Updating a Lounge

Rita Hill has a good eye for a bargain, so she was very excited when she found a fantastic 1930s-era Club lounge suite by the side of the road in a recent council clean up. Although the suite had seen better days, Rita thought it would be a crime for such a treasure to go to the tip. Instead, she decided to have it restored by a professional upholsterer. It was recovered with Gosh Australian leather in 'Glenrowan Bark', which has a soft, suede-like finish.

Finding an upholsterer

Start by checking your local Yellow Pages under 'Upholsterers'. Before you accept a quote, make sure it includes all the work to be done. One company may be cheaper than another, but this usually means they're not listing hidden extras such as casters or wooden detailing. You can choose from a range of fabrics and vinyls, but the most luxurious covering has to be leather!

Cost

Our three-piece suite cost $5,800 to restore. This sounds expensive, but a quality modern lounge such as a Moran can cost in excess of $7,000, and you'd never be able to buy a classic 1930s Club lounge for that price. Our reconditioned lounge suite was valued at $12,000 by Joe Lopane of Arte Sofas in Sydney.

Original cost: free
Cost to do up: $ 5,800
Now valued at: $12,000
Profit: $ 6,200

Further information

For a chance to win this classic lounge, see the November edition of the Burke's Backyard magazine, available at newsagents for $4.80. Hurry, entries close November 30, 2001!

Our upholstery work was done by:
Browns Furniture Recovery,
Phone: (02) 9654 9862

The lounge was valued by:
Joe Lopane
Arte Sofas
Suite 4/7 Danks Street
Waterloo
Phone: (02) 9690 0488