Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Furniture Restoration & Bespoke Services in Reading
Established in 1989, Corwell specialises in bespoke furniture creation and expert restoration services. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to revive and enhance both antique and contemporary pieces. With decades of experience, we serve domestic clients, interior designers, and corporate clients across Reading and the wider Berkshire region. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to repurpose materials and support British manufacturing, ensuring every project aligns with environmental responsibility. From intricate repairs to full-scale custom builds, we prioritise client collaboration, attention to detail, and preservation of historical integrity. Our workshop houses skilled artisans proficient in French polishing, veneering, and re-upholstery, guaranteeing exceptional results tailored to individual specifications.By maintaining transparency throughout the process, we ensure clients understand every step of their furniture's transformation. Our reputation for excellence has been built through consistent delivery of high-quality work that meets functional and aesthetic needs. Through careful material selection and energy-efficient practices, we contribute to a circular economy while preserving furniture heritage. This dedication to craft, sustainability, and client satisfaction defines our approach to furniture making and restoration.
Services
Furniture Restoration
Bespoke Furniture
Antique Restoration
Modern Restoration
Chair Making
Cabinet Making
Veneering
French Polishing
Disaster Restoration
Re-upholstery
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of specialist furniture restoration expertise since 1989
- Our team includes master craftsmen trained at The London College of Furniture
- We combine traditional techniques with modern sustainability practices
- We provide transparent consultation and detailed project planning
- We maintain a comprehensive stock of reclaimed materials for sympathetic repairs
What people say
Craftsmanship is flawless
Delighted with the outcome
Beautifully restored
Quality of workmanship shine
Worth every penny
Services
Furniture Restoration
We specialise in restoring both modern and antique furniture to its original condition. Our skilled craftsmen use traditional techniques combined with modern methods to repair structural damage, re-polish surfaces, and replace missing components. By carefully preserving original finishes and materials, we maintain the historical integrity while ensuring functional longevity for future generations.
Bespoke Furniture
Our made-to-order furniture service creates unique pieces tailored to client specifications. From initial consultation to final delivery, we work closely with clients to design and craft furniture that complements existing interiors. Using sustainably sourced timbers and premium fittings, we produce high-quality items ranging from dining tables to complete room settings.
Antique Restoration
Specialist restoration for valuable antique furniture requires careful preservation of original features. Our experts assess each piece's historical context before undertaking repairs, ensuring conservation techniques maintain patina and sentimental value. We handle complex restoration projects while respecting the item's age and provenance.
Chair Making
We produce and restore various chair types using traditional joinery methods. Our workshop creates bespoke dining chairs, period reproductions, and replacement parts for antique seating. Each piece undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure structural integrity and comfort while maintaining aesthetic consistency with original designs.
Disaster Restoration
Our disaster recovery service addresses furniture damaged by floods, fires, or accidents. We employ specialist techniques to remove watermarks, repair structural damage, and restore finishes affected by smoke or vandalism. This service combines rapid response with careful conservation to salvage valuable pieces following unexpected incidents.
People
Simon Corbyn
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 40+ years' experience in furniture making and restoration. Trained at The London College of Furniture, Simon specialises in traditional cabinet making techniques and leads complex restoration projects.
Les Newell
Co-Founder
Co-founder and master craftsman with expertise in antique restoration. Les oversees bespoke projects and chairs production, combining City & Guilds qualifications with decades of practical experience in heritage furniture conservation.
Questions
What types of furniture do you restore?
We handle all wood furniture types including antiques, modern pieces, dining tables, chairs, cabinets, and specialist items. Our expertise covers both structural repairs and finish restoration.
Can you create custom furniture to specific dimensions?
Yes, our bespoke service produces made-to-measure furniture tailored to your space requirements, style preferences, and functional needs with full consultation throughout the process.
How do you ensure historical accuracy in antique restoration?
Our team uses traditional techniques and period-appropriate materials while maintaining original patina. We discuss all proposed work with clients to preserve sentimental and historical value.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We repurpose materials, use locally sourced timber, and recycle off-cuts for workshop heating. Our conservation approach prioritises extending furniture lifespan rather than replacement.
Do you work with commercial clients?
Yes, we provide solutions for interior designers, architects, and businesses requiring custom furniture or large-scale restoration projects with professional project management.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Reading, we serve clients across Berkshire, surrounding counties, and accept nationwide commissions for larger projects or specialist restoration work.
Reviews (7)
Patrick Ingram
Feb 19, 2021
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Fixed two precious Ercol chairs - perfectly. Can not tell fixed from non-fixed. Much appreciated.
Service:Furniture repair
Service:Furniture repair
David Jackson
Nov 10, 2019
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We needed to replicate a complicated hourglass style headrest for an antique dental chair. Corwell took the job on. They took the job in their stride and made an exact copy, by hand, which we reupholstered in leather. Our customer was extremely happy.
Letitia Martin
Dec 05, 2018
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Very happy with the service provided. The repair work to my Ercol furniture was completed in a timely manner, and the finish was above and beyond what I thought was possible. Will definitely use them again and would recommend to anyone.
Jennifer Penfold
Oct 22, 2018
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Excellent in every way. Friendly, efficient service and brilliant workmanship. Thank you very much. Would recommend to anyone
Maria Lewis
May 30, 2017
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The professionals at Corwell Furniture are very friendly and have the ability to understand every single preference of their customers. I asked them to make a bed for my child's room. I even stated all my ideas and preferences to them in detail. They noted everything and suggested their view points as well. After a week, they delivered a beautiful and uniquely designed piece to me. My child is really very excited to have her beautiful bed. Thank you.
Kate Donegan
Jun 22, 2013
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I received absolutely top quality service. A prompt visit, knowledgeable discussion about the work required. a fair estimate, and an utterly superb piece of work completed as stated. My father's very battered large walnut veneered desk looks as good as new. An amazing job. I recommend this company to you without reservation.
Kate Donegan
Kate Donegan
Richard Fletcher
Nov 16, 2012
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If you need something just that little bit "special" then Corwell's is the right choice. Had a large mirror made - non standard size. Will go back to them for any other bespoke furniture jobs in the future. Excellent work!
