Reupholstery of Svanen is not just about the colour that determines the result. The material must function on the chair's curves, and the construction under the upholstery must be assessed. The visible form is a good starting point to describe what you want to preserve.
See the specific service for reupholstering Svanen and use the guide here to prepare material selection.
Document the shape before the change
Take photos straight on, from the side and from behind. Add close-ups of edges, wear and the areas where the upholstery feels uneven. Also photograph the labelling and the underside.
Mention if the chair has previously been reupholstered. The current upholstery may reflect a previous alteration and is not necessarily a reliable image of an original execution.
Clarify foam and cover separately
If the surface is worn but the shape works, the job differs from one with uneven or deteriorated padding. Describe how the chair feels to sit in without deciding yourself which layer must be replaced.
Ask what is preserved and what is assessed after disassembly. Also agree on how any hidden conditions will be presented before extra work is carried out.
View the sample over a curve
A flat fabric sample does not tell everything about a material on a round chair. Request an assessment of how the quality can be shaped, and how seams and finishes will appear.
If you are considering wool as upholstery fabric, clarify both the surface and its care. For leather the specific grade and its natural variation are part of the decision. A change of material type should always be assessed in relation to the chair.
Include the base and function in the description
Reupholstery does not automatically include repairs to other parts. Note separately if the chair malfunctions, sits unevenly or has damage to the base. Fritz Hansen’s Repair programme shows that manufacturer options exist for parts of the collection, but availability must be checked for the particular chair.
Have the material specified in the quote
Keep the name, colour number and a physical sample. The quote should describe the construction, covers and practical arrangements. A starting price is not a final agreement covering every chair in every condition.
If you also have Ægget, you can read the five clarifications before reupholstering of Ægget. Materials can be coordinated visually, even though the chairs may require different assessments.
