Antique Furniture Upholsterer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of art and design, the focus on antique furniture upholsterers has never been more prominent.

As appreciation for vintage aesthetics and preservation of history continues to grow, so does the need for skilled hands who can restore, refashion, and protect our antique furniture treasures.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an antique furniture upholsterer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of antique furniture upholstery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable antique furniture upholsterer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get right to it.

Antique Furniture Upholsterer Duties and Responsibilities

Antique Furniture Upholsterers perform a variety of tasks related to restoring, repairing, and upholstering antique furniture.

They require a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of historic furniture styles and fabrics.

The duties and responsibilities of an Antique Furniture Upholsterer include:

• Assessing the condition of antique furniture and determining the best course of restoration or repair
• Removing old fabric, padding, and other materials from furniture pieces
• Repairing or replacing damaged or worn-out furniture frames
• Selecting, measuring, and cutting appropriate fabric or leather for the furniture piece
• Applying new upholstery using a variety of tools, including hammers, air compressors, and staple guns
• Restoring original features of antique furniture, such as buttons, trims, and other decorative elements
• Consulting with clients to understand their restoration preferences and offering advice on fabric choices and finishes
• Maintaining a clean and organized workspace, adhering to safety regulations
• Ordering upholstery supplies and materials as needed
• Collaborating with other restoration professionals, such as woodworkers or antique dealers, to achieve the best restoration results

 

Antique Furniture Upholsterer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Antique Furniture Upholsterer to join our team.

The candidate will be responsible for restoring and repairing antique furniture, and will play a vital role in maintaining the aesthetic value and integrity of the pieces.

The ideal candidate should have a deep knowledge of different types of antique furniture, a keen eye for detail, and the technical skills necessary to restore pieces to their original condition.

 

Responsibilities

• Restoring and repairing different types of antique furniture including chairs, tables, and sofas.
• Stripping off old covering and removing padding and supports.
• Examining furniture frames and springs for defects.
• Choosing, cutting, and attaching new fabric or leather.
• Maintaining the integrity and value of the antique pieces while restoring them.
• Collaborating with clients to understand their vision and requirements.
• Maintaining an organized and clean work environment.
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest techniques and materials for antique furniture restoration.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Antique Furniture Upholsterer or similar role.
• Familiarity with different types of antique furniture and their restoration processes.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and precision.
• Ability to work with a variety of tools and materials.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or vocational training is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Antique Furniture Upholsterer
• Work Environment: This role primarily operates in a workshop setting, and involves physical labor and use of various tools.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Workshop Manager or Business Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Antique Furniture Upholsterer Do?

Antique Furniture Upholsterers are specialized artisans who work on restoring and preserving antique furniture, focusing primarily on the fabric and stuffing elements of the furniture pieces.

They assess the condition of the antique furniture, including the existing fabric, padding, and springs, and make decisions about the necessary repairs or replacements.

These professionals are skilled in understanding the historical accuracy of the materials and techniques used in different periods, allowing them to maintain the furniture’s authenticity during the restoration process.

They carefully remove old fabric and padding while taking care not to damage the furniture’s structure.

They then replace it with new, historically accurate fabric and stuffing, recreating the original look and feel of the piece.

In addition to hands-on work, they may also offer consultation services to clients, advising them on the best way to preserve and maintain their antique furniture.

Additionally, they may be involved in sourcing and purchasing historically accurate materials for their projects, ensuring the highest level of authenticity in their work.

 

Antique Furniture Upholsterer Qualifications and Skills

An Antique Furniture Upholsterer should have a unique blend of skills and qualifications that align with the specialist nature of the role, such as:

• Experience and knowledge in handling antique furniture, understanding their unique requirements and treating them with care and respect.
• Proficiency in upholstery techniques, including both traditional and modern methods, to restore or preserve the original appearance of antique furniture.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision in matching historical styles and patterns.
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina to handle tools and work on intricate designs for long periods.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify structural or aesthetic issues in antique furniture.
• Communication skills to understand client requirements, discuss restoration processes, and explain care instructions for preserved furniture.
• Knowledge of historical eras and styles of furniture to accurately restore pieces in line with their original design.
• Customer service skills to build relationships with clients, manage their expectations and ensure satisfaction with the finished product.

 

Antique Furniture Upholsterer Experience Requirements

Antique Furniture Upholsterers usually start their career by attending vocational schools or through an apprenticeship, where they gain a substantial amount of both theoretical and practical experience.

This training typically focuses on understanding different types of fabrics and materials, the history of furniture styles, and mastering various upholstery techniques.

Many upholsterers begin as assistants or trainees in a furniture restoration or upholstery workshop, accumulating experience and honing their skills in the craft.

This hands-on approach helps them understand the intricacies of working with antique furniture, which often requires special care and techniques.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience would have likely handled a variety of upholstery projects, often with a focus on antique or period furniture.

These professionals have typically developed a strong set of skills, including fabric selection, furniture disassembly and assembly, and the ability to create and implement upholstery designs in keeping with the style and period of the furniture piece.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have advanced skills such as the ability to restore or reproduce period-specific fabric patterns, work with traditional upholstery materials like horsehair and straw, or restore wooden elements of the furniture.

They may also have some supervisory experience, leading them to be ready for a managerial position in an upholstery workshop or antique furniture restoration firm.

 

Antique Furniture Upholsterer Education and Training Requirements

Antique Furniture Upholsterers typically undergo vocational training in upholstery, furniture restoration, or a related field.

They are trained in the practical application of tools and techniques used in the upholstery of antique furniture, with a keen emphasis on preserving the integrity and authenticity of the piece.

While a high school diploma or equivalent is often required, some upholsterers may start their career as an apprentice under an experienced professional, learning and honing their skills over time.

Knowledge of historical periods and styles, as well as traditional upholstery methods, is crucial for this role.

Upholsterers often learn this through on-the-job training, professional courses, or self-study.

In addition, many Antique Furniture Upholsterers may pursue certification from recognized bodies such as the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers.

This is not a requirement, but it can demonstrate a higher level of skill and commitment to the craft.

Advanced training in furniture restoration or conservation may also be beneficial, particularly for those working with valuable or historically significant pieces.

Good hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, and attention to detail are essential skills for this job, and are often developed and refined through practical experience.

Continuing education is important in this field, as new conservation techniques and materials are constantly being developed.

Therefore, a dedication to lifelong learning and staying updated on industry trends is highly encouraged.

 

Antique Furniture Upholsterer Salary Expectations

The average wage for an Antique Furniture Upholsterer is around $20.18 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly depending on the level of experience, location, and whether they are working independently or for a larger restoration company.

 

Antique Furniture Upholsterer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Antique Furniture Upholsterer need?

Antique Furniture Upholsterers need a detailed understanding of different types of antique furniture styles and their construction.

They must have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise cutting, fitting and stitching of upholstery materials.

Additionally, patience, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills are important.

 

Do Antique Furniture Upholsterers need a degree?

While a degree is not necessary, it’s beneficial if an Antique Furniture Upholsterer has completed a vocational training program in upholstery or furniture restoration.

Some might have apprenticeship experience under an experienced upholsterer.

Knowledge of antique furniture history and styles can also be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in an Antique Furniture Upholsterer’s resume?

Look for a background in upholstery, woodworking, or furniture restoration, with specific experience in antique furniture if possible.

Any vocational training, apprenticeship experience, or relevant certifications should also be included.

A strong portfolio showcasing their previous restoration projects can be a strong plus.

 

What qualities make a good Antique Furniture Upholsterer?

A good Antique Furniture Upholsterer is meticulous and detail-oriented, with a strong appreciation for preserving the integrity and history of antique pieces.

They have patience, perseverance and a keen eye for matching fabrics and styles to different periods.

They should also possess excellent hand skills for delicate and precise work, and good communication skills to understand and meet client expectations.

 

How challenging is it to hire Antique Furniture Upholsterers?

Hiring Antique Furniture Upholsterers can be quite challenging due to the specialized nature of the work.

The role requires a unique blend of skills, including knowledge of different furniture periods, woodworking, and upholstery techniques.

It might be necessary to widen your search and offer attractive terms to lure the right talent, or consider training a general upholsterer in antique styles.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unravelled the intricate world of being an antique furniture upholsterer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about re-covering old chairs.

It’s about breathing new life into vintage pieces, one stitch at a time.

With our ready-to-use antique furniture upholsterer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully prepared to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate resource for creating precision-crafted job listings or polishing your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every stitch in upholstery tells a story in the grand tapestry of restoration.

Let’s restore the past. Together.

How to Become an Antique Furniture Upholsterer (Complete Guide)

The Job Rundown: What’s Trending in Today’s Market

The Human Firewall: Jobs That AI Can’t Breach

Calm Careers: Jobs That Offer Peace of Mind and a Paycheck

Career Climbers: The Most In-Demand Jobs for Up-and-Comers