Examples of our work
Sofas & Days Beds
The word ‘sofa’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘soffa’, which was a raised floor covered with carpet and cushions for comfortable seating. More commonly used in Europe was the word settee, and since then, ‘couch’ (from the French word ‘coucher” meaning ‘to lay in place), ‘divan’ (from the Persian ‘devan’), and canapé. The canapè is widely thought to be introduced into the French courts in the early 1700’s and was the first examples of what we know as a traditional sofas.
Daybeds differ slightly to sofas and were intended for lounging, frequently with a curved back and one arm. Like sofas, day beds have many different names such as ‘Chaise Longue’ from the French meaning ‘long chair’ and Duchesse Brissee (broken duchesse) denoting a two or three piece suite which can be used either separately as chairs and a stool, or pushed together to form a long day bed.
We have been fortunate to find beautiful examples of both antique sofas and days beds, with vastly different characteristics and styles. Some are more simplistic and practical, whilst others are ornate and decorative. We have recently found a rare pair of gilt two seater sofas, which are just commencing their restoration journey, and we are very excited to see the end result.
Some examples of our recent restorations can be found in the below gallery. For more information on our antique sofas and day beds, please enquire.
Joan Greenwood, Warrick
""Every item has arrived in excellent condition and beautifully restored. Thank you both for the pleasure you and your antiques have brought and continue to delight me and my family. It is a pleasure to do business with Wallrocks.""
Narissa Perks - Director NT Corporate, Perth WA
"Hi Jessica I have been meaning to drop you an email to thank both yourself and Nick for all your help with the bed and bedside tables. It has been a pleasure dealing with you both and I am just so thrilled with the bed and the tables. They both complement each other so well, I couldn't be more pleased. The restoration of all the items looks amazing and Nick's instructions for assembly were very helpful. It now feels like we are staying in a luxury hotel every night! I would have no hesitation in purchasing items through you again or in recommending you to friends. I am just so pleased with the purchase. I admit that I was somewhat apprehensive making such a large purchase on an item I had only seen on your website and I hoped it looked every bit as good in real life (it did!), especially given I hadn't told my husband about it! Thankfully he loved it when I did the big reveal. The photos were fantastic and your professionalism set me at ease. "
Doug Patrick, Melbourne, Victoria
""My wife and I met Jess and Nick at an antique exhibition in Melbourne in mid-2014. We had long been looking for a special piece of furniture for one of the rooms in our Victorian-era home, and we were delighted to find exactly what we wanted at the Wallrocks stand. Jess and Nick could not have been more informative and encouraging, and our precious item was duly delivered to us with great care and efficiency. In addition, and thanks to their extensive range of stock, Jess and Nick were able to source and deliver two further items which complemented our original purchase. Together, the three items have made a dramatic difference to our home. My experience with the Wallrock family has been very satisfying, and the efforts which they have made to establish an outstanding website will ensure that I am able to find more irresistible items in the future.""
Elizabeth Foster, Gold Coast, Qld
""Hello Jessica I just wanted to thank you ……I love the bed! It has surpassed all expectations. I am amazed at how beautiful it is. Please pass on this note to any who are considering buying an antique through “Wallrocks” It is encouraging to find people that can combine passion with their work and this was evident from the first time I stepped through the door at Wallrocks. Nick Wallrock’s qualifications and experience in sourcing antiques is demonstrated in the simple act of displaying the antiques in their natural un-restored state. Most insightful, as it allowed me to see the piece I intended to buy for what it truly is. Seeing restoration take place on site further bolstered my approval that the piece I bought would be given the respect it deserved. Lynden and Peter are truly gifted restorers as evident in the finished piece. I enjoyed talking with them and seeing their restoration work in progress. Visualising the finished piece in my home was an easy step to take with the assistance of Jessica Wallrock (Nick’s daughter). Jessica’s has a natural ability with style and taste. Jessica imparted to me that antiques are not only beautiful but also useful and easily incorporated into the modern home. I hope that your experience with “Wallrocks” is as rewarding as mine. To Jessica, Nick and everyone at Wallrocks…..Thank You. I look forward to dealing with you in the future.""
Paul Stack, Taree, NSW
""We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jessica and Nick during our recent house renovations. The quality and knowledge of their furniture is fabulous and the restoration work (when needed) enhanced the look and feel of every item. Our chairs are beautiful and the new upholstery magnificent. The whole interior design process was handled by Jessica professionally and for a great price. Being located outside of Queensland was not an issue with all items personally delivered, quickly and safely, by Nick. Thanks to the team at Wallrocks our home is now more beautiful than ever!""
Nerolie Withnall, BA LLB Company Director & Former Lawyer, Brisbane Australia
""I have been buying fine French and English antique furniture from Wallrocks Antiques for 20 years and I continue to do so. The antiques Nick brings from his many sources in the UK and France are always beautiful; where necessary restoration is carried out onsite with sensitivity and craftsmanship; all items are properly and honestly provenanced, and Nick is generous in sharing with his clients his deep knowledge and understanding of antiques and antique markets. I have been very happy with all of my dealings with Wallrock Antiques. My home, and my life have been enriched by their lovely furniture.""