There’s something truly special about antique furniture. The craftsmanship, the materials, and the story behind each piece connect us to a time when things were built to last. In Murrells Inlet, where tradition and Southern charm are woven into everyday life, antique furniture isn’t just decoration—it’s heritage. We understand the responsibility that comes with restoring such pieces, and we approach each project with the same patience and respect the original craftsman once did.
At Palmetto Upholstery, we specialize in antique furniture reupholstery that honors the past while ensuring your furniture continues to serve your family for generations to come. Whether it’s a Victorian armchair, a hand-carved settee, or a mid-century heirloom, we bring together traditional restoration methods and modern materials to achieve the perfect balance between authenticity and comfort.
When we receive an antique piece, our first step is always to study it carefully. Every mark and detail tells us something about its history—how it was built, what materials were used, and how it’s aged over time. We look for signs of wear, loose joints, or damage that need structural repair before we touch the fabric. Sometimes, an old chair may creak not because of the fabric but because the wood joints have loosened with age. We reinforce those areas using time-tested joinery techniques, preserving the original frame whenever possible.
Once the structure is sound, we move on to the upholstery work itself. Antique furniture often requires more than just recovering—it demands restoration that maintains its integrity. We remove the existing fabric carefully, documenting how it was originally attached. Many older pieces were built using horsehair, cotton batting, or hand-tied springs. In some cases, we reuse original materials if they’re still in good condition; in others, we replace them with modern equivalents that match the look and feel of the period. The goal is always the same: preserve the authenticity, but give it the strength and comfort needed for everyday use.
Selecting the right fabric for antique furniture is both an art and a science. We help our clients in Murrells Inlet choose fabrics that complement the piece’s age and design while fitting into their current home décor. Some prefer to stay true to history with damasks, brocades, or tapestry patterns. Others choose a modern twist—keeping the antique frame but updating it with contemporary linen or velvet for a more transitional style. Whatever your preference, we’ll help you find a material that enhances the character of the furniture without overpowering it.
We also pay close attention to the small details that define antique pieces—hand-carved arms, turned legs, brass nailheads, and intricate tufting. These details deserve careful restoration, not shortcuts. We take the time to strip, sand, and refinish wood elements by hand when needed, using stains and polishes that revive their original glow. If a decorative trim or accent has been lost over time, we can often recreate it or source a near-perfect match. It’s that level of detail that makes the difference between simply re-covering a chair and truly restoring a piece of history.
Our work on antiques isn’t just technical—it’s deeply personal. Many of the pieces we restore in Murrells Inlet carry emotional weight. They’ve belonged to someone’s grandmother, survived cross-country moves, or been stored for years waiting for the right moment to come back to life. We never forget that these items often hold more sentimental value than monetary worth. Every time we hand one back to a client, we know we’re returning more than just furniture—we’re returning memories.
Beyond the aesthetic value, antique restoration is also a sustainable choice. In a world where furniture is often mass-produced and disposable, restoring older pieces helps reduce waste and preserve craftsmanship that can’t easily be replicated today. These are solid-wood frames, hand-cut fabrics, and precise joinery—skills that reflect a time when quality came first. We take pride in keeping that tradition alive.
We also understand that antique furniture has to work for modern life. You shouldn’t have to treat your restored sofa like a museum piece. That’s why we incorporate modern materials like durable linings, high-resilience foam (where appropriate), and protective fabric treatments that resist stains and moisture. The result is furniture that keeps its vintage soul but fits comfortably into your everyday routine.
Clients across Murrells Inlet trust us because we treat each project as a partnership. We don’t rush the process or make assumptions. We’ll consult with you every step of the way—discussing fabrics, finishes, and restoration goals to ensure the outcome aligns with both your taste and the furniture’s history. From antique parlor sets and heirloom armchairs to full restoration projects for collectors, we bring the same care and attention to every piece.
There’s a quiet beauty in seeing an antique restored—the colors renewed, the texture smooth again, the frame solid beneath your hand. It’s like reviving a story that had gone silent for a while. Every time we complete a project, we’re reminded that our work isn’t just about craftsmanship; it’s about continuity, keeping something meaningful alive and in use rather than forgotten.
If you have an heirloom tucked away in an attic or a beloved chair that’s seen better days, don’t let it fade away. Restoring it now ensures that it can be enjoyed by your family for years to come.
Let’s bring your antique back to life. Reach out to Palmetto Upholstery today to schedule a consultation and let us show you how skilled restoration can make your furniture—and its history—shine once again.
