Every few weeks or so, a reader writes me to ask where to find vintage-design frieze upholstery fabric. They don’t always know what to call it — we call it “frieze” [pronounced free-zay] — that nubbly kind of shiny woven fabric used on lots of sofas and chairs in the early 1950s. Yes, the virtually indestructible upholstery that left its pattern on the back of your thighs. And now, lookie this: Reader Cathie has tipped us where to find New Old Stock (NOS) frieze fabrics — along with other NOS upholstery fabrics, too — in an unlikely albeit totally-makes-sense place: A company that specializes in providing fabric to people restoring their old cars. SMS Auto Fabrics — oh my, how much fun it is to look though their Product catalog!
1956 Cadillac upholstery fabric
Cathie wrote:
SMS Auto Fabrics in Oregon still produces frieze /frizzy fabrics. They are great about sending you samples. Just tell them the color you are looking for. I was so excited to find this place! Their frieze fabrics are amazing and extensive!!
1956 Studebaker upholstery
How did SMS Auto Fabrics get all this stock? I called the company, and they explained that typically, automakers or their suppliers have leftover yardage after they discontinue a certain interior fabric. They then sell all those leftover bolts to wholesalers. SMS has been buying this stuff up for 40 years (!) — so, they have built a name for themselves in this field and over the years have aggregated their extensive supply.
1956 Buick upholstery
On the company’s About page, owner Doug Pollock explains:
…Since 1977 I have worked hard to build the world’s largest collection of original and reproduction automotive cloth and vinyl for all American cars from the 1940s through the 2000s. This means we stock almost every cloth, vinyl, headliner, and vinyl top for every American car made during this time period, regardless of make.
The company told me that they have yardage — not just remnants. That means: If you need 20 yards for a full sofa, they may well have it. If you are trying to match something you already have, it’s best to send them a sample, they said. Otherwise: Start window shopping their vintage upholstery fabrics — the friezes are lovely, and oh my, so are many of the other designs. Grown up kids in a candy store time!
Thanks so much, Cathie, for this great tip!
Link love:
- SMS Auto Fabrics — New Old Stock interior upholstery fabrics and vinyls dating to 1948
- See my other stories about frieze fabrics — including some nice looking options from Knoll — here.
- For all my stories on upholstery options and references, see the Decorate / Upholstery subcategory.
The post Where to buy new old stock frieze upholstery fabric back to 1948 appeared first on Retro Renovation.
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