Restoring furniture should be carefully considered in the initial stages. Not all furniture pieces are worth the extra time and effort required to preserve and lengthen their lifespan. However, not all factors that can affect your decision will seem rational.

Hence, the team at Mostly Danish would like to let you know how to tell if the furniture is worth restoring.

How to Tell if Furniture Is Worth Restoring?

1. Consider the Age: Is It Antique?

Some pieces of furniture come with some form of historical value. The material used and their craftsmanship evoke a notion of rarity and value. These furniture pieces are known as antiques.

Antique furniture is very valuable on the market. Collectors of antique furniture have been known to pay large sums of money for classic furniture pieces. 

Hence, it is usually worth restoring furniture when it can be classified as antique.

2. Assess the Craftsmanship and Quality

Furniture built with great materials, tools and techniques usually lasts much longer than other furniture pieces. Their increased durability serves as a by-product of their superior manufacturing.

Restoring furniture whose quality is high is a great choice. The necessary furniture repair will be minimal to restore its original condition and this will help it last even longer.

3. Check for Structural and Surface Damage

Furniture restoration on worn down or broken furniture is not always worth it. The damage done could be repaired and the visual fidelity of the piece restored but not all flaws can be fixed easily.

Hence, restoring furniture with minimal damage that still maintains structural integrity is a better idea. This will allow your work on the furniture to last longer before any further repairs or disposal becomes necessary.

4. Cost of Restoration vs. Replacement

A big part of furniture restoration is the financial consideration required to make it properly work. The tools, materials and craftsmanship needed for furniture repair can create a significant cost.

Thus, if the cost of restoration is significantly more than the value of the furniture piece, the restoration might not be worth it. It might be better to find a new piece of furniture that will last longer and prove worth the investment.

5. Sentimental and Emotional Value

It may seem frivolous and shallow but the weight of personal sentiment can be high enough to make restoring furniture worth it.

The comforting feeling of furniture pieces has been known to have positive effects on individual mental health. The way therapists and other mental health professionals use comfortable seating can be replicated with a loved piece of furniture. It can help in relaxation, which in turn relieves stress. It can also serve as confidence and productivity booster, especially for those who work at home.

In this way, personal sentimental value can make expensive furniture restorations seem like reasonable and rational decisions.

When to Consult a Furniture Restoration Professional?

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine the value of a piece on your own. If you're unsure whether a piece is worth restoring, consulting a skilled restorer can help. At Mostly Danish, our experts can assess the condition, materials, and potential of your furniture. A professional opinion may save you time, money, and help preserve a truly valuable item.

Mostly Danish - Furniture Repair in Ottawa

Restoring furniture can be worth the time and effort when used with proper consideration. Knowing how to decide will allow you to make the best decisions for you and your furniture pieces.

Please contact us if you have any furniture that you think is worth restoring. Mostly Danish features the best furniture repair and restoration services in Ottawa. Our team of expert craftsmen has the experience and dedication to breathe new life into your furniture.