Refined Oak Dining Chairs (Pair)
A pair of Mid-Century English dining chairs in solid oak frames with oak veneer backrests, restored with a matte black glaze, Imbuia-stained veneer repair and new faux leather upholstery.
Piece Details
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The Form
This piece is recorded as a pair of Refined Oak Dining Chairs of English origin, produced in the Mid-Century period. Their maker is unconfirmed.
Each chair is built with a solid oak frame and an oak veneer backrest. At acquisition, the veneer backrests showed damage and the chairs presented an outdated aesthetic, requiring both technical repair and a considered aesthetic update rather than a like-for-like refinish.
The Restoration
The oak veneer backrests were repaired and stained with an Imbuia gel to highlight the natural wood grain. This staining is a contemporary restoration treatment and is not presented as an original period finish.
The solid oak frames were finished in matte black Tjhoko paint and professionally glazed, introduced during this restoration to create a contemporary silhouette against the restored veneer. As with the veneer stain, this finish is a restoration intervention, not the chairs’ original surface. New protective padding was added to the base of the legs.
The chairs were reupholstered in faux leather with new high-density foam. This upholstery is new, applied as part of the restoration, and is not the chairs’ original covering.
The Record
Treatment was completed in January 2026 and documented under reference THE-ODC-0082, where the piece is formally recorded as a pair of Refined Oak Dining Chairs.
The restoration record confirms a pair of two chairs; it does not document these chairs as part of a larger original dining set.
The work was executed by Samantha Cass, Founder of The Heritage Edit.
Care & Stewardship
Simple guidelines to preserve the glazed frame, restored veneer and faux leather upholstery of this pair.
01. The Frame
Dust the matte black glazed frame with a soft dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and strong solvents, which may affect the glaze finish.
02. The Backrest
Wipe the Imbuia-stained veneer with a soft, lightly dampened cloth and dry immediately. Avoid prolonged moisture exposure and direct sunlight, which may affect the veneer and its stain over time.
03. The Upholstery
Wipe the faux leather upholstery with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and prolonged direct heat, which may affect the material.