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Upholsterer
Covers furniture with fabric, leather, and padding — restoring and creating comfortable seating.
Did you know?
Upholsterers were once called 'upholders', and London's Worshipful Company of Upholders guild dates back to 1360.
How subjects help
- Art & Design: Choose fabrics that suit an old chair and line up stripes and patterns neatly.
- Mathematics: Measure a sofa and work out how to cut the fabric with the least waste.
- Business Studies: Quote a fair price for each job by adding up materials, time and skill.
A famous name
Betsy Ross: Ran an upholstery shop in Philadelphia from the 1770s and made flags for the Pennsylvania navy in 1777.
Try it yourself: Cover a box neatly
- Measure each side of the box and plan how the paper will fold around it, with a little extra for the edges.
- Ask an adult to cut the paper to size, or fold it to size yourself.
- Wrap the box, folding the corners neatly and pulling the paper smooth and tight.
- Check it closely: are there wrinkles or gaps? What would you do differently next time?
Upholsterers measure, fit and smooth fabric over furniture so it looks neat and lasts, with every corner folded just right.
Also try: Draw your room to scale.
Known for it in
Italy, UK, France, USA, Germany