Not every vintage piece needs a full restoration, and not every piece that looks rough is a lost cause. Before you call anyone, these five questions will tell you a lot.
1. Is the structure sound?
Loose joints and wobbles are normal and very fixable. Cracked legs, split case sides, or warped tops take more work. Rot and active insect damage are the real red flags.
2. Is the veneer intact?
Small chips and lifted edges can be patched and reglued. Large missing sections can be replaced, but matching grain and color is where the time goes.
3. Is the original finish worth keeping?
Sometimes a careful cleaning and a fresh coat bring back more character than a full strip. Patina is part of the value, so we try to keep it when we can.
4. Are the parts all there?
Missing pulls, knobs, clock faces, or speaker grilles can be hard to source. Original parts, even damaged ones, are almost always better than replacements.
5. What do you want from it?
A daily-use chair and a collector piece get different treatment. Knowing how you will live with it shapes every decision on the bench.
Not sure where your piece lands? Send a few photos through the contact form and we will tell you honestly what it needs.