Gilbert's Upholstery

Upholstery Shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

4.6(10 reviews)
(267) 481-24734529 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19124View on Yelp
Gilbert's Upholstery - upholstery in Philadelphia, PA

Customer Reviews

4.6
out of 5
10 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

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About Gilbert's Upholstery

Gilbert's Upholstery in Philadelphia specializes in furniture reupholstery with a particular focus on antique pieces, earning a 4.6-star rating from 10 customers. Philadelphia has no shortage of antique furniture, with dealers concentrated in areas like Chestnut Hill and South Street, and restoring those pieces requires a different skill set than standard reupholstery. This shop bridges both worlds, offering the craftsmanship needed for delicate older frames alongside everyday furniture work. It's a solid choice for collectors, estate buyers, and anyone who picked up something special and wants it brought back to life.

Services

Antiques
Furniture Reupholstery

Services & Process

Antique furniture restoration here involves assessing the original construction methods, sourcing period-appropriate fabrics or acceptable modern equivalents, and reupholstering without damaging the frame's integrity. Standard furniture reupholstery covers more contemporary pieces, with a full strip-down, padding replacement, and fresh fabric application. For antiques in particular, the padding materials used may differ from modern foam, with options like horsehair or cotton batting to preserve historical accuracy. The combination of antique expertise and standard upholstery makes this shop versatile for customers with mixed collections.

Service Area

Gilbert's Upholstery serves Philadelphia and the surrounding region, drawing clients from neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, Germantown, and East Falls. Antique dealers and collectors from the broader Delaware Valley area also bring pieces in for restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Gilbert's reupholster antique furniture without damaging the original frame?
Experienced antique upholsterers are trained to work around fragile or ornate frames using techniques that avoid clamping pressure or fasteners that could cause damage. It's always worth mentioning any known fragility or restoration history when you bring the piece in for evaluation.
What fabrics are appropriate for Victorian or Federal-style antique furniture?
Traditional options like velvet, damask, brocade, and wool blends are historically appropriate for many antique styles, and modern versions of these fabrics are widely available. An upholsterer with antique expertise can guide you toward choices that look right for the period without being impractical for daily use.
How do I transport a fragile antique piece to an upholstery shop safely?
Wrapping carved or gilded sections in soft moving blankets and securing the piece so it doesn't shift during transport is the standard approach. If you're nervous about moving a particularly delicate item, it's worth asking whether the shop offers pickup services or can recommend a mover experienced with antiques.
Does reupholstering an antique reduce its collector value?
It depends on the piece and the collector market. For most furniture used in a home, quality reupholstery adds value rather than diminishing it. True museum-quality pieces intended for sale at auction are a different matter, and a reputable shop will tell you honestly if preservation rather than restoration is the better path.
Can Gilbert's match fabric patterns across multiple antique chairs in a set?
Pattern matching across a set is standard practice, and the upholsterer will calculate yardage carefully to ensure repeat alignment stays consistent across all pieces. Bringing the full set in at once rather than one at a time makes this much easier to execute.
Is there a difference between antique restoration and standard reupholstery pricing?
Yes, antique restoration typically costs more because it requires more time, greater care, and often the use of specialty materials. The complexity of the original construction also plays a role, so a hand-tied spring seat takes considerably more labor than a modern drop-in cushion frame.

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