Here’s my furniture restoration advice for what to keep and let go. It’s important to know when to keep and maintain items for sentimental and practical reasons…and also when to say good by to them.
Personally, I love to hang onto things. Remember years ago, a Better Homes & Gardens article said:
“When Mary Ann Pickett brings a piece of furniture into her home, it’s a longterm arrangement. Furnished with family antiques and sturdy basics, bought years ago and freshened in clever ways, her beach bungalow proves that in the right hands, everything old can look new again.”
We’ve had two moves since then but we still have a lot of the same furniture!
I also have two recipes and a flattering new top to share as it’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
1. Assessing Sentimental Value vs. Practicality
Do you have emotional attachment to certain furniture pieces? That’s normal. Sometimes sentimental value outweighs functionality.
In the photo above, the French antique dresser that we bought when we lived in Paris fits perfectly in that space. In our new home, I could only find one space to use it and it’s a little deeper than I want, but I’m keeping it!
However, sometimes practicality forces your hand and hopefully you can give the item to family. If not, it’s time to sell or donate it to someone that can really use it.
2. Condition Assessment
When you really love a piece, and you know it’s good quality, it’s better to repair/refurbish it than replace it.
Our 22 year old sofas, 15 years ago.
These custom sofas are solid construction and the English roll arm traditional design never goes out of style.
So recently, even though it costed around $2800 each for labor, designer performance fabric, pick-up and delivery, it made sense for us to reupholster them (they had wear and tear and sun damage–don’t we all 🙂
3. Restoration Feasibility
Ever since our son had a party and left spilled drinks overnight on our coffee table, warping it, I’ve debated about it. It can’t be sanded down due to the veneers.
As my tasteful friend, Liana recently commented on my instagram post about our bar stool dilemma “I’m learning that trying to keep things perfect at home is not something that anyone else values other than ourselves. Nobody really cares. Don’t stress and don’t waste your money.”
Wood Furniture Maintenance With Wax
So I decided to polish the coffee table with Minwax Paste Finishing Wax yet again and live with the imperfections another 10 years or so. A long time ago, Cindy Hattersley, who was in the antique furniture business, told me they used this to keep their wood antiques conditioned and gleaming.
4. Design and Style Considerations
Keep some of your old things even when downsizing. A mix of traditional and modern can give your space a unique collected look with “soul.”
Shop Our Living Room:
5. Eco-Friendly Practices
Keeping and maintaining what you have contributes to sustainability as in your old sofa/coffee table/chair etc. won’t end up as landfill.
6. Letting Go: When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
Sometimes pieces will not work when it just doesn’t fit the space (no room) or the style just isn’t you anymore.
I used to give our teenage son a commission on anything he sold for us on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. He now uses OfferUp for his own things.
When we bought a new extendable dining table for this house, our dining bench (above in SF) didn’t work anymore. It was meant more for a pedestal table and the legs got in the way when you sat down. It was a WS Home bench that I had had professionally recovered in Schumacher performance fabric.
So it was about a $1800 bench that I sold for around $250. I was a little sad but the lady who bought it from Facebook Marketplace was thrilled. That made me feel better.
You can also explore options like Chairish or local consignment shops to sell higher end pieces. If you just really want to get rid of things, try a moving or garage sale. Although lower your expectations about how much money you will make.
But the best way I like to say good-bye to pieces is when I see them again in our children’s homes. The television console above was custom built for our Newport Beach home and the tree and black floor lamp were with us in San Francisco.
What furniture have you had to let go of in terms of practicality and what are you hanging on to? Please leave a comment.
What To Cook: Howard’s Meatballs And Luca’s Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Howard made delicious meatballs with red sauce the other night and gave us the recipe.
Howard’s Meatballs And Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/5 cup white wine
- 1 3/4 cup tomato passata
- 1/ tbsp tomato paste
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl pour the ground meat and add the egg, Parmigiano cheese, chopped parsley and a little salt. Mix well until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the milk and mix. Finally add the breadcrumbs a little at a time. Incorporate into the mixture while keeping on stirring. You should get a firm but soft mixture.
- You can start forming the meatballs. Round some of the mixture with your hands and place it on a plate. Take care to create meatballs of the same size: about 2" or 3" in diameter.
- Now pour the olive oil into a frying pan. Sauté the chopped onion over low heat until golden brown.
- Add the meatballs one at a time and let them brown for a few minutes, turning gently so they are browned on all sides.
- Deglaze with white wine and allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Add the tomato passata and the tomato paste, dissolved in hot water. Stir gently being careful not to break up the meatballs.
- Cover with a lid and simmer for about 20 minutes. Before serving, taste and add a little bit of salt if necessary
READ: Tomato Passata, Tomato Sauce and Tomato Puree. Do you really know the difference?
Luca’s Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Ingredients
- 6oz. pasta (such as egg tagliolini, bucatini, or spaghetti)
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed, divided
- 1 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup finely grated Pecorino
- sprinkle with truffle powder, if desired
Instructions
- Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a 5-qt. pot. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until about 2 minutes before tender. Drain, reserving ¾ cup pasta cooking water.
- Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven or other large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add pepper and cook, swirling pan, until toasted, about 1 minute.
- Add ½ cup reserved pasta water to skillet and bring to a simmer. Add pasta and remaining butter. Remove pan from heat; add Pecorino, stirring and tossing until cheese melts, sauce coats the pasta, and pasta is al dente. (Add more pasta water if sauce seems dry.) Sprinkle with truffle powder, if desired.Transfer pasta to warm bowls and serve.
A New “Gape-less” Top I’m Loving
Have you heard of the brand The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens? Ever had problems with your blouse gaping open at the bust line (and the pain of trying to safety pin it)? You won’t anymore with this shirt’s patented technology (involving hidden buttons).
The Shirt gifted me this fitted top and I love it. I want to buy it in white to wear with skirts or jeans and a jacket. I’m wearing a size medium (size up). It’s fitted but no gaping. I rolled the sleeves once since my arms are shorter. (97% Cotton, 3% Stretch and made in Portugal). They also have long and three-quarter length versions.
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Have you ever used an online company for slip covers? I am considering one for a well made basset couch we have had for 15 yrs, and a beautiful Lee Industry love seat I bought off marketplace for $250!!!!! Was so excited:) I think the women I bought it from was pleased as well, even though I am sure it stung a bit.
Bravo on the loveseat! I usually like tight slipcovers so I research for them locally and by word of month. Please let me know if you have success with an online source.
I know Patiolane makes great replacement covers or seat cushions with the right measurements.
I had no idea your sofas were that old! I love how you used them in each house or apartment! They look beautiful! I know you always reccomend a pair of sofas!
A 6′ sofa is pretty versatile, Annie!
Four years ago, I got married, sold my house, had an estate sale, and moved into my new husband’s much-smaller house in a different town. The furniture that made the move were mostly family antiques: a secretary, a drop-leaf side table and a wooden arm chair that was a wedding present to my great grandparents (it was always known as “Papa’s chair”). I have found a place for all of those pieces and I live them. I also brought a white iron bed frame that I bought at First Monday Trade Days in Canton, TX (near my hometown). I bought the bed frame when I was young and single and love it. I just can’t part with it yet. I have two granddaughters and I’m hoping one of them might want it some day. It is hard to let go of sentimental items. I enjoyed your post!
Mary, sounds like you have a beautiful, collected look!
We downsized and built a smaller house this past year so your post is very familiar for what we have just been through. I had to part with so many things that were quality, and some sentimental, but would just not fit anywhere in our new home. We donated most because our son only wanted a few things. There were a few pieces that were a no brainer to keep: my grandparents oak bedroom suit from the 1930’s, my Yamaha piano (100 year celebration upright with string length of a baby grand), my dining furniture (although a mix of styles acquired over the years today’s furniture could not match it’s quality) and a crystal chandelier that I just could not leave behind. I also repurposed, restored or had reupholstered several items, a couple that had been stored away and would have otherwise ended up in the landfill had they not been refurbished. Fortunately our King Hickory leather sectional was a perfect fit along with another sofa purchased many years ago that I am using in our music room. The latter was slipcovered in our last house and I will probably change that out or even use the original upholstery as the slip cover was for design purposes only. I, too, have always believed in buying the best quality one can afford because it will serve you well for many years.
So great that your sectional fit in the new house. Sounds like you have some pretty spaces.
First I agree completely with your furniture advice. Quality furniture or those with special meaning/memories are worth more than the dollar value. Second thing slightly off topic, I love the blouse you were gifted. If you have other clothing that is challenging I can’t recommend Hollywood Fashion Secrets on Amazon. I’m well endowed and for years this tape has prevented exposure I don’t want 😉.
Thanks, Denise. I will check it out!
Hi Mary Ann,
Lovely post thank you and thank Howard for me for the gorgeous recipe! I have bought shirts from the company in the past and they are wonderful especially for women with a challenging bust like me. The shirt looks terrific! We lived in Sydney, Australia for five years working on an American production and l bought some terrific sofas ( think long established family firm made in house)and because they were fairly new and production was paying for international shipping, bought them back with me. That was 25 years ago. We still have them now in our basement family room/ guest area but l am never getting rid of them, and will give them a new reupholstered life when the time comes and then eventually to our “kids” if l must. Looking forward to grandkids on them! Wonderful quality. I love reusing things.
Happy week!
Well-made Australian sofas!! Definitely keepers.
Timely post as we move and downsize this week. It is discouraging how little antiques are valued these days. Our kids want nothing. During our last move I ended up giving my mother’s French painted early 19th century armchair away with a post on Next Door. Consignment shops wanted to see it in person before committing and required it be in perfect shape. Well, it’s been in use for 200 years!
Ouch…I how it found a wonderful home though.
As always, another great post. As a fellow Floridian in the Jax Beach area, I totally relate to your style, both in decorating and fashion! We’re at the stage where a couple of our well made chairs are in need of updating by way of reupholstering. Do you know of a good source in our area for reupholstering? Appreciate any guidance you can provide.
Yes, Sheila.
Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering
2180 Emerson St
Jacksonville FL 32207
Let me know how you like them.
Thanks so much Mary Ann!
Cindy,
I enjoy reading your letter every Sunday. Today you provided me with some great knowledge. I have the same Henredon coffee table as you and have used it for going on 27 yrs, (and the matching tray top accent table). I am thrilled that you recommended the Minwax for polishing. I have tried many high end polishes that I did not think worked well. I’m running out today to purchase what you suggested.
Thank you…and keep the tips coming!
Oh that is so great to hear, Linda. If your tables get a lot of sun this helps with the orange color…but it takes a lot of “elbow grease.”
Mary Ann…you are 100% correct about elbow grease! My arm is ready to fall off and I have only done the trim woodaround the center part of the table so far. May I ask what you thought worked best for taking off and polishing? I’m using round pads with a grip area on the back for my fingers to slip into. Looked great…does not work great!
Thank you…I really appreciate your advise! Linda
i have two club chairs that fit me perfectly. I am about 5′ 3″ tall, and most chairs (and sofas) are too deep for me to sit comfortably without pillows behind me – and sometimes, I have to curl my legs up under me. I’ve had the chairs for more than 20 years, and it will cost more (maybe quite a lot more) to recover / refurbish the cushions than to buy new. But, I’ve looked and haven’t seen anything close to these chairs. What would you do – keep and renew or continue searching for new chairs?
Oops….Mary Ann!
Your post could not have come at a better time. My husband and I literally are in the downsizing process and moving 500 miles to a condo in the DC area to be near our daughter. I’ve been debating about what to take with us, have whittled the pieces down but have been really deliberating over a 20 year old sofa in great shape but a little faded. After reading your blog today, I am now going to move it and have it re- covered once I get there. This weekend we were delighted to be able to gift some of our favorite pieces to our grandson and his wife who were delighted with the antiques. I don’t know who was happier, them or us!
This post could not have come at a better time. My husband and I literally are in the downsizing process and moving 500 miles to a condo in the DC area to be near our daughter. I’ve been debating about what to take with us, have whittled the pieces down but have been really deliberating over a 20 year old sofa in great shape but a little faded. After reading this blog today, I am now going to move it and have it re- covered once I get there. This weekend we were delighted to be able to gift some of our favorite pieces to our grandson and his wife who were delighted with the antiques. I don’t know who was happier, them or us!
I love hearing that your grandchildren want your “family heirlooms.”
Keep them, Maeve. But choose a different fabric color or pattern so they feel new but familiar.
Sort of like what I did with our black and white ticking chairs.
Ma
Mary Ann, sorry about the above post–having issues with my computer. I just wanted to say that your post about furniture is very timely for me. My sister has moved to assisted living and is selling her house. She’s unable to sort through things, so that job has fallen to my son, daughter, and I. She has some heirloom furniture that we want to keep in the family. My house is small, but with some thought and creativity, I now have room for those treasured pieces. Bonus, it forced me to do some sorting and cleaning in my house which is always a good feeling!
Love your posts!
Oh that is fabulous, Diane! Bet your sister is happy, too.
Like you, I buy pieces with staying power. I’ve had my Danish modern dining table and teak desk for 31 years since my first place after law school. I doubt I will ever part with them. Ditto my great-grandmother’s brass claw foot and glass ball table which goes with nothing, but I love it. My dad said he could remember it as a child, so it has tremendous sentimental value, plus my mom restored it herself.
I ditched the dining table’s matching chairs (which were starting to break down) before a cross-country move and purchased inexpensive but colorful and comfortable upholstered chairs after I moved in. However, two Thomasville bachelor chest night tables and a custom chaise would not fit in my current bedroom, so I’m keeping them in temperature controlled storage until I can move back to Las Vegas. I realize I’m spending money to store items and although it doesn’t make sense from a financial perspective, I’m happy and grateful to be able to keep these treasured pieces. So, that’s a another option: store something until you can find a new home for it.
Deanne,
I’m glad you can store them. I’ve advised clients to store things for a year if they aren’t moving. In your case it makes sense but if not…we have friends in the mini-storage business and they have made A LOT of money from people storing things that they never use again.