There are multiple reasons to rescue and restore high-quality vintage and modern furniture. It’s absolutely environmentally sound and keeps materials out of the waste stream. Quality is another factor if you choose pieces that were well-constructed from the start. But we have to admit that we also love the creativity of restyling chairs, benches and sofas.

Usually we don’t tamper with the lines of a classic style, like an iconic Overman pod chair or rare Milo Baughman recliner. Sometimes we do a little tampering, like adding an upholstered top to a plain wooden bench or mixing and matching fabrics to elevate a design.

Here are six before and after projects that we took through the restoration process, including full reupholstery and frame restoration where needed (clockwise from top left):

• Milo Baughman for James Inc. Articulate Seating recliner
• B&B Italia Metropolitan chair designed by Jeffrey Bernett
• Unidentified Scandinavian bench in old growth oak
• American mid-century modern easy chair (possibly Kroehler Furniture)
• Overman (Sweden) swivel pod chair
• Unidentified mid-century scoop chair

BEFORE RESTORTATION: how we found them.

RESTORATION COMPLETED: after restoration and reupholstery.

Some of these pieces might be in our current inventory. Others are coming soon. And there are many more furniture transformations not featured here.

Browse the showcase section at MidModMen.com for availability. Visit the store Friday-Saturday from 11am-5pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm. We’re located at 2401 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55114.