Revive old furniture

Joshua Wolpe, DDN Staff Writer

Take a moment and think about that old favorite desk you have been working on for so many years now showing its age. Or think about the classic couch that has conformed to your rear end after supporting you and never letting you down. Or think about the antique family heirloom that needs some restoration.

Talent in craftsmanship can show itself in many ways. One of which is the delicate touch required to refurbish furniture. We become attached to these items over the years and we do not trust just anyone to give our furniture a facelift.

Experience counts

Cipriano Garcia first learned the trade of furniture restoration from his father at the age of 12 in San Antonio, Texas. He eventually made his way to San Jose, Calif., and practiced his trade in the Bay Area for many years.

He has two children in San Jose; a daughter studying to become a doctor and a son that owns a jewelry store. Garcia, now 63, came to Denver six years ago and opened his own shop, Custom Upholstery By Cipriano, two years ago.

Principles

His customers know exactly what they get in return when they hand over their furniture to Garcia; he has built his business on his principles and his word.

“When you come into my shop, what I tell you is exactly what I’m going to do,” he said. “The price I quote is firm, and I am as reasonable as possible.”

That approach keeps people coming back. Garcia got a phone call last week from a customer who had moved from Colorado to Kansas. She wanted to make sure he had some time for her that day because she was getting up at 5:30 a.m. to drive her piece of furniture to his shop; she did not want anyone else to take care of it.

Celebrity clients

While in the Bay Area, word of Garcia’s talent with old furniture quickly spread. He counts some big names among his clientele: Jerry Rice, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers; Ron Darling, formerly of the Oakland Athletics; Steve Jobs of Apple; the artist Thomas Kincaid; and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

Custom Upholstery by Cipriano

WHAT: A custom upholstery and furniture restoration shop. Free delivery and estimates.

HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LOCATION: 4430 W. 29th Ave.

PHONE: 303-458-1188

Taken from www.thedenverdailynews.com