Reviving a Classic Sofa

Our client’s Tim Oulton Chesterfield sofa, once a leather showpiece, had seen better days.

Placed in a semi-outdoor space, it faced Singapore’s relentless sun and humidity. The sofa leather’s resilience has its limits. Even the foam-and-feather seat fill had deteriorated, losing the plush support that made the Chesterfield iconic.

The leather cracked while the once-bright brass upholstery nails tarnished into a crusty rust.

For the reupholstery, the client’s eclectic taste came through. He retained Aniline leather on the seat cushions, soft yet robust, while switching the main body to contract-grade velvet—a durable, richly textured fabric perfect for balancing form and function. A fresh foam fill replaced the original seat cushioning, restoring the comfort that had long faded.

In a subtle twist, the client opted for black velvet buttons, offering an understated detail that only reveals itself up close. Piping replaced the old upholstery nails, eliminating the risk of rust, a practical upgrade for its semi-outdoor location.

This refreshed Chesterfield now strikes a fine balance between rugged resilience and charm, blending rich textures and meticulous details with a new durability—ready to face the elements once again.