High 5

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday July 31, 2008

Melissa Penfold, Melissa Penfold sinks into some serious upholstery.

1. O'Hehir & Sons

Want a two-seater sofa? Or to revive your ancient Chesterfield? The O'Hehirs make beautiful, traditional furniture from scratch, or rescue existing pieces. Bill O'Hehir, one of the best pair of hands around, is also the king of loose covers. 264 Oxford Street, Woollahra. Phone: 9389 1972.

2. Ambience Upholstery

Owner David Money's attention to detail appeals to those who won't skimp. The pristine workroom produces bespoke sofas, armchairs, ottomans and loose covers, and brings new life to your favourite old wingback.

25B Doody Street, Alexandria. Phone: 9669 2669.

3. Atelier Furniture

Some of our best retailers and designers - Anibou, Spence & Lyda, Ke-zu, Schamburg & Alvisse, Briony Fitzgerald - head here. Swiss-trained Edwin Odermatt can do just about anything, including upholstered walls. Unit 14, 5 Parsons Street, Rozelle. Phone: 9810 4408.

4. Carlos Malta Pty Ltd

A serious trade secret, Carlos Malta does fabulous work with great detailing that graces some of Sydney's best houses. Devotees include top antique dealers and designers. Malta does mostly bespoke pieces. 676 Parramatta Road, Croydon. Phone: 9799 2820.

5. Jade Upholstery

This is the place to restore that exotic 18th-century French bergere armchair in the attic. Le Forge sends all its French stuff here. Derek March and his team do sofas, chairs, ottomans, bedheads, even boats, affordably. Unit 3, 56 Buffalo Road, Gladesville. Phone: 9807 8166.