Restoration of Antiques
Restoring antiques is about listening before doing. These pieces often come with more than age; they carry craftsmanship, small imperfections, and choices made decades or even centuries ago. The aim isn’t to make them new. It’s to make them whole again.
The restoration of antiques should respect their past while preparing them for continued use. Sometimes that means invisible joinery repairs. Sometimes it means coaxing life back into faded timber. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is know when to leave something alone.
I restore vintage furniture with care, using traditional methods, natural materials, and a hands-on artisanal approach that prioritises balance over show.
When and Why to Restore
Not every antique needs restoring. Some wear is right. Some marks are part of the story. But when a piece no longer functions properly, drawers stick, joints are loose, finishes break down, it stops being useful. And when a piece stops being useful, it risks being lost.
The work I do focuses on the fine line between preservation and renewal. I don’t strip back unless it’s necessary. I don’t refinish unless the surface is unstable. I look at each piece individually, considering its age, its use, and its next chapter.
Restoration of antiques is about understanding context. Where was it made? What wood was it made from? What has been added or changed since? That’s where the work begins.
Common Antique Furniture Repairs
- Regluing or replacing loose joints
- Stabilising veneer and inlays
- Repairing or replicating drawer runners
- Matching missing trim or feet
- Surface cleaning and wax removal
- Shellac paint or oil finish repair
- Brass and hardware cleaning, not polishing
Gentle structural reinforcement where needed
Each repair is matched to the materials and period. No generic filler or modern shortcuts. Where needed, I work with reclaimed wood and traditional glues to maintain compatibility with the original piece.
Surface Work and Finishes
Older finishes often carry a kind of glow you can’t fake. So if it can be saved, I’ll save it. If not, I rebuild with the same mindset. Thin layers, natural materials, time between coats.
Shellac, wax, and oil are the main finishes I use. Sometimes I’ll tone a surface slightly to help blend a repair. But I avoid anything glossy or flat. Antique finishes should move with the light, not fight it.
Restoring Antiques with Restraint
It’s easy to do too much. A repair that’s too sharp or a finish that’s too modern can jar against the rest. One of the hardest skills in antique restoration is knowing when to stop.
I’m always looking to make the piece feel like it could have looked this way all along. Not newer. Just steadier.
Often, restoration of antiques involves gentle contradiction. Strengthening without stiffening. Brightening without bleaching. Making sure that what was beautiful still feels honest.
Examples of Antique Restoration Projects
18th century oak dresser
Surface was blackened with wax and soot buildup. Cleaned and re-waxed, retaining the original pulls and patina. Drawer runners were rebuilt using reclaimed oak. It now lives in a modern kitchen, still full of presence.
Victorian mahogany writing desk
Loose joints, cracked leather top, sun-faded polish. Repaired frame with traditional hide glue. Replaced the leather inlay with aged green skiver. Polished shellac finish brought the depth back.
Regency side table
Missing veneer on one corner. Trim re-cut from matching timber and coloured to blend. Entire piece cleaned and lightly re-waxed. Light wear left untouched.
Caring for Restored Antique Furniture
Once restored, antique furniture doesn’t need much. Avoid sprays. Dust with a soft cloth. Wax once or twice a year depending on use. Keep it away from heat sources and direct sun where possible. These pieces have already lasted this long. With care, they’ll last much longer.
What Restoration Involves
Every restoration starts with an in-person or photo assessment. I’ll ask questions. Look at structure, materials, hardware, and history. You’ll get a quote and a clear outline of what’s being done, why, and how long it’ll take.
I don’t rush work. Most antique restorations take time, both in labour and in letting materials settle between stages.
FAQs
What does restoration of antiques involve?
It’s about bringing an old piece back to life without stripping away its history. Repairs are subtle, finishes are chosen to suit the age and structure.
Will the antique look completely new after restoration?
Not usually. The aim isn’t to erase time, but to stabilise and refine. You’ll still see its past — just without the damage or wear that stops it being useful.
Do you use traditional materials and methods?
Yes. Most antique restorations use natural materials like shellac, wax, oil and traditional joinery. The goal is to stay true to how the piece was originally made.
Can you restore antiques for everyday use?
Absolutely. Restored antiques can be both beautiful and practical. I adapt finishes based on how and where the piece will be used.
Interested in Restoring an Antique?
If you’ve got something in mind (or already have a piece) send over a photo and rough measurements. I’ll come back with some thoughts on colour, prep and finish. Samples always help. You’re welcome to browse what’s available or see work in progress. Feel free to call me on 07824 771140, email simon@jumbletique.co.uk or fill out the online enquiry form and I’ll be in touch. Nationwide delivery is available.
About the Workshop
The workshop sits inside an old water tower at West Raynham, once part of the RAF base built in the late 1930s. Its thick walls, high ceilings and tall windows make it a calm, practical space for restoration. There’s room for large pieces, good light for finishing, and quiet. You can feel the age in the building itself.
About Simon
I’m Simon, a decorative painter and restorer. After years in tech and licensing, I retrained in Tuscany to learn traditional furniture restoration. My work now is slow, hands-on and built around care, using materials that age well and finishes that feel believable.
