Text: Tatiana Boriskina. Style: Maria Vatolina. Photo: Mikhail Stepanov.
Stretching furniture at home
How much does it cost
Let's start with the good news: on average, for the constriction of a chair in Moscow workshops ask no more than 2,000 rubles. But this is only the beginning - the final price you will be called after personal acquaintance with your furniture. The reason is that only by replacing the tissue the matter can not be limited. For example, the renovation of the vintage chair will almost certainly result in a whole complex of works: it will be necessary to strengthen the loosened frame, update the peeling paintwork, change the foam that has scattered into the dust, etc. The cost of the material is usually not included in the price. Any serious firm will offer you a choice of a variety of fabric samples, but nothing prevents you from buying it on the side.
What gives the upholstery strength
Take into account that the curtains, and even more so the costumesfabrics for upholstery are not suitable. First, they have a different plastic. Secondly, they simply will not withstand such a burden. Another matter - a special upholstery textile. To give it strength uses a whole arsenal of chemical protection. First of all, these are impregnations that prevent the burning and abrasion of the fabric. Also, matter can be treated with water- and dust-repellent compounds, refractory impregnation and even a means that will protect it from sharp cat claws. Usually all these procedures are carried out directly in the factory, but something can be done in the upholstery workshop. For example, the company Elizabeth offers fire prevention treatment of fabrics (30% of the material cost), and at Ahtiar, at the request of the client, the furniture is sanitized (it is especially recommended for treasures from the flea market).
What fabric to choose
The choice of upholstery largely depends on the way of lifeowners of the house. For example, parents of young children need a cloth that is unpretentious in care, and lovers of home parties require material that has increased strength. Meaning also has a "mode" of using furniture. For a headboard of a bed or a sofa in a bedroom the upholstery from silk will be appropriate. But the furniture intended for the living room, it is better to "dress" in a more solid material - for example, jacquard or tapestry. The flocked fabrics are very durable and, moreover, resistant to dirt, but their nap with time is caught and abraded. This disadvantage is also in velor and velvet. A recognized leader in terms of strength is the skin. At the same time, this is one of the most "problematic" materials that require special skill from an upholsterer, which affects the cost of work. In general, each material has its pluses and minuses, so before buying it is best to consult a specialist - either with an intelligent salesman or with a master-builder.
Repair of antiques
Things of historical valuemust be carried to a specialized workshop experienced in working with antiques. A diligent renovation of old furniture involves the use of traditional techniques and materials. Let's say, earlier, horsehair was used to stuff the seats of chairs. If it is made with modern foam rubber, the furniture will immediately lose its authenticity and fall in price. The same applies to fittings, varnish, etc. In general, before handing over your rarity into the hands of a master, make sure that he is familiar with antiques firsthand.
Tuning of new furniture
Oddly enough, difficulties can arise withhauling completely new things. True, this problem is not of a technical, but of a material nature. If you have purchased furniture, the upholstery of which does not suit you, there is only one way out: contact the craftsmen who will "tune" things in accordance with your wishes. For example, to the De Luxe decoration salon (in its arsenal there are more than 1,000 upholstery options). One problem: in this case, you will have to pay for both the factory upholstery and the new one. It is better to be prudent and study samples of upholstery materials offered by the manufacturer at the purchase stage. If you don't find anything suitable among them, ask the factory to upholster the furniture with your fabric. This service is offered by many furniture stores: "Kutuzovskiy 4", Lege Alto, Baker, etc. It will take from 1 to 3 months to complete the order, but you will not have to pay twice. Studio Baker: Komsomolsky Prospect, 35, t .: 609 1501, 609 1679; Salon Baker: st. Nikolaev, 4/4, t. 205 6677; St. Petersburg, Moskovsky prospect, 79, t. (812) 320 0619; Interior decoration salon De Luxe: st. Nikolaev, 4/4, t .: 205 6321, 205 6510; SPb., Nab. Martynova, 16, t .: (812) 324 7573, 324 7574, www.deluxinterior.ru, [email protected]; Salon "Kutuzovsky 4": Kutuzovsky prospect, 4/2, t.243 0638; Salon Lege Alto: B. Nikolopeskovskiy per., 7/16, t. 241 1111; Workshop "Akhtiar": t .: 517 2087, 542 3153; www.obivkamebeli.ru; Furniture restoration workshop “Elizaveta”: t. 729 3034; www.mvdd.ru; Workshop "Obivkin": t. 430 4262; www.obivkin.ru; Breton-SM company: t. 648 6591; www.odm.ru.
