An upholsterer covers furniture frames with padding and fabric or leather to make beds, mattresses, chairs, sofas and the seats of cars, buses and trains.

The Work

You could be:

• planning the job with your client and estimating costs
• measuring the furniture frame and preparing patterns
• cutting out the fabric to pattern
• fixing webbing and springs into seats
• covering frames with padding and fabric using sewing machines, stitches, staples, tacks and glue
• using decorative techniques such as fringing, piping and buttoning
• renovating and re-upholstering old furniture
• making up patterns for manufacturing and samples for trade shows
• visiting customers to check possible faulty items and carrying out repairs.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is usually around £18,000 a year. Experienced upholsterers can earn between £23,000 and £35,000 a year, or more. However if you make it into the expensive specialist markets such as one-offs in luxurious fabrics, then you can earn much more.

Conditions

• You might work at home or in a studio, workshop or factory.
• Factories or workshops are often noisy and dusty.
• You might do the work by hand or by using machinery.
• You may have to work overtime to complete orders on time.
• You would wear a face mask and ear protectors. You may also have to wear protective clothing.
• You have to bend and stretch and may also have to lift heavy weights.
• You may visit clients’ houses to give estimates and fix or collect and deliver furniture.

Getting In

• You may get direct entry to a job through a training scheme such as a Modern Apprenticeship.
• You might do a full time college course in subjects such as furniture craftsmanship, furniture restoration or furniture construction and design. You could do an NC or NQ (SCQF Levels 4-6), HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8).
• Entry to NC or NQ courses vary from no formal qualifications to 2-4 subjects at National 4 or 5. For entry to HNC or HND courses you need 1 or 2 Highers.
• City of Glasgow College offer various courses at NC, NQ, HNC and HND level.

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• good at working with your hands
• accurate and able to pay attention to detail
• good at taking measurements and doing calculations
• observant
• good at judging colours and shapes
• able to work quickly and carefully
• business minded if you are self-employed.

Training

• Training may be on the job through the employer’s training scheme.
• You may be able to do day release classes at college.
• Short courses are available at a number of places approved by the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers.

Getting On

With experience and qualifications you may go on to:

• a management post with a company that makes furniture
• work with antique dealers or furniture restorers
• work with interior designers
• teach your skills in college
• start your own business.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.