Please provide us with the following information when submitting an inquiry, and someone from the Trefler’s team will help you determine the next steps.

Please describe your item(s) in as much detail as possible. Information such as dimensions, what materials the item is made of (i.e. wood, plaster, porcelain), and your item’s current condition are all very helpful for our experts to make an accurate estimate.

We suggest providing at least three .jpg images per item. These should include; one image of the entire object, and detailed views of the area(s) of damage and/or pieces. 

If you are submitting an inquiry for painting restoration, please provide an additional photograph of the back of the canvas.

Our team will review all inquiries and assess the best course of action to suit your needs.

We look forward to hearing from you.

 


3421Did you know?

Trefler’s was featured in the Boston Design Guide!


THE VALUE OF RESTORATION

FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | MADDIE BRISBANE

There is something to be said for preserving the past for future generations. Many homeowners are discovering a renewed appreciation for timeless older furnishings and decor, encouraging a shift back to the value found in the exceptional craftsmanship of the past.

Since 1921, Trefler’s has been the go-to resource in the world of restoration, with a highly-skilled and passionate team that can really do it all. Embracing a hands-on approach, nearly everything at Trefler’s is done by hand, emphasizing the importance of individual attention, detail, and care. From sentimental heirlooms to intriguing antique finds, the variety of treasures that Trefler’s can expertly revive, refinish, and repurpose is vast.

(This large antique olive jar was repaired and restored by Trefler’s. Reassembling the 11 broken pieces required the jar to be filled and sanded along the breaks, and color matched as closely to the original as possible.)

Though it might be tempting to buy new, restoring older furniture and decor is an eco-friendly alternative. Opting for restoration over buying new can reduce waste and conserve resources. Repurposing existing items minimizes the demand for new materials and reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transportation, and disposal.

(Before and after: A gorgeous desk, once hazy, water damaged, and ridden with crazing is restored, with its original finish cleaned and conserved.)

Trefler’s restoration repertoire covers furniture, decorative arts, books, metal, paintings, frames, works on paper, upholstery, chandeliers, and more. Their processes blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to breathe new life into cherished possessions. “We recognize that each piece entrusted to us is an investment for the client, and we do not take that lightly,” says Laura Sheehan, Vice President and 23-year veteran of Trefler’s. “We are committed to delivering a high-end product that respects the history and integrity of the original.”

Choosing to restore also provides a unique opportunity for customization and personalization. Whether it be refinishing, repainting, or reupholstering, Trefler’s process includes working with clients to tailor the piece to their personal styles and preferences. “From our small team of 12 staff dedicated to their craft, our goal is to align with the client’s vision while offering insight on optimal treatments and custom projects,” Sheehan explains.

(Before, during, and after: Painting restoration is another service offered by Trefler’s, in addition to custom framing services. Here is a peek into the process of a painting being cleaned.)

Beyond traditional furniture restoration, their expertise includes reassembling furniture, reattaching parts, fabricating missing elements, and tackling cosmetic issues such as stripping, refinishing, and addressing water damage. Customers have the option to bring their projects directly to Trefler’s for estimates, or a Trefler’s expert can go to them on site. Trefler’s also provides assistance for claims; for example, if a piece is exposed to fire, soot, water, or mold they can also help to restore it. 

“We like the challenge of turning something that may have seen better days or is no longer functional, and transform it into something amazing,” Sheehan shares. “It’s rewarding.”

(Before and after: Designed to better fit a breakfast nook, this 4-legged table was transformed into a pedestal table. The newly designed base was color matched to blend seamlessly with the original piece.)

Through a blend of traditional craftsmanship, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for history, the services at Trefler’s serve as a promising alternative to the over-consumption of mass-produced furnishings and decor. By placing a premium on conserving and reviving the prized and precious items that define our past, homeowners can blaze a new trail in shaping a future full of character and quality. 

3340Did you know?

Trefler’s features Protective Enclosures for Books

Trefler’s book conservator can help you protect your favorite book with a book enclosure, which provides structural support and protection from the environment.

This could be appropriate for valuable books and/or books that hold special meaning for you. Book enclosures are made to precisely fit the dimensions of the book after exact measurements.

Our book conservator recommends a drop spine box, (sometimes called a clam shell box). This is an attractive presentation which can be customized with various covering materials (book cloth, paper, etc.). This can also be customized to hold other materials.

Call us at 617.965.3388 for more information.

3279Did you know?

Trefler’s offers in-home inspections of your items in need of restoration.

It can be daunting to think through the logistics of bringing your art and antiques into a studio for assessment. Luckily, Trefler’s is always available to come directly to you for a professional inspection of your items. We will take detailed notes about the condition of the piece(s), along with your goals and concerns. We follow up shortly after with a comprehensive report, describing our observations, the current condition of the piece(s), a restoration plan, and estimated cost and timeline. And, if your possessions should experience damage due to a fire, flood or move, Trefler’s is your go-to inspection company.  We will work with you and your insurance company/public adjuster, to provide detailed reports on a timely basis, assessing your pieces to determine how we can best restore/repair them.

Call us at 617.965.3388 for more information.

2469Celebrating 100 Years

 

Celebrating a family legacy

A century ago, Abraham Trefler began small company restoration company in Germany. After emigrating to the United States, Abraham carried onward with his family’s tradition of craftsmanship by launching a modest furniture restoration workshop in Boston, MA.

Under the namesake Trefler & Sons Antique Studio, Abraham Trefler grew his reputation as a leading restorer and later passed down his business to the next generation of the Trefler family. Over the last thirty years, Trefler’s has grown from a 1,200 square foot studio, into the 10,000 square foot, full service furniture restoration, decorative arts restoration and custom framing studio that it is today. Trefler’s now employs over a dozen team members, executing the same level of care and proudly keeping alive Abraham Trefler’s mission of providing the finest restoration services.


A new chapter, a new look and stories to share

On our 100th Birthday, we are excited to make other announcements including our new website, conceived by talented, west coast design studio, Lauren Fulton Design. We’ve had the fortune of restoring thousands of cherished possessions, and our new website now proudly shares some of these projects.

We couldn’t be more excited to bring these stories to you. Click here to visit our project archive and stay tuned for more stories to come.


Leading the way

We are also thrilled to announce Trefler’s new leadership with Paul McCarthy as Chief Operating Officer and Laura Sheehan-McDonald as Vice President and Head Conservator.

This year marks Laura’s 20 year anniversary with Trefler’s. We are so grateful for her. Paul McCarthy has been a part of the Trefler family for over thirty five years.Together, and with the help of all of our invaluable team members, Trefler’s steps forward into the next century. 

Click here to view the biographies of our full team, alongside striking portraits by photographer, Craig Barritt

Thank you to all of our clients, friends, family and team members for their support over the years. We are looking forward to a brighter 2021.