How to Restore Bauhaus Fabric Chairs

The Bauhaus style comes from a design school operating in Germany from the 1910s through 1930s. Bauhaus designers created buildings with a large amount of glass and sleek lines. These designers later produced furniture using the same clean lines, metal bases, and fabric, leather or wicker covers. The original pieces are worth quite a bit today, but if a Bauhaus chair has a large amount of damage, you may find it helpful to restore it and give it a fresh look.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Aluminum foil
• Vacuum cleaner
• Upholstery attachment
• 2 tbsp. ammonia
• 1 qt. water
• Bowl
• Cloths
• Dry-cleaning solvent
• Baby oil

Instructions

1. Apply a thin layer of vinegar to the chrome legs and frame of the chair. Use aluminum foil to rub the vinegar onto the chrome. The vinegar removes dark marks and rusting from the chair frame, while the aluminum foil helps polish the metal.

2. Vacuum the chair with a vacuum cleaner and an upholstery attachment. Run the vacuum attachment over the surface of the chair. This removes any dust or debris that may make the chair look lighter or faded.

3. Combine the ammonia and water in a bowl. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and lightly brush it across any stains or dark spots on the fabric. Each time you brush the fabric, move the cloth so that a clean spot touches the fabric.

4. Dip a cloth in dry-cleaning solvent if the ammonia fails to remove stains. Rub the solvent on the chair fabric. If you notice any of the stain rubbing off, use a new cloth. Dry cleaning doesn't require rinsing, but you do need to let the fabric sit overnight to dry.

5. Rub down the chair legs with baby oil. Wipe off the excess baby oil with a dry cloth or paper towels. The baby oil makes the chrome legs look shinier and removes pitting on the metal.

Tips & Warnings

• If the chair is severely distressed, you may need to reupholster it with new fabric. Keep in mind that this typically lowers the value of the chair.

References

• Eartheasy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning
• Colorado State University Extension: Selecting Upholstered Furniture for Your Home
• Museum Furniture: Bauhaus Style Furniture