Renovation process
The Life of a Design Preowned Piece
From forgotten to functional – the story behind every chair, table and detail.
At Design Preowned, every piece of furniture we restore follows a curated, transparent journey – designed to extend its life by decades and reduce the need for new production. This process isn’t just about repair; it is about respect. For materials, for makers, and for the planet.
Scroll through the full lifecycle of our process – with embedded QR traceability and ESG documentation at every stage.
The Search: Finding Stories Worth Saving
Our journey begins across Scandinavia – in auction houses, estates, online platforms, and furniture factories. We don’t chase designer names. We look for craftsmanship, quality wood, and often overlooked details. A bent leg. A dusty finish. A seat forgotten in storage. These are the pieces we choose to save – often stacked in corners, waiting for a second chance.
We also work directly with manufacturers to rescue second-sort furniture, overproduction, and offcuts – transforming what would otherwise be waste into resources for our Waste to Collection line.
Arrival & Assessment: From Object to Opportunity
Once collected, items are carefully delivered to our Copenhagen facility via low-emission transport in batches – reducing our CO2 footprint from the start. Upon arrival, each piece is logged, tagged, and undergoes a thorough quality evaluation.
We assess its structural integrity, patina, and potential for restoration. If it passes our standards, it’s selected for full refurbishment. If not, components may still be salvaged for parts or reimagined into something entirely new.
This is where its second life begins.
Traceability & Transparency: A Digital DNA
Every selected item is assigned a unique PixelPai product ID and QR code, which follows it through the entire renovation journey. Scanning this code reveals the full story – from origin and materials to every step of the transformation.
This traceability isn’t just about storytelling. It forms the backbone of our ESG documentation – allowing us (and you) to measure environmental and social impact with real data. It’s proof of process, not marketing fluff.
Craft & Care: Where the Magic Happens
Restoration begins with disassembly and deep cleaning using probiotic, biodegradable solutions. No toxic chemicals. Just careful hands and natural materials. Joints are repaired, surfaces sanded, and wood is oiled to bring out its grain — all done using low-impact, heritage techniques.
If upholstered, the seat is rebuilt with natural coconut fibre, surplus leather or wool, and often finished with eco-labelled fabrics like those from Sørensen Leather. We also offer custom options tailored to our B2B partners’ needs – from cafes and offices to hotels and showrooms.
Each piece is then reassembled, checked, and refined until it meets our exacting standard of durability and beauty.
Delivery, Data & Dialogue
Once complete, each item is documented and delivered using protective, minimal-impact packaging. But our process doesn’t stop at the door.
Each client receives a fully traceable profile linked to their item — including its material breakdown, environmental savings, and digital proof of its story. For larger B2B clients, this system enables ESG-aligned procurement reporting that’s rooted in fact – not assumptions.
We also welcome feedback from every recipient, helping us continuously improve both our craftsmanship and service. Because in our model, every piece has a past, a future, and a human touch.
Furniture with a Past. Craftsmanship with a Future.
By choosing Design Preowned, you’re not just investing in quality furniture – you’re investing in a process that’s circular, trackable, and designed to make a real difference.