5 Creative Ways to Restore Vintage Charm with Wicker Chair Weaving in Summit, NJ

Admin • December 23, 2024
Two outdoor wicker chairs in the late afternoon sunset

If you’re lucky enough to own a vintage wicker chair, you’re already sitting on a piece of history. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a recent thrift shop find, restoring wicker chair weaving in Summit, NJ, can bring back its timeless charm and durability. Wicker chairs are not just furniture; they are a statement of craftsmanship and vintage elegance. Fortunately, with the expertise of professionals at Maxwell’s Furniture Restoration, you can revitalize your wicker chair and make it the centerpiece of any room.


In this article, we’ll explore five creative ways to restore your wicker chair using expert wicker seat weaving in Summit, NJ. 


1. Repairing Worn or Broken Wicker Weaving


Wicker weaving is a traditional technique, and over time, the material can wear out due to age, use, and exposure to the elements. Whether it’s a tear, break, or general fraying, repairing the woven structure of your wicker seat is essential to preserving its original beauty. Maxwell’s Furniture Restoration specializes in Wicker Seat Weaving in Summit, NJ, offering expert repair services to restore both the look and structural integrity of your chairs. With skilled craftsmanship, broken strands are replaced, and the seat is re-woven to ensure a secure, comfortable, and attractive finish.


2. Replacing Wicker Weaving with Custom Designs


One of the most exciting ways to restore your wicker chair’s charm is by updating the weave with a custom design. Custom wicker weaving allows you to choose from various patterns, colors, and materials to make your vintage piece unique. Whether you prefer a traditional basket weave or a more intricate design, a skilled artisan can reweave your wicker seat to reflect your personal style. This is an ideal option for those who want to add a modern twist to a classic piece while maintaining the integrity of the original chair.


At Maxwell’s Furniture Restoration, we offer a variety of custom design options for Wicker Chair Weaving in Summit, NJ, allowing you to personalize your furniture to fit your home’s aesthetic. 


3. Custom Upholstery for Added Comfort and Style


While wicker chairs are known for their sturdy frames and elegant weaving, they can sometimes be uncomfortable to sit on for extended periods. A fantastic way to enhance both the comfort and style of your wicker chair is through Custom Upholstery in Summit, NJ. Adding cushions or reupholstering the seat or back can transform your chair into a luxurious seating option without compromising its vintage charm.


With Custom-Design Upholstery in Summit, NJ, you can choose from a variety of fabrics that suit your style, whether that’s a classic pattern, vibrant color, or even outdoor fabric for patio use. Maxwell’s Furniture Restoration can help you create a comfortable, stylish look that complements the classic charm of your wicker chair.


4. Refinishing and Staining the Wicker Frame


For a truly refreshed look, consider refinishing or staining the wicker frame. Over time, wicker can lose its original luster, becoming dull or faded. Applying a new finish or stain can rejuvenate the chair, bringing out the natural beauty of the material. Whether you prefer a rich, dark stain or a lighter, natural finish, this simple update can make a huge difference in restoring your chair’s appearance.


5. Adding Vintage-Inspired Details


To give your wicker chair a more personalized touch, consider incorporating vintage-inspired details. Adding decorative elements, like fringe, tassels, or elegant throw pillows, can elevate the look of your chair and make it truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you choose to go with a more bohemian style or opt for a refined vintage look, these small touches can make a big impact.


In addition to Wicker Chair Weaving in Summit, NJ, Maxwell’s Furniture Restoration offers expert advice and services for customizing your piece with personalized details, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your home.


Restore the Vintage Charm of Your Wicker Chairs with Maxwell’s Furniture Restoration


Wicker chairs are more than just furniture; they’re an investment in style, comfort, and history. Whether you need expert Wicker Chair Weaving in Summit, NJ, Custom Upholstery in Summit, NJ, or a complete restoration, Maxwell’s Furniture Restoration is here to help. Our team of skilled artisans can breathe new life into your vintage pieces, ensuring that they stand the test of time.


Don’t hesitate to call us at (908) 232-0226 or Request a Quote Now. Let us help you preserve the elegance of your treasured furniture and add beauty to your home!

