's half the issue with my Most Disreputable Chair! Of course, it originally had ugly fabric anyway, so I didn't cry too hard.

 

[Undertow]

Or are there any of you that would think a specific style of bag/case would be cool to recreate?

For instance, something from Indiana Jones? WWII? etc.

Sorry if I seem persistant but I'm curious if this sort of business is worth undertaking. [huh]

 

[Viola]

The round hatboxes that really shut and have handles and are more real luggage than just pretty cardboard stacking boxes would be pretty sweet. I could get pics of what I mean. The sort that looks good on top of a pile of vintage suitcases.

 

[Tomasso]

I've noticed that in recent years vintage textiles have become quite popular for use in high-end interior design, particularly for upholstery. That said, since the upholstery biz is of a local nature I'd suggest that you contact interior designers in your area to gauge the demand for the service.

 

[Talbot]

As long as there are cats, there will be people who need a good reupholsterer.

Well said, that man!

 

[Foofoogal]

I did a quick search in your town and there are a few already. I would see how much competition there was first and check out the prices and such if possible.
I am currently fixing to get 2 matching 1930s rockers redone. Now trying to pick out the fabric will be a nightmare but older furniture that has good bones are worth it. They need new padding and such. They were a birthday present to myself.
All wingbacks are Not the same believe me.
I hope you and your father have success in this venture.

I seem to run an Orphanage For Unwanted Chairs

me too.

 

[MPicciotto]

I have an eight foot long Nogahyde sofa. Bright red. My dogs have torn many holes in removable cushions and there is button missing and some tears on the sofa back. We are in the midst of redecorating our living room (being "auction people" we do this quite often) and the couch will be going. If you weren't halfway across the country we might have some business for you.

Matt