Furniture Restoration Workshop for Beginners
A straightforward introduction to mid-century furniture restoration, with real demonstrations, practical explanations and time to ask questions.
Secure booking is handled through Eventbrite.
Mid-Century Furniture Restoration Masterclass
This three-hour beginner session is designed to help you understand how I assess, prepare and restore mid-century furniture. I’ll demonstrate the tools, sanding methods, repair decisions and finishing approaches I use in real restoration work.
What We’ll Cover
Essential Tools
A practical introduction to the hand and power tools commonly used in furniture restoration, including what is worth owning and what can often be borrowed.
Working Safely
Dust control, PPE, ventilation and the basic precautions I use when working with old finishes and timber.
How Mid-Century Furniture Was Made
A look at common joinery, veneer and construction methods used in furniture from the 1950s–1970s, and how those details affect repair decisions.
Assessing a Piece
How I look at condition, previous repairs, structural problems and finishes before deciding what should be repaired, preserved or left alone.
Sanding Without Overdoing It
Hand and machine sanding methods, with particular care around thin veneer, edges and curved surfaces.
Working with Veneer
What to look for when veneer is lifting, damaged or worn, and when a simple repair may be possible.
Finishing Options
An introduction to lower-odour oils, waxes and sealers, and how I choose a finish that suits the timber and the character of the piece.
Questions & Common Mistakes
Time to ask questions about restoration, finishes and common mistakes that can permanently damage older furniture.
What You’ll Leave With
A clearer understanding of how to assess a mid-century piece before starting work.
A practical framework for deciding what to repair, prepare and finish.
A better sense of which jobs you can attempt yourself and when a piece needs more experienced restoration work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there car parking around the workshop?
Parking is limited around the workshop in central Fitzroy, so public transport is usually the easiest option. On weekends, some all-day parking may be available near Fitzroy Town Hall.
Can I bring into the workshop my own furniture to work on?
Not for this beginner workshop. Other sessions may be available for people who want to bring a piece and work through it in a more hands-on format.
Will I get dirty during the workshop?
No. This workshop is demonstration-led, so you can watch the techniques closely without needing work clothes. More hands-on sessions may be offered separately.
Is there a toilet on the premises?
Yes, there is a toilet on the premises.
Want to Join the Workshop?
Furniture Restoration Masterclass for Beginners · Saturday 24 October 2026 · 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM · Fitzroy, VIC.
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Bring your vintage furniture back to life with expert mid-century furniture restoration in Melbourne.
- Expert restoration for mid-century furniture
- Traditional craftsmanship and sustainable methods
- Restore teak, timber, and vintage furniture pieces
- Professional advice and personalised restoration solutions