“Wegner chair” is not a sufficient description when requesting a reupholstery quote. There is a considerable difference between a chair with a loose cushion, a chair with fixed upholstery and a chair with a woven seat.
Start by identifying the model and construction. The page about reupholstery can be used for an assessment, even if you do not yet know the model name.
Take photos that show more than the silhouette
Photograph the chair straight on, from the side, from behind, and from underneath. Add close-up images of marks, stamps, or labels without removing them. Optionally measure the total height, width, and seat depth, and specify how you measured.
A single image at an angle can make proportions difficult to compare. Straight images provide a better starting point, especially when multiple models look similar from a distance.
Distinguish between name, manufacturer and condition
A well-known model name does not tell the whole story about the chair standing with you. Previous alterations may have affected the upholstery, cushion, and surface. Save purchase details, and inform us if parts have been changed.
A visual assessment is also not the same as a final authenticity assessment. If documentation of origin has special significance, it should be treated as a separate question.
Let the construction guide the next step
| Construction | Relevant assessment |
|---|---|
| Loose cushion | Fit, cover and filling |
| Seat or back with fixed upholstery | Construction, finishes and support |
| Paper cord or other weaving | Material, pattern and fastening |
| Loose or damaged frame | Joints and repairs before the cover |
A Y-chair with worn weaving and a Bamsestolen to be recovered therefore require different preparations.
Use manufacturer specifications as reference
PP Møbler's pp19 page describes one specific construction. Such model information is useful but must be compared with the actual chair, especially if it has been altered.
Do not order fabric quantity or upholstery parts based on another model with the same designer. Small differences in shape and construction can be significant for the work.
Send one comprehensive description
Gather photos, known details, quantities and the desired result. Also state what you want to preserve: the wood's patina, seat height, buttons or overall colour. The guide to an old armchair helps describe the qualities that make the furniture worth keeping.
Then the first dialogue can be about the right chair and the right task, rather than starting with an imprecise name.
