Wooden table with extension leaf
Mid-century modern wooden slatted bench on concrete floor
Close-up of a wooden chair with a gray cushioned seat on a carpeted floor.
Modern wooden chair with curved seat on a concrete surface

Reviving Mid-Century Design

Refinishing & Repair

← Before

After →

Before After

Our Approach

At Rescue Vintage, we approach furniture restoration as both preservation and renewal. We believe in honoring the original craftsmanship of each piece while addressing structural weaknesses and wear that come from decades of use. Through careful refinishing and methodical repair, we extend furniture lifespans—keeping quality design out of landfills while creating functional art pieces that will serve future generations.

Vintage wooden dresser with three drawers and two smaller top drawers, featuring ornate brass knobs, against a concrete wall.

Areas of Expertise

  • We specialize in addressing the unique challenges of mid-century veneer work, from lifting and chipping to complete section replacement. Our repair techniques maintain the integrity of original materials whenever possible, seamlessly integrating new elements when necessary.

  • We rehabilitate structural weaknesses common in aging furniture, from loose joints and broken components to complete rebuilds. Our repairs respect original construction methods while incorporating modern solutions for enhanced durability.

  • Our refinishing process removes damaged finishes and revitalizes tired wood surfaces. We offer traditional lacquer finishes, hand-rubbed oils, or hard wax coatings, selected to balance authenticity with practical durability for today's homes.

  • Some pieces need gentle restoration without complete refinishing. Our specialized cleaning methods remove decades of grime and buildup while preserving original patinas and finishes, breathing new life into pieces without erasing their history.

  • We thoughtfully adapt vintage pieces to modern needs while respecting original design. From height adjustments to custom shelving configurations, we can modify your furniture to enhance functionality without compromising aesthetic integrity.

How it Works

Close-up of vintage wooden chair with cane webbing and 'LIBIA' stamped on the wood.

Step 01

  • Submit an email inquiry with photos of your piece. We'll assess the project and provide a detailed estimate covering labor costs, finish recommendations, and timeline (most refinishing projects are booked 1+ month in advance). Once you accept the estimate, a 25% booking deposit secures your place in our schedule.

Mid-century modern wooden sideboard with cabinets and drawers against a textured wall.

Step 02

  • We'll discuss your vision for the piece and make recommendations based on our experience with similar items. This collaborative consultation ensures we understand your expectations for color, finish type, and any modifications needed to meet your specific needs.

Person applying finish to a wooden table with a cloth, wearing protective gloves and earmuffs, on a concrete floor.

Step 03

  • After a second 25% deposit and drop-off coordination, your piece undergoes its restoration in our workshop. Refinishing typically requires 4-6 weeks for completion, allowing proper time for stripping, repair, finishing, and curing. We'll share progress updates throughout this stage.

Elegant dining room with large wooden table, ornate chandelier, framed art, and garden view through windows.

Step 04

  • When your newly restored piece is ready, we'll notify you for pickup (to be arranged within 7 days). We'll provide finish-specific care instructions to ensure your furniture maintains its beauty for decades. We love seeing our pieces in their new environments—tag us on social media to share your restoration story!

Case Studies

Explore Transformations

“They helped bring our rickety chairs back to life.”

Matt and Natassja were wonderful to work with! They did excellent work on our dining chairs, keeping us in the know with the process along the way. New upholstery, better cushioning, rebuilding unstable chair foundation and even cleaning them up to help them shine! They helped bring our rickety chairs back to life to become a staple in our dining room for years to come. —Audrina De Moss-Steyn

Mid-century modern wooden chair against concrete wall