Upholstery is the craft of padding, springing, and covering furniture—and the people who do it are called upholsterers. Today the field spans living‑room sofas, car seats, and even airplane cabins, employs about 55 000 people in the U.S., and feeds a global fabric market worth ≈ $45 billion. Below is a beginner‑friendly guide to what upholstery is, the tools and terms you’ll hear, and how to turn the skill into a career.
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What “upholstery” means
Upholstery is the work of adding padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather to a seat or other furniture frame. The word comes from the Middle‑English “upholder,” an artisan who sold or fixed soft furnishings WikipediaFashinza. Common examples include sofas, club chairs, headboards, and ottomans HomeLane.
Key parts
- Frame – wood or metal skeleton
- Webbing & springs – give bounce
- Padding/foam – adds shape and comfort
- Cover fabric or leather – final visible layer Wikipedia
Essential tools & materials
Beginner kits usually include a staple gun, tack remover, mallet, pincers, tailor’s chalk, and high‑density foam blog.createacademy.com. Pros add walking‑foot sewing machines and compressor‑powered staplers for speed blog.createacademy.com.
Major fabric families
| Group | Best traits | Watch‑outs |
|---|---|---|
| Natural (cotton, linen, wool) | Breathable, classic look | Wrinkle & stain easily seatup.com |
| Synthetic (polyester, microfiber) | Stain‑resistant, budget‑friendly | Less breathable, static seatup.com |
| Performance (Sunbrella, Crypton) | UV‑proof, bleach‑cleanable | Higher yard cost seatup.com |
What an upholsterer does day‑to‑day
- Strip old fabric and staples
- Repair frames and replace springs
- Cut and sew new panels
- Staple and finish trim CareerExplorerBureau of Labor Statistics
Typical U.S. upholsterers earn ≈ $55 800 per year or $27/hour Salary.com.
Training paths
- Apprenticeship or trade school – 1‑3 years of hands‑on work Vintique Upholstery
- Certificate courses – part‑time evening programs at art or design schools Vintique Upholstery
- Self‑study + online tutorials – many start with small chair projects at home Kim\’s Upholstery
Job outlook & industry size
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists upholsterers under code 51‑6093 and projects slow overall growth but steady niche demand for vintage and high‑end work Bureau of Labor StatisticsRecruiter.com. Globally, upholstery fabric sales are on track to hit ≈ $72 billion by 2030, driven by furniture and auto interiors Cognitive Market Research.
Starting an upholstery business
Home‑based shops can launch with basic tools, two sturdy sawhorses, and a marketing plan focused on social media before‑and‑after posts Kim\’s Upholstery. Typical start‑up costs range from $3 000‑$10 000 for tools and initial fabric stock Kim\’s Upholstery.
Quick FAQ
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Is upholstery hard to learn? | Small footstools are beginner‑friendly; sofas take practice Vintique Upholstery |
| Can I make a living? | Yes—average pay ≈ $55 k, with higher rates for custom or auto work Salary.com |
| Does the craft have a future? | Rising demand for sustainable furniture keeps skilled upholsterers busy Financial Times |
Next steps:
Browse our directory of upholsterers for inspiration—or to hire a pro.
Try a simple dining‑chair redo to learn basics.
Explore local apprenticeships or online classes.