How We Restore Ercol Chairs

Restored Ercol chairs have become some of the most sought-after pieces in British interiors, known for their timeless design, solid wood construction and lasting comfort. At Baa Stool, we restore original vintage Ercol frames and reimagine them with luxurious sheepskin upholstery, creating one-of-a-kind pieces designed for modern living.

Why Choose a Vintage Ercol Chair?

There’s something special about an original Ercol frame. Made from solid wood and built using time-honoured techniques, these chairs were designed to last for decades.

Unlike modern mass-produced furniture, vintage Ercol pieces offer:

exceptional craftsmanship
beautiful natural materials
and a sense of history that cannot be replicated

Each frame we source has its own story, its own character and its own patina built up over years of use.

This is why vintage Ercol armchairs remain such a popular choice for those looking for quality, character and longevity.

Ercol Windsor Easy Chair Frame side image

Sourcing the Right Frames

We carefully hunt for vintage Ercol frames through shops and auctions, selecting only those that are structurally sound and well made.

We are not looking for perfection. Small marks, wear and signs of use are part of what makes these pieces special. What matters is that the frame is strong, honest and worth preserving.

Close up of an An image of an Ercol Jubilee High Back Easy Chair.

Cleaning and Preserving the Original Finish

Our process begins with a deep but sympathetic clean.

Using a specialist furniture restorer, we remove layers of wax, dirt and surface grime while nourishing the wood beneath. This helps revive the original finish without stripping away its history.

We then carefully address any scratches or dents, smoothing the surface while keeping the character intact.

The goal is never to make the piece look new – it’s to let it look its best version of old.

Every chair is finished by hand.

And yes, one of our favourite tools is a simple one – a sheepskin polishing mitt, used to bring out the warmth and natural glow of the wood.

Sometimes the simplest methods are still the best.

How We Restore Ercol Chairs

Each stage of the process is carefully considered to ensure the chair not only looks beautiful, but feels comfortable and lasts for years to come.

Restoring Comfort with Pirelli Webbing

Comfort is just as important as appearance.

Where needed, we replace the original support with Pirelli rubber webbing, the same material specified for Ercol furniture. This ensures the chair retains the correct level of tension and support, helping it feel as it was originally intended while protecting the integrity of the frame.

We apply the webbing using the traditional pegs on the older models or clips on the newer styles. This is how Ercol intend the webbing to be used.

It’s a detail that makes a real difference to how the chair feels to sit in.

Ercol Windsor Easy Chair Frame webbing image

Square Sheepskin Cushions - Rare Breed Square Sheepskin Cushion

Rebuilding the Cushion Interiors

We then turn our attention to the cushions.

Using our understanding of original Ercol designs, we recreate the cushion shape and replace the interiors with new, high-quality seating foam.

After testing different combinations, we’ve developed a setup that works beautifully:

a supportive seat
a softer back for comfort

For customers looking for a more natural alternative, we can also offer 100% natural latex foam cushions.

Choosing the Right Sheepskin for Your Ercol Chair

This is where each chair becomes truly personal.

Customers can choose from our collection of sheepskin colours and textures, from soft neutrals to bold statement tones. Whether you prefer a smooth, classic finish or something more textured and tactile, the sheepskin you choose plays a huge role in the final look and feel of the chair.

Sheepskin is not just beautiful – it is:

naturally durable
breathable
temperature regulating

It adds a softness and warmth that transforms a vintage Ercol frame into something even more inviting.

You can explore our current collection of restored Ercol chairs in sheepskin here.

38 sheepskin colour options available for handmade pouffes with free sample swatches.

Made to Order in North Wales

Each chair is finished to order in our workshop in North Wales here in the UK.

We create removable zipped cushion covers, with sheepskin on the front and a complementary wool fabric on the reverse. This ensures the chair is both practical and long-lasting.

Understanding the Differences – 203 vs 204 vs Evergreen

Not all Ercol chairs feel the same.

The Ercol 203 is lower, deeper and more relaxed – perfect for lounging
The Ercol 204 offers a slightly higher, more upright sit
The Evergreen high back chair provides excellent support for longer periods of sitting

Choosing the right one depends on how you like to sit and use your space.