upholsteries

Upholsteries, in its broad sense, refers to the craft of designing, repairing, and finishing upholstered furniture. It encompasses the selection and application of padding, springs or webbing, textile covers, trim, and finishings to chairs, sofas, benches, and similar items. The term can describe the workshop, the work itself, or the materials used in the process.

Historically, upholstery traces to early upholsterers in Europe who padded furniture with materials such as horsehair, wool, cotton, or feathers and covered them with fabrics or leather. The trade grew with the rise of upholstered seating in the 17th to 19th centuries, evolving from hand stitching to early machine methods. The late 19th and 20th centuries introduced standardized spring systems, foam padding, and synthetic fabrics, enabling mass production and wider consumer access. Restoration and reupholstery became common as furniture aged or as tastes changed.

Common padding materials include horsehair, cotton batting, wool, foam cores, and down. Support systems use webbing, coil springs, pocket springs, or modern sinuous springs. Covers range from natural fibers such as cotton or linen to synthetics, leather, or vinyl. The process may involve frame inspection, dismantling, measuring, padding replacement, spring work, fabric cutting and sewing, and final fitting with tacks, staples, and stitches.

Care and maintenance emphasize avoiding direct sunlight and moisture, regular cleaning, and professional reupholstery for structural repairs. Modern upholsteries also emphasize sustainability and the use of recycled or low-VOC materials.