Old Fashion Upholstery

Upholstery Shop in Knoxville, Tennessee

(865) 637-75331125 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917View on Yelp

About Old Fashion Upholstery

Old Fashion Upholstery brings a traditional approach to furniture reupholstery in Knoxville, Tennessee. The name signals something intentional: a commitment to doing things the way they were done when furniture was built to last a lifetime. Knoxville has a strong appreciation for older, well-crafted pieces, and shops that use time-tested techniques rather than shortcuts tend to attract customers with high standards. Whether you have a vintage parlor chair or a sturdy midcentury sofa that deserves better fabric, this shop takes the craft seriously. You can reach them at (865) 637-7533 to get started.

Services

Furniture Reupholstery

Services & Process

Old Fashion Upholstery focuses on furniture reupholstery using techniques suited to both classic and contemporary pieces. Traditional methods like eight-way hand-tied springs, which were the standard in quality furniture manufacturing for decades, require skilled hands and time that most mass-market operations don't bother with. For customers bringing in antique or vintage furniture, these methods are often the only appropriate way to restore the piece authentically. Beyond the structural work, fabric selection plays a big role, with customers choosing from a range of textiles to match the period or style of their furniture.

Service Area

Old Fashion Upholstery serves Knoxville, Tennessee and the broader surrounding area. Customers from historic neighborhoods throughout the city, as well as those in nearby communities across Knox County, bring pieces in for restoration work. Call (865) 637-7533 to discuss your project and get a sense of their current schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'eight-way hand-tied' mean, and why does it matter?
Eight-way hand-tied refers to a traditional spring construction method where each coil spring is tied in eight directions using jute twine, creating a suspension system that's both durable and comfortable. It's significantly more labor-intensive than modern sinuous spring systems, but it's also longer-lasting and more supportive. Furniture built this way, and restored this way, tends to outlast cheaper alternatives by decades.
Can old or antique fabric be matched for a restoration project?
Matching original fabric exactly can be difficult, especially for very old pieces, but a skilled upholsterer can often find options that are period-appropriate or visually close to the original. If authenticity is the priority, there are specialty textile suppliers that carry reproduction fabrics for antique restoration. It's worth discussing your goals upfront so the shop can source accordingly.
Is traditional upholstery more expensive than modern methods?
Generally, yes. Traditional techniques require more time and skill, which is reflected in the price. However, for a piece with real value, whether financial or sentimental, the investment usually makes sense. A properly restored antique chair done with traditional methods will hold up far longer than the same piece done with shortcuts.
How do I know if my antique furniture is structurally sound enough to reupholster?
A good upholsterer will assess the frame thoroughly before committing to the project. Common issues include cracked or split wood, loose joints, and deteriorated webbing or springs. Many of these can be repaired as part of the process, but it's important to know the scope of work before you agree on a price.
Can you reupholster furniture that has decorative wood trim or exposed carved wood?
Yes, furniture with decorative wood elements, often called show wood frames, is a specialty area for experienced upholsterers. The fabric work has to be done carefully so that seams and tacks are hidden properly and the wood elements are protected throughout the process. It takes more skill and attention, but the results on a well-carved antique piece are stunning.
What should I look for when choosing a fabric for a period piece?
For antique or vintage furniture, fabrics like velvet, brocade, tapestry, or linen blends often suit the period better than modern synthetic options. The weight and texture of the fabric should feel appropriate to the era of the piece. Your upholsterer can help guide you toward choices that look right historically while still holding up to practical daily use.

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