Residