Wingback Chair Reupholstery · Reno & Lake Tahoe
The Wingback, Properly Restored
Classic English and American wingback chairs — preserved frames, eight-way hand-tied foundations, traditional detail.
Classic English and American wingback chairs — preserved frames, eight-way hand-tied foundations, traditional detail.
The wingback is one of the most enduring shapes in upholstered furniture — designed in 17th-century England to shield the sitter from drafts, and largely unchanged in three hundred years. A well-built wingback rewards careful restoration: under the fabric is almost always a frame and joinery worth preserving.
Wingbacks are restored not redesigned — the silhouette is the silhouette for a reason.
We assess frame integrity, foundation springs, wing pad condition, and arm-roll geometry. Most wingbacks from 1950 onward have hardwood frames that outlive their upholstery cycles.
Existing fabric, padding, and webbing are removed. Springs are inspected and re-tied if needed; jute webbing is replaced.
Wings and arms are re-padded to their original geometry. Sloppy wing-pad work is the most common failure on factory recoverings — we set each pad with templates from the original shape.
Pattern alignment on a wingback requires planning: front, back, wings, deck, and cushion all need to read together.
Welt cord on bias, double-needle top-stitch where appropriate, nailhead or gimp finish, and tuxedo deck welt if specified.
Wingbacks are the natural home of pattern: damask, brocade, herringbone, and woven jacquards all suit the silhouette. For library and reading-room placement, mohair velvet and wool boucles are excellent choices. We carry the Schumacher and Holland & Sherry libraries.
Explore Upholstery Glossary →All commissions begin with a complimentary in-home estimate and a written scope. No project moves forward without your written approval of the cost and timeline.
Yes. We document button placement before strip-down and reset to identical geometry, often with new buttons covered in the new fabric.
Yes — wingbacks accept both detail traditions well, and conversion is a common request during reupholstery.
Yes. Most heritage American-made wingbacks have hardwood frames and hand-tied foundations worth preserving.
You choose. Foam ILD and Dacron weight are specified during the estimate based on your preference.
Schedule a complimentary in-home estimate anywhere in Reno, Lake Tahoe, or the Sierra Nevada. A craftsman will visit, review the piece, and prepare a written scope.