Our Story

What began as a fun hobby over a decade ago in our home state of NY grew into a dream career we enjoyed while living in NY, PA, SC and finally our forever home here in Asheville, NC.

Close-up of a woven chair made in a black and beige intricate pattern.
Seat weaving artisans collaborating on chair restoration in their Asheville River Arts District studio.

We believe every piece of furniture has a story and deserves a second chance. Our mission is simple: make sad furniture happy again.

Deb and Mitch, owners of Friend of Furniture in their private workshop location on the South Slope where they work on chair caning and seat weaving with their dog Monique by their side.

Meet the Team

We work together as a team, with our rescue pup, Monique🐾, always at our side. Whether we're restoring an antique heirloom, refinishing a piece with a new look, or completely upcycling and repurposing furniture for a new life, every project is a labor of love.

Over the years, chair seat weaving has become a prominent part of our work.
We specialize in:

  • Antique wooden chair with freshly restored press cane seat in Asheville furniture workshop.

    Cane Weaving

  • Detail of hand-woven rush seat showing traditional four-corner star pattern.

    Rush Seating

  • Close-up of a woven beige chair seat with wooden legs, on a tiled floor.

    Splint Reed

  • Close-up of a wooden chair with a repaired woven seat, showing the seat and part of the backrest.

    Binder Cane

And more traditional techniques…

But we don't stop there. When an old chair can no longer perform as a chair, we give it new purpose as a wine rack, a small shelf, or even wall art.

Contact Us Today

Have a piece of sad furniture that needs some love? Send us an email. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Collection of antique chairs with various woven seat styles available for restoration at Friend of Furniture.
Contact us