Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Furniture Restoration & Bespoke Furniture in Reading
Established in 1989, Corwell has built a reputation as a trusted name in bespoke furniture creation and professional restoration. Founded by Simon Corbyn and Les Newell, our expertise stems from decades of combined experience in cabinet making and antique furniture restoration, honed through formal training at The London College of Furniture and years working with specialist firms. Our team of skilled craftsmen delivers tailored solutions for domestic, commercial, and corporate clients, prioritising sustainability by sourcing British materials and repurposing wood off-cuts to heat our workshop. We specialise in crafting made-to-order pieces that harmonise with existing interiors, from single items to complete room settings, while preserving the historical integrity of antique furniture through meticulous repair techniques.Our commitment to quality is evident in every project, whether restoring a cherished family heirloom or designing a custom four-poster bed. Client consultation forms the foundation of our process, ensuring precise scaled drawings and transparent cost estimates before crafting begins. With a focus on traditional methods like French polishing and veneering, alongside modern innovations, we ensure each piece retains its value and character. Our dedication to environmental responsibility extends to planting trees in local communities and minimising waste through resourceful material use. Recognised for excellence in Berkshire and beyond, we serve clients nationwide, blending craftsmanship with a personal touch that has earned us enduring trust and accolades.
Services
Furniture Restoration
Bespoke Furniture
Antique Restoration
Modern Furniture Repair
Chair Making
Table Restoration
Cabinet Making
Wood Repair
French Polishing
Re-upholstery
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in furniture restoration and bespoke design.
- Our team includes fully qualified craftsmen trained in traditional cabinet making techniques.
- We prioritise sustainability through responsible timber sourcing and waste reduction practices.
- We provide transparent consultation and detailed project planning before any work begins.
- We combine traditional methods like French polishing with modern finishing technologies.
What people say
Craftsmanship is flawless
Delighted with the outcome
Beautifully restored
High quality
Excellent realisation
Services
Furniture Restoration
Our furniture restoration service breathes new life into cherished pieces using traditional techniques and modern methods. We specialise in repairing structural damage, re-polishing surfaces, and preserving original finishes while maintaining historical integrity. Our experts handle everything from minor touch-ups to complete overhauls of antique and modern furniture. With over three decades of experience, we ensure each restored piece retains its character and value for future generations.
Bespoke Furniture
Bespoke furniture creation forms the core of our offering, crafting made-to-order pieces tailored to individual specifications. From initial consultation to final delivery, we work closely with clients to design unique items that complement existing interiors. Our craftsmen use premium timbers and traditional joinery techniques to produce durable, aesthetically pleasing furniture. Whether creating a single statement piece or outfitting an entire room, we prioritise functionality, beauty, and lasting quality in every commission.
Antique Restoration
Specialising in antique furniture restoration, we preserve historical pieces using sympathetic techniques that maintain original character. Our conservation-focused approach addresses wear and tear while respecting patina and sentimental value. We employ traditional methods like French polishing and veneering to restore period-appropriate finishes. Each project involves detailed client consultation to ensure restoration aligns with both practical needs and preservation requirements for valuable heirlooms.
Chair Making
Our chair-making service combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design principles to create durable, comfortable seating solutions. We produce both custom-designed chairs and replicas of classic styles using time-tested joinery techniques. The process involves careful timber selection, precise construction, and expert finishing to ensure longevity. Whether crafting individual pieces or matching existing sets, we maintain rigorous quality standards to deliver chairs that balance aesthetics with functional performance.
Cabinet Making
Corwell's cabinet-making expertise delivers custom storage solutions that blend functionality with fine craftsmanship. We create bespoke cabinets for residential and commercial spaces, from bookcases to complete kitchen units. Using premium materials and traditional joinery methods, our cabinets combine durability with aesthetic appeal. Each project receives meticulous attention to detail, ensuring precise fit, smooth operation, and finishes that enhance the overall interior design while meeting specific storage requirements.
People
Simon Corbyn
Founder
Simon Corbyn co-founded Corwell in 1989 after studying at The London College of Furniture. With over four decades of experience in cabinet making and antique restoration, he brings technical expertise and creative vision to every project.
Les Newell
Founder
Les Newell established Corwell alongside Simon Corbyn in 1989. His formal training at The London College of Furniture and extensive industry experience inform his hands-on approach to furniture restoration and design.
Questions
What types of furniture restoration do you specialise in?
We handle all furniture restoration types, including antique repair, modern furniture rejuvenation, chair and table restoration, and disaster recovery for water or fire-damaged pieces.
Can you create completely custom furniture pieces?
Yes, we specialise in bespoke furniture creation, producing made-to-order items from single pieces to complete room settings tailored to your specific requirements and space.
How do you ensure furniture retains its historical value?
We use sympathetic restoration techniques that preserve original finishes and patina while addressing structural issues, ensuring antique pieces maintain their historical integrity and value.
What sustainable practices do you follow?
We prioritise British-sourced timber, repurpose wood off-cuts for workshop heating, and plant trees locally, combining traditional craftsmanship with environmentally responsible practices.
Do you work with commercial clients?
Yes, we serve diverse clients including interior designers, architects, and businesses, delivering tailored furniture solutions for both residential and commercial environments.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Reading, Berkshire, we serve clients across the UK, providing furniture restoration and bespoke design services to domestic and commercial customers nationwide.
Reviews (4)
Patrick Ingram
Feb 19, 2021
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Fixed two precious Ercol chairs - perfectly. Can not tell fixed from non-fixed. Much appreciated.
Service:Furniture repair
Service:Furniture repair
Jennifer Penfold
Oct 22, 2018
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Excellent in every way. Friendly, efficient service and brilliant workmanship. Thank you very much. Would recommend to anyone
Kate Donegan
Jun 22, 2013
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I received absolutely top quality service. A prompt visit, knowledgeable discussion about the work required. a fair estimate, and an utterly superb piece of work completed as stated. My father's very battered large walnut veneered desk looks as good as new. An amazing job. I recommend this company to you without reservation.
Kate Donegan
Kate Donegan
Richard Fletcher
Nov 16, 2012
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If you need something just that little bit "special" then Corwell's is the right choice. Had a large mirror made - non standard size. Will go back to them for any other bespoke furniture jobs in the future. Excellent work!