Upholstery Fabric Selection

By DON MAXWELL • September 26, 2025
Walking into the world of upholstery fabrics can feel a little like being a kid in a candy shop—so many options, it’s hard to know where to start! But here’s the good news: picking a fabric for your custom piece doesn’t have to feel stressful or overwhelming. In fact, it should be fun. When you buy furniture in a store, you’re usually limited to whatever fabrics that company works with. But when you’re reupholstering, the possibilities open up—you get to pick from a much wider world of colors, patterns, and textures. No compromises. Just something that’s tailored to you and your home. The trick is to go into it with an open mind. Think of it as a chance to breathe new life into your space, with fabrics that add personality and reflect your style. Here are a few questions that can help you get started: What colors do I want to work with? Sometimes the easiest place to begin is with color. Look around your room—at rugs, artwork, walls, or even accent pieces—and see which colors you’d like to pull out or complement. Just make sure you’re focusing on things that are going to stay in the room for a while, not something you might swap out next season. Since a custom piece is an investment, you’ll want it to feel “at home” in your space for the long run. What kind of fabric fits my needs? Think about how you’ll use the piece. Is it a formal chair that gets occasional use, or is it a sofa the whole family piles onto every day? That answer will guide what fabrics make the most sense. For example: Velvet, silk and linen add a touch of luxury but need a little more care. Leather or woven fabrics are great for durability. Performance fabrics are a smart choice if spills and heavy use are part of daily life. At Maxwell's Furniture Restoration someone is always available to point you toward the best options based on your lifestyle. Do I want a solid, a texture, or a pattern? Each choice brings something different to the table: Solids are timeless and easy to pair with just about anything. Textures give depth and interest without being busy. Patterns bring fun and personality—but keep in mind that larger repeats may need more fabric. Patterns can either make a piece the star of the room or quietly tie things together—it’s all about how bold you want to go. Do I want to change up the look of the piece? Don’t forget, fabric can totally transform a design. You might choose two different fabrics that complement each other—one for the body of the chair and another for the cushions. Or maybe you add contrast welting (that thin trim around the edges) or decorative nail heads for a little extra detail. These touches can make your piece look truly one-of-a-kind. Final Thoughts... Picking fabric is really about telling a story—your story—in your space. Try not to get stuck on one idea, because sometimes the fabric that works best isn’t the one you first imagined. Stay open, explore textures and colors you might not have considered, and enjoy the process. In the end, whatever you choose is going to add personality and bring your furniture—and your home—to life. And that’s the most exciting part!
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Transform Your Furniture with Custom Design Upholstery

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Maxwell’s Furniture Restoration offers expert custom design upholstery in Summit, NJ to refresh your furniture. Visit our website today.
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Woven Seats: The Beautiful Craft of Weaving Style

By DON MAXWELL • January 31, 2025
Many people assume that if their chair seat is woven, it's either wicker or cane. But did you know that there are actually several traditional weaving techniques used for chair seats, each with its own distinctive look, feel, and history? These methods have been passed down through generations and each one brings something unique to a chair’s design and durability. Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most popular weaving techniques: Caning Caning is one of the most popular and well-known chair weaving styles. It uses strips of rattan or reed to create a grid-like pattern, often in a honeycomb or diamond design. You'll often find caning on vintage or antique chairs, giving them a timeless look. Did you know that there are two types of caning? Hand caning involves individually weaving each strand by hand, which can be quite time-consuming but yields a beautiful, authentic result. Machine-made caning, on the other hand, offers a quicker and more cost-effective alternative, while still maintaining the classic appearance of the weave. (Stay tuned for a future blog where we’ll dive into the differences between hand and machine caning!) Rush Rush weaving is a traditional technique that uses twisted plant fibers, often from bulrushes or other natural grasses. These fibers are woven over the seat frame, creating a unique criss-cross pattern. It’s typically seen on rustic or country-style chairs, adding a warm, natural texture to the piece. Rush seats are durable, but they require maintenance over time due to their organic material. Danish Cord Danish cord is a popular choice for modern furniture design, particularly in mid-century modern chairs. This technique uses a natural fiber cord, often twisted paper or a synthetic alternative, woven in a clean, minimalist pattern. It’s a great balance of style and functionality, offering both durability and comfort, with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Shaker Tape Shaker tape, made of cotton or nylon, is typically used in solid or striped patterns to weave over the chair frame. This style is most often associated with Shaker-style furniture, which emphasizes simplicity and utility. Shaker tape provides a more contemporary look and is also incredibly easy to repair, making it a favorite among those seeking both practicality and style. Oak Splint/Split Weave Oak splint weaving involves using thin, flexible strips of oak wood, which are split and woven into intricate patterns to form a sturdy and natural-looking seat. This technique is commonly seen in early American furniture and provides a robust, timeless aesthetic. Oak splint seats are known for their durability and the natural beauty of the wood. Conclusion Each of these weaving techniques has its own set of qualities that contribute to the chair's aesthetic, comfort, and durability. The choice of weave often depends on the look you want to achieve, the level of maintenance you're prepared for, and the type of seating experience you desire. Whether you're restoring an old chair or looking to add a new piece to your collection, understanding the differences in these weaving techniques can help you make the right choice. Have a chair with a weave that needs repair or replacing? All our services are done on premise.