Restoring old furniture can produce incredible results. At best, it breathes new life into pieces that have fascinating stories to tell, preserving their character for decades to come. However, not all furniture is worth the time, effort or cost of a restoration. 

So, how can you tell if your furniture in Knightsbridge is worth restoring? Here are a few signs to look for:

What is the piece made of?

One of the first places to look at is the material. Solid wood furniture is a great candidate for restoration, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it can be sanded and refinished numerous times, without losing its value. If your piece is made from a lesser material, like particleboard or veneer over chipboard, it’s usually not worth restoring. However, some people still might if it has sentimental value. 

The quality of the craftsmanship

There are various signs a piece of furniture is well-made: dovetail joints, hand-carved details and sturdy frames. These types of details suggest that furniture was built for a lifetime. 

If the structure of the piece is strong, a restoration could bring it back to life in the most beautiful way. 

Age and style

Did you know, older pieces, particularly those built before the 1960s, tend to have been made from better-quality materials and methods? Mid-century modern, Art Deco and Victorian furniture is currently highly popular (unlike in the 1960s, when it was often thrown out and dismissed as ‘Granny furniture’!). 

These types of pieces therefore might increase in value once restored. Our furniture restorers in Knightsbridge will always take great care with your piece, ensuring its historical integrity is protected. 

Historical or sentimental value

Some furniture may not sell well at antique fairs but has significance to your family. In these cases, a restoration is more about preserving memories. Prestige French Polishing often restores heirlooms for this reason.

Our furniture restorers can inspect damage

Our professional team in London is always happy to inspect the piece for damage. We will look closely for any surface scratches, faded polish or minor chips, all of which are easily fixable. However, we will also alert you to any deep cracks, woodworm, or a broken structure that may be more costly to repair. 

Cost vs value

Always compare the cost of restoring the item compared to its potential value. If restoration costs more than the item’s worth, it may not be the best idea- unless, again, there’s sentimental value involved.

At Prestige French Polishing, we help clients across London, including in Knightsbridge, revive cherished pieces, combining traditional techniques with modern care.

If you’re seeking furniture restorers in the capital, simply contact us today.