Our Workshop
Every vintage piece we offer is individually selected and lovingly restored in our Melbourne workshop.
Our in-house Artisans are trained in traditional polishing and furniture making techniques. We also use a network of skilled trades and service providers around Melbourne that we draw upon to assist undertaking more complex and specialised elements of restoration – such as electroplating, metalwork, traditional upholstery, leather and vinyl repairs, and painting or powdercoating.
We believe in preserving the integrity and beauty of Mid-Century design, ensuring that each item is given a new life while maintaining its original character.
Timber & Leather Care Products
We offer a range of timber care products to help maintain existing finishes or refresh vintage pieces. These products are available in-store.
For more information and online tutorials, visit the Howards Products website.
Feed-n-Wax Enhances the natural beauty and depth of grain in both finished and unfinished wood, prevents drying and deterioration, and polishes surfaces to a soft luster with a protective coating of natural waxes. It's ideal for maintaining restored finishes after using Restor-A-Finish
Restor-A-Finish Eliminates white heat rings and water marks, blends out scratches and blemishes, restores color and luster to faded finishes, and will not dissolve the existing finish. Available in Walnut and Golden Oak (239ml)
Orange Oil Used to dust, polish, and condition all wood surfaces, including kitchen cabinets, tables, chairs, desks, paneling, and antiques. Orange Oil helps prevent wood from drying out while restoring depth of grain and natural beauty. It's easy to use and excellent for polishing, conditioning, and nourishing all wood surfaces.
Renapur Renapur Leather Balsam, which nourishes, conditions, restores, and helps waterproof leather, using ingredients like beeswax, carnauba wax, and jojoba oil.
Restoration FAQs
Do You Restore Other People's Furniture?
Do You Restore Other People's Furniture?
Our Brunswick workshop employs three to four staff members specializing in timber restoration, sanding and polishing, electrical work, and manufacturing. Due to capacity, our restoration services are limited to our own items. However, we can provide recommendations for professional restorers who can quote on your project.
Do You Reupholster Furniture?
Do You Reupholster Furniture?
Our workshop's upholstery capabilities are limited to small tasks, mainly dining chairs
and seat rests. For our larger items such as sofas and cushions, we collaborate with
several local upholsterers.
If you are looking to reupholster pieces in your collection, we recommend contacting
a professional upholstery company with images and measurements to receive a
labour quote and fabric requirements. Please contact us if you’d like some
suggestions.
Repairs
Repairs
If you've purchased a vintage item from us, we're happy to undertake minor repairs. For damaged items requiring repair or restoration, we charge a labor rate of $110 per hour. For more comprehensive and time-consuming restorations, we can refer you to a local restorer.
Do You Rewire Other People's Lamps?
Do You Rewire Other People's Lamps?
Our in-house electrical work is generally limited to our own stock. However, if you have a repair query, feel free to contact us, and we can recommend Melbourne-based lamp restorers. Occasionally, we may be able to accommodate small jobs ourselves.
Do You buy furniture locally?
Do You buy furniture locally?
While our warehouse primarily features European vintage furniture, we occasionally acquire local pieces or items we've previously sold.
Please note that we do not provide valuations or make offers. If you're interested in selling an item, please email us with images, any known details or history, the item's location, and your desired selling price.