Certificate of Restoration

What was wrong

This set of Heywood-Wakefield chairs arrived with a heavy, non-original dark stain applied over the birch and dated floral upholstery. The frames were in good structural condition, but the finish and fabric buried the original mid-century character the brand is known for.

What we did

• Full stripping of the non-original dark stain from all wood surfaces.
• Surface preparation and sanding appropriate to Heywood-Wakefield birch construction.
• Refinish to original blonde to restore the warm, natural factory-style tone.
• Removed old floral fabric and padding from the seats.
• Custom reupholstery in a clean modern blue fabric suited to the mid-century aesthetic.
• Protective topcoat applied at a period-appropriate sheen for durability.

Care tips

• Dust wood with a microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive pads.
• Blot spills promptly on upholstery; avoid harsh cleaners or soaking.
• Use felt pads under legs; avoid dragging chairs across hard floors.
• If finish wear returns on high-contact areas, book maintenance early.