Business Details
12 Years
experience
Expert Vintage Furniture Restoration in Birmingham
At Just.be.retro, we specialise in the meticulous restoration and sale of Mid-Century and Vintage furniture, driven by a deep passion for British and Scandinavian design heritage. With over thirty years of expertise, our Birmingham-based workshop combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to revive iconic pieces from renowned manufacturers like G-Plan and Ercol, as well as forgotten treasures from brands such as Elliots of Newberry. Founded in 2014 by designer and restoration expert John Barlow, our philosophy centres on preserving design integrity while offering sustainable alternatives to mass-produced furniture.We serve clients across the UK and Europe, providing tailored restoration services, expert advice, and a curated collection of restored pieces. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in our focus on recycling and repurposing vintage furniture, reducing waste, and conserving irreplaceable materials. Every project reflects our dedication to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction, ensuring each piece we restore continues to tell its unique story for generations to come.
Services
Furniture Restoration
Vintage Sales
Bespoke Refurbishment
Nationwide Delivery
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of specialist experience in vintage furniture restoration
- Our team focuses on authentic Mid-Century and Scandinavian design expertise
- We offer sustainable alternatives through furniture recycling and conservation
- Our Birmingham workshop provides bespoke restoration services for unique pieces
- We guarantee nationwide delivery with specialist vintage furniture couriers
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Unique vintage collection
Knowledgeable staff
Sustainable approach
Authentic Mid-Century pieces
Services
Furniture Restoration
Our expert team specialises in restoring Mid-Century and Vintage furniture to its original glory. Using traditional techniques combined with modern methods, we handle everything from structural repairs to surface refinishing. Each piece receives meticulous attention to detail, ensuring authenticity while meeting contemporary usability standards. This service caters to both private clients and trade professionals seeking to preserve valuable design heritage.
Vintage Sales
We offer a curated selection of restored Mid-Century and Scandinavian furniture pieces. Our inventory includes iconic designs from renowned manufacturers like G-Plan and Ercol, alongside rare finds from lesser-known makers. Each item undergoes thorough restoration before sale, accompanied by detailed provenance information. This service serves design enthusiasts seeking authentic, high-quality vintage pieces for residential or commercial spaces.
Bespoke Refurbishment
Tailored restoration services adapt vintage furniture to specific client requirements. Our craftsmen modify pieces while maintaining their historical integrity, including adjustments for modern functionality or space constraints. This service appeals to clients wanting unique design solutions that blend heritage with contemporary needs, supported by our extensive experience in period-appropriate materials and techniques.
Nationwide Delivery
Specialist delivery service ensures safe transport of vintage furniture across the UK. We use trusted couriers trained in handling delicate items, with options for white-glove service. Smaller homeware items ship via Royal Mail. Local customers benefit from free delivery or collection options, while international clients receive custom shipping quotes for overseas orders.
Design Consultation
Professional guidance on selecting and restoring vintage furniture based on our 30+ years of experience. We advise on design authenticity, material suitability, and restoration possibilities. This service supports clients in making informed decisions about acquiring or refurbishing pieces, ensuring proper care and appreciation of Mid-Century design heritage for both residential and commercial projects.
People
John Barlow
Founder & Restoration Expert
With over 30 years in furniture restoration, John established Just.be.retro in 2014 after studying design at Shropshire College. He specialises in Mid-Century British and Scandinavian pieces, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to preserve design heritage while meeting contemporary needs.
Questions
What types of furniture do you specialise in restoring?
We focus on Mid-Century (1950s-1970s) British and Scandinavian furniture, including iconic brands like G-Plan and Ercol, as well as lesser-known manufacturers such as Elliots of Newberry.
Can you restore furniture not originally from well-known manufacturers?
Yes, we restore pieces from both renowned and forgotten brands, including specialist work on manufacturers like Jentique and Alfred Cox, applying our 30+ years of restoration expertise.
Do you offer delivery services for purchased items?
We provide specialist delivery across the UK using trusted couriers, with Royal Mail options for smaller homeware items and free local delivery available for Birmingham customers.
What environmental benefits does buying vintage furniture offer?
Purchasing restored vintage furniture reduces landfill waste, conserves irreplaceable old-growth timber, and minimises demand for new raw materials while preserving design heritage through sustainable practices.
Can you restore furniture to specific client requirements?
Our bespoke restoration service adapts vintage pieces to individual needs while maintaining historical integrity, including structural modifications and modern functionality upgrades using period-appropriate materials.
What happens if my purchased item arrives damaged?
Contact us immediately - we'll either arrange a replacement at our expense or process a full refund including delivery costs if the item is confirmed defective upon inspection.
