Expert Furniture Restoration For Heritage Homes
30+ years of masterful craftsmanship specializing in Grade II listed building furniture restoration and premium upholstery services in South Shields
Meet Lee Southall
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in upholstery restoration and furniture repair, Lee Southall has built Classic Upholstery into a trusted name for heritage and listed building work. His passion for craftsmanship and commitment to perfection drives every project.
Specializing in Grade II listed building furniture restoration, Lee brings both technical expertise and an appreciation for historical authenticity. Whether you have a cherished family heirloom, commercial seating, or period furniture requiring specialist care, Lee's meticulous approach ensures exceptional results that honor the original craftsmanship.
30+ Years
Of proven expertise in upholstery restoration, trusted by customers across South Shields and beyond.
Heritage Focus
Specialist in Grade II listed building restoration with deep knowledge of period-appropriate techniques.
Quality First
Every project receives personalized attention and meticulous craftsmanship from start to finish.
"My philosophy is simple: treat every piece as if it's my own. Whether you're preserving a family heirloom, restoring a listed building's furniture, or updating your home's seating, I take pride in delivering work that will last another generation." — Lee Southall
Complete Upholstery Solutions
From full furniture restoration to specialized repairs and recovery work, we provide comprehensive upholstery services tailored to your needs.
Furniture Reupholstery
Complete fabric replacement and internal restoration. We handle everything from removing old upholstery to installing new padding, springs, and premium fabrics. Ideal for furniture with solid frames but worn surfaces.
- •Sofas and loveseats
- •Dining and accent chairs
- •Headboards and ottomans
- •Custom fabric selection and pattern matching
- •Decorative details: tufting, nailhead trim, piping
Furniture Repairs
Targeted repairs for specific issues without complete replacement. From torn seams to sagging cushions, we address the exact problems to extend your furniture's lifespan.
- •Seam repairs and reinforcement
- •Spring and webbing replacement
- •Cushion refilling and reshaping
- •Structural frame repair and strengthening
- •Button and decorative element replacement
Furniture Recovery
Quick fabric updates without major structural work. Perfect for refreshing furniture appearance or changing color schemes while maintaining the original frame and padding.
- •Aesthetic updates and color changes
- •Minimal internal work required
- •Faster turnaround than full reupholstery
- •Cost-effective option for sound furniture
- •Sustainable alternative to replacement
Specialty Services
Grade II Listed Building Restoration
Expert restoration of furniture in Grade II listed properties with heritage-appropriate techniques and materials.
Antique Furniture Restoration
Specialized care for antique pieces emphasizing originality and period-appropriate restoration methods.
Commercial Upholstery
High-durability upholstery for restaurants, hotels, offices, and institutional settings with heavy-duty fabrics.
Custom Fabric Services
Work with your own fabric selection or explore our curated range of premium upholstery materials.
Featured Project: Miners Hall
Redhill Durham Miners Hall Restoration (2018)
In 2018, Lee undertook the complete restoration of 360 oak-framed seats in this Grade II listed building. This was a massive undertaking requiring meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of heritage restoration principles. Beyond the upholstery work itself, Lee countersunk over 700 commemorative brass coins into the underside of the seats—a meaningful way to honor the building's history and community.
The craftsmanship and dedication were recognized by the D.M.A (Derwentside Mining Association), who presented Lee with a commemorative coin bearing his name in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the building's restoration. This project exemplifies Classic Upholstery's commitment to heritage preservation and community values.
Trusted by South Shields
5.0 out of 5
Based on 21 verified reviews
Excellent work! Lee restored our dining chairs beautifully. Highly professional and attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommended.
John Smith
South Shields
via Google
Amazing transformation of our family sofa. The craftsmanship is exceptional and Lee listened to exactly what we wanted. Worth every penny.
Sarah Johnson
Tyne and Wear
via Yell.com
Professional service from start to finish. The quality of work is outstanding and communication was excellent throughout the project.
Michael Thompson
South Shields
via Google
Lee transformed our antique chairs. The restoration was perfect and he maintained the period authenticity beautifully. Highly skilled.
Emma Wilson
Whitley Bay
via Yell.com
Outstanding work on our listed building furniture. Lee clearly understands heritage restoration. Very impressed with the results.
David Brown
South Shields
via Google
Best upholsterer I've worked with. Lee took great care with our sofa and the transformation was incredible. Highly trustworthy.
Catherine Davis
Jarrow
via Yell.com
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Your feedback helps us continue delivering exceptional upholstery restoration. Share your experience on Google or Yell.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs vary based on furniture size, condition, and fabric selection. Typical costs range from £200-400 for dining chairs, £500-800 for armchairs, and £1,000+ for sofas, including labor. Fabric costs vary from £25-65 per meter. We provide free quotes after assessing your specific piece.
Still Have Questions?
Get in touch with Lee directly for a personalized consultation about your upholstery needs.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Address
22 Arthington Way
South Shields
NE34 0HR, UK
By appointment