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.
Jannene Madden, Melbourne, Victoria
""Recently I went online searching for a particular piece of furniture and found an interesting piece at Wallrocks in Brisbane. It so happened I had planned a trip to Brisbane and upon entering the store, was very impressed with the quality of their pieces. Nick kindly offered to include my chosen piece in his next delivery to Melbourne, whereby I could place the piece insitu to ensure I was totally happy with the size and appearance. He was also happy to take the furniture back to Brisbane if it did not suit my space. Of course the piece was absolutely perfect and is a much treasured piece adorning my home.""
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.""
Samuel Wilkinson - Designer, Our Place, London, UK
"Thank you Jessica and the whole team at Wallrock’s Antiques, it was an absolute pleasure working with you. Without your ability and help in tracking down specific pieces that my client required for their federation era property I would have been lost. The quality of the pieces are first rate, the service amazing and whenever I had a gap in my project, it was Wallrock’s who I rang first. The great surprise was having Nick Wallrock personally deliver the items to site and have the opportunity to talk antiques, architecture and have his experienced eye cast over what we had been up to. There is an obvious passion for quality antiques and history throughout the multiple generations of Wallrock’s Antiques."
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.""
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. "