Blanchett Fine Furniture - Terrace End

classic style using the finest materials and craftmanship. Every chair, sofa and stool is crafted to fit each clients particular requirements and to give a lifetime of comfort.

Blanchett’s Furniture had its inception in 1991 when Martin Blanchett returned from the United Kingdom after spending some time manufacturing and marketing ‘high quality’ upholstered furniture.  With over 20 years of pursuing his craft, not only in New Zealand, but also in Australia, the USAand the United Kingdom, Martin has a commitment to designing and manufacturing ‘investment quality’ upholstered furniture using the finest materials and craftsmanship.  When you invest in Blanchett’s Furniture you’ll expect a lifetime of comfort from hand made construction and close attention to detail for every chair, sofa and stool.  Our classic frames are made of beech hardwood which is glued, screwed and dowelled with the additional protection of being corner blocked. This attention to detail has given us the confidence to provide a 10 year structural guarantee.  Our Classic range features a traditional seating and lumbar system that uses hand tied steel coil springs.  Blanchett’s Furniture is an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation.

The art of upholstery sprang from modest beginnings at the turn of the 16th century, the declining fashion for padded clothing meant hard wooden seats gave way to more comfortable ones. During the medieval period when kings and nobles felt the need to soften the austere surroundings of the castles of their realms.  It first appeared in the form of wall hangings, curtained beds and cushions on hard oak furniture.  By the end of the 15th century these loose cushions had become an integral part of the elegant chairs and bench seats in fashionable aristocratic circles.

During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries this built in cushioning evolved from being added on to helping inspire the creation of new forms of curvaceous and comfortable furniture covered almost entirely with beautiful hard wearing fabrics.

It reached a glorious peak during the 19th century, largely due to the introduction of the coil spring (patented in England in 1828).  The sculptured shapes made possible by sprung seats have enabled Blanchett's furniture to have both style and comfort.  The classic frames are made from solid beech wood to ensure a foundation of strength.

Seats and backs are comprised of steel springs hand-lashed and tied in the traditional manner.  They are covered with 100% natural fibre ending with an abundant feather and down seat cushion.