These pages will provide insightful information about how to restore, reupholster, and care for your antiques . Its a good idea to appraise an antique before re-doing, painting , or reupholstering it. And try to leave the original cloth on the piece of furniture . Also try to use vintage fabrics on antique furniture if you are forced to replace the fabric.
Horse hair is an excellent refilling material and lasts the longest in the long run.
Use aging solutions or wood decorations that can be found at hardware stores. It destroys the patina of the furniture. But personally it should be up to what you think often stripes and checkered fabric is the hardest to line up so give it a little leeway. And keep the nails closer to the edge it will make it easier to take them out the next time you reupholster. If you are reupholstering with stripes and checkered patterned cloth be sure to line it up as closely as possible.