Restoring or Repurposing Old Furniture
While we don’t do furniture restoration, we know some wonderful people who do. If you’re looking to breathe new life into a well-loved table, dresser, or heirloom chair, we have a few trusted names of restoration experts we’ve crossed paths with over the years.
Angus Smith
Edinburgh Antiques & Restorations
416-534-3685
Ron Elbers
Elbers Antiques and Refinishing
416-466-3938
Is it worth restoring?
We love that you’re not ready to toss something out just because it’s showing its age. That kind of thinking keeps good design alive and out of landfills. Before you dive into restoration, consider the following:
1. Condition
Is the piece just a little banged up, or is it hanging on by a thread?
Surface scratches, minor cracks, or a wobbly leg can usually be fixed without too much trouble. But if the structure is compromised—like a broken frame or sagging joints—restoring it might require rebuilding parts of it from scratch. That’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it could make the project more involved (and more expensive).
2. Value
Some antiques are worth more in their original state, even if they look a little rough. On the flip side, if the piece doesn’t have significant monetary or sentimental value, the cost to restore it might end up higher than what it’s worth. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing, but it’s good to go in with eyes open.
3. Historical Accuracy
If you’re restoring a true antique, try to keep things as close to the original as possible. That means using the right materials, hardware, and techniques. A little research can go a long way—and if that’s not your thing, a skilled restorer will help you do it right.
Thinking of combining old and new?
We get this question a lot: “Can you incorporate this old piece into something new?”
And we love the creativity behind it! Repurposing an existing piece (maybe grandpa’s cabinet doors into a new vanity, or an old tabletop into a bench) sounds like it should be more affordable. After all, you’re providing the materials, right?
Here’s the honest truth: it’s almost always more expensive.
That’s because working with existing pieces means reverse-engineering something that wasn’t built with your new project in mind. We have to figure out how to disassemble it (without wrecking it), adapt it structurally, and make sure it works safely and beautifully in its new life. It’s like asking a tailor to make a custom suit out of a wedding dress. It can be done, but it’s complicated.
If your reason for repurposing is sentimental, we totally get it. There’s real value in keeping a piece of family history alive in a new way. But if your reason is to save money, a new build is often the simpler and more affordable path.
Still unsure? Reach out. We’re always happy to talk it through with you.