The Upholstery Studio x Christopher Farr Cloth
Finding hidden gems at auctions is every designer’s dream, and we struck gold with these two vintage Danish armchairs sourced from Lots Road Auctions.
Vintage Danish armchairs have a strong, iconic design: sleek lines, ergonomic construction, and a minimalist appeal. However, years of wear had left these chairs looking a bit tired and in need of more than just surface-level updates. The structure was sturdy, but the original upholstery had aged considerably, and the padding beneath had compressed, leaving them less than inviting to sit on. Rather than simply restoring these chairs to their former state, we decided to give them an updated look with a vibrant twist that would make them feel both fresh and full of character.
Choosing the Perfect Fabric: Christopher Farr Cloth’s “Chubby Check”
The Upholstery Process: Marrying Fabric and Frame
The chairs were carefully stripped of their old upholstery, revealing the inner construction and giving us an opportunity to replace the padding with high-quality, resilient materials for optimal comfort. This step was essential not just for aesthetics but to ensure that the chairs would be as comfortable as they are beautiful.
Then came the artful reupholstering. Aligning the “Chubby Check” fabric on the chair required meticulous attention to detail. The pattern needed to flow seamlessly across the contours of the chairs, with each check positioned to enhance the lines and curves of the mid-century frame. The bold check pattern is striking, so precise placement was essential to avoid visual clutter and instead highlight the structure in an elegant, balanced way.
Selecting the right fabric is crucial in any upholstery project, especially when working with iconic mid-century pieces. We wanted something that would feel modern and bold but also align with the timeless simplicity of Danish design. Christopher Farr Cloth’s “Chubby Check” fabric caught our eye immediately. Its oversized, playful checkered pattern added a contemporary, almost graphic element that was both eye-catching and sophisticated.
The “Chubby Check” fabric isn’t just about making a statement—it’s about bringing warmth and vibrancy into a space. The large-scale checks play with the room’s visual lines, making the fabric a dynamic focal point without overwhelming the chairs’ original design. With a palette that is both inviting and versatile, it felt like the perfect blend of style and personality to breathe new life into these vintage pieces.
The finished chairs are a perfect example of how the right fabric can truly refresh a classic. These once-worn Danish armchairs have transformed from simple auction finds into vibrant, modern art pieces that are as cozy as they are stylish. The bold, oversized checks of the “Chubby Check” fabric add a warm and playful vibe, while the clean lines of the pattern highlight the chairs’ mid-century craftsmanship. It’s a beautiful mix of vintage charm and fresh, contemporary flair that brings these classic pieces to life.
The Beauty of Upholstery Transformation
Upholstery is more than just refreshing old furniture; it’s about reimagining pieces in ways that suit contemporary life while honoring their original design. These Danish armchairs now serve as reminders of how fabric choice and quality craftsmanship can breathe new life into timeless designs, creating statement pieces that blend the past with the present. Through this transformation, we’ve taken two forgotten classics and given them a new chapter, ready to make memories in a whole new setting.