Sustainable Furniture & Reupholstery

"Reupholstering and reusing furniture is hugely beneficial for the environment – it reduces the effects of global warming, helps save our plants, trees and forests. As it stands, only 17% of furniture is being recycled, and UK landfill sites are filled with hundreds of thousands of old pieces of furniture each year."

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Sustainable Reupholstery

At the core of Asnew is reupholstery, this is where it all began. Reupholstery is a key aspect of sustainability and has been one of the company’s main values from day one. Asnew’s founders, Gary, and Jeremy, hated to see perfectly good quality furniture ending up in landfill, and since they had the skills and vision, they decided to make it their mission to do something about it. They established the company in 2002, with the determination that its name would be enough to promote what it was all about, and so Asnew was born.

Asnew Founders

About Us

In the early days, Asnew focused on reupholstery. Over the years, clients would ask us if we could make a new footstool, chair, or even a sofa to complement their existing reupholstered pieces. It made perfect sense, and with a trusted frame maker on board, Asnew started producing bespoke pieces of furniture for clients with great success.

"We will always do our best for our clients and the environment, reupholstering and repairing pieces whenever possible. When reupholstery is impossible, our new furniture collection offers the perfect lifetime solution."

In 2014, Asnew launched its first furniture range using the skills of an ever-growing team. The collection has since expanded to provide a wide range of exciting new pieces.

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New Sustainable Furniture

Our commitment is to produce timeless furniture of the highest quality that supports the sustainable reupholstery values of Asnew. The new furniture collection is designed to suit a wide range of interiors and can be the starting point of a client's scheme when moving into their first home or equally sit comfortably next to existing pieces.

All of our new furniture pieces can be made using 100% natural, biodegradable materials, eliminating the need for foam and synthetic fibres.

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Natural Upholstery Fabrics

At Asnew, we have a huge range of natural fabrics from top brands, such as Mulberry, Colefax & Fowler and Linwood, which are available to see in our showroom by appointment.

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Service Highlights

  • Asnew's team of exceptionally skilled craftsmen and women have 100's of years of experience between them. 
  • Staff have been employed for generations from the same family.
  • Frames, components, materials, and fabrics are ethically sourced.
  • We only use FSC certified wood.
  • The traditional production techniques are inherently sustainable, with each piece of furniture made by hand.
  • Quality and durability are at the heart of everything produced.
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Our Showroom

At Asnew, we are proud of our heritage and commitment to eco friendly furniture restoration, design, and production. 

We would love to share our company vision with existing and future customers. Book an appointment to visit our workshop and showroom at Abingdon, where you can not only explore our exciting new range but also view the workshop where the pieces are made and meet the people making them.

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Sustainable Furniture Materials

We combine top-quality craftsmanship with the latest cutting-edge sustainable materials, including graphite-infused latex, rubberised coir and UK-sourced layered wool.

Latex rubber tree

The Sustainable Upholstery Process

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Frame Assembly

All Asnew furniture frames are made from FSC certified solid wood.

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Webbing

Once the frame is fully assembled, checked and sanded to remove any rough edges the natural jute webbing is installed ready to support the springs.

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Springs

The springs are installed onto the webbing and secured in place with natural twine.

eco furniture material - rubberised coir

Rubberised coir

While the chair and springs are being assembled, the team cuts the rubberised coir to size.

eco furniture material - graphite infused latex

Graphite-infused latex

While the chair and springs are being assembled, the team cuts the graphite-infused latex to size.

eco furniture material - layered wool

Layered wool 

The final layer of cushioning the layered wool can then be planned and cut to size prior to upholstery.

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Assembling layers

All the layers are then brought together on the chair and adjusted for a perfect fit.

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Cutting of the upholstery fabric

While the cushioning and wool-safe interliner are fitted, planning and cutting of the upholstery fabric can be completed.

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Sewing the outer shell

Here the seamstress is sewing in the pleats to the outer shell in preparation for the upholstery.

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Upholstering the chair

Our experienced upholsters skillfully upholster the chair, ensuring the patterns align and the finish is smooth and crease-free.

Sustainable furniture - Upholstered Side Chair

The finished product

The finished product is fully sustainable and can be reupholstered in the future should fashions change or if the upholstery is worn out or damaged.

FAQs

Is your sustainable furniture fire rated?

Many of the sustainable materials we use are naturally fire retardant and the furniture composition is fully fire tested and FIRA rated.

Will sustainable furniture last as long as conventional furniture?

Yes, sustainable furniture often lasts as long as, or even longer than, conventional furniture. It is typically made from high-quality, durable materials like solid wood, organic fabrics, and non-toxic finishes, contributing to its longevity. Asnew also prioritises craftsmanship, ensuring that pieces are built to withstand regular use over time.

In contrast, conventional furniture, especially mass-produced items, may use cheaper materials like particleboard or synthetic fabrics that wear out faster. Although sustainable furniture may have a higher upfront cost, its durability makes it a better long-term investment.

Can existing furniture be reupholstered in a sustainable way

Yes, we can reupholster your existing furniture sustainably. We use eco-friendly materials like organic fabrics, natural padding (wool or latex), and non-toxic adhesives. Reupholstering extends the life of the furniture, reducing waste and minimising environmental impact. Additionally, sourcing materials from local or certified sustainable suppliers further ensures an eco-friendly process. Reupholstering in this way helps preserve well-built furniture while aligning with sustainable living practices.

Is sustainable furniture as comfortable as conventional furniture

Yes, sustainable furniture can be just as comfortable as conventional furniture. We use high-quality, natural materials like organic cotton, wool, and natural latex, which provide comfort and durability. Sustainable options focus on both ergonomics and health, offering comfort without harmful chemicals found in some conventional materials.

Is sustainable furniture and reupholstery more expensive?

Sustainable furniture and reupholstery are generally more expensive upfront due to eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and higher craftsmanship standards. Sustainable furniture often incorporates responsibly sourced (FSC) wood, organic fabrics, and non-toxic finishes, which cost more than conventional materials. Reupholstery with sustainable options, such as organic fabrics or natural padding, also raises costs.

However, these items tend to be more durable and environmentally friendly, offering long-term savings by reducing the need for replacements. Though the initial investment is higher, sustainable choices benefit your home and the planet in the long run.

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