Polsterer

Polsterer is a traditional craftsman who specializes in upholstery, padding, and covering of furniture and other upholstered items. The term, used in German-speaking countries, covers work on chairs, sofas, cushions, and can extend to upholstery for boats, aircraft, or automotive interiors as part of related trades. Polsterers combine technical skill with an eye for proportion, comfort, and fabric choice.

Work activities typically include evaluating a furniture piece, stripping old coverings, inspecting or repairing the frame, and rebuilding the padding with foam, horsehair or other materials. They install springs or webbing when needed, cut and sew coverings, apply upholstery fabrics or leather, and add finishing details such as piping, tacks, and seams. Restorers may reconstruct historic or damaged pieces, matching original construction and patina while improving durability.

Training and qualifications: In many German-speaking regions, Polsterer/in is a regulated apprenticeship within the dual education system, usually lasting around three years and culminating in examinations. Apprentices learn pattern work, cutting, sewing, padding techniques, and an understanding of materials and tools. Through further study, a Polsterer can advance to master craftsman status (Meister) and operate a workshop or specialize in restoration, bespoke work, or specialized upholstery for different sectors.

Context and scope: Polsterers work in furniture workshops, upholstery studios, restoration studios, and sometimes in the manufacturing or service sectors for hospitality, maritime, or automotive interiors. The profession emphasizes craftsmanship, material knowledge, and problem-solving to preserve and renew upholstered objects while balancing comfort and aesthetics.