Kohlmaier and Kohlmaier Cabinet Mkrs and Uphlstrrs

Upholstery Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

(504) 895-63941018 Harmony St, New Orleans, LA 70115View on Yelp

About Kohlmaier and Kohlmaier Cabinet Mkrs and Uphlstrrs

Kohlmaier and Kohlmaier Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers is a New Orleans institution that combines fine woodworking with traditional upholstery under one roof. The dual focus on cabinetry and upholstery is relatively rare, making this shop a go-to for customers who need both the frame and the fabric addressed in a single project. New Orleans has a long tradition of craft trades carried through family businesses, and a name like Kohlmaier suggests exactly that kind of multi-generational commitment. For customers with serious antiques or custom furniture projects, having a cabinet maker and upholsterer working together on the same piece is a significant advantage.

Services

Furniture Reupholstery

Services & Process

Because Kohlmaier and Kohlmaier handles both cabinetry and upholstery, they're equipped to address structural frame issues that a fabric-only shop might pass on. This matters for antique chairs with cracked rails, sofas with broken corner blocks, or custom built-in banquettes that need both woodwork and seating fabric. Their upholstery services cover the full range of residential work, and the cabinet-making side means they can fabricate replacement parts from wood rather than patching around damage. Customers dealing with truly complex restoration projects will find this combination of skills particularly valuable.

Service Area

Kohlmaier and Kohlmaier serves New Orleans and surrounding parishes, drawing clients from across the metro area for their specialized combination of cabinet and upholstery work. Customers from the North Shore, the west bank, and as far as the River Parishes make the trip to New Orleans for this kind of specialty restoration work. Their location in the city makes them accessible to the dense residential neighborhoods of Uptown, Lakeview, and Mid-City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the advantage of a shop that does both cabinet work and upholstery?
When a single shop handles both trades, the woodworker and upholsterer can coordinate on how the frame should be prepared before fabric goes on, which results in a cleaner and more durable finish. It also means you don't have to manage two separate businesses, two timelines, and two sets of handoffs for a single piece. For antiques or complex pieces with both structural and surface issues, this integrated approach saves time and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
Can Kohlmaier handle custom built-in banquettes or window seats?
A shop that combines cabinet making and upholstery is well positioned for built-in seating projects, since both the structure and the cushions fall within their skill set. Custom banquettes are a common request in New Orleans homes and restaurants, and having one team handle the box construction and the upholstered top is more efficient than splitting the job. Call to discuss your project dimensions and design so they can give you an accurate scope.
How does antique furniture restoration differ from standard reupholstery?
Standard reupholstery assumes the frame is sound and focuses on replacing fabric and padding. Antique restoration often involves repairing or replacing broken structural components, refinishing exposed wood, and using period-appropriate techniques like hand-tied springs and natural hair stuffing. The goal with antiques is to restore the piece in a way that respects its original construction rather than modernizing it.
Does Kohlmaier work with interior designers on custom furniture projects?
New Orleans has an active interior design community, and shops with specialized skills like Kohlmaier often develop working relationships with local designers. They can work from designer specifications, handle COM (customer's own material) fabric, and coordinate on larger projects involving multiple pieces. If you're a designer, it's worth introducing yourself to the shop to discuss their process for trade clients.
What styles of furniture is Kohlmaier most experienced with?
Given their New Orleans location and combined cabinet and upholstery focus, they're likely most experienced with traditional American and European furniture styles common to the city's historic homes, including Federal, Victorian, and early 20th century pieces. That said, experienced craftspeople can adapt to almost any style. Sharing photos of your piece when you inquire will give them a clear picture of what's involved.
Is it possible to change the style of a piece while having it reupholstered?
Yes, reupholstery is a good opportunity to update a piece's look significantly. You can change the fabric pattern and color, add or remove button tufting, replace decorative trim, and in some cases modify the cushion profile. A shop that also does woodwork can sometimes alter the silhouette of a piece more dramatically than a fabric-only upholsterer. It's worth discussing what changes are structurally possible during your initial consultation.

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