Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/25/2006

Question
I have four old (1920's-40's)wood dining chairs.  The seats are dark leather with brass "buttons" around the edge binding the leather to the chair. Underneath the leather seat are springs-non have come thru the leather yet...  My question: these are not comfy to sit on- the springs will surely come thru if we use them.  How might these be restored? All the original materials are in good condition, but the springs don't seem quite right anymore... would they loose any possible value if restored in a different manner ie: springs removed? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Kate
Nice to hear from you.
In all my travels, I have never seen old dining chairs as you describe with actual metal springs.
These chairs usually have burlap strips woven to hold the stuffing. If these are old chairs, they are a mystery to me LOL. Are you sure about the age?
In order to remove the springs or replace them, the top leather, tacks and stuffing must be removed. There is no other way.
Furniture repairs done by an expert will never devalue furniture.
Hope this helps
Kindest Regards
Eileen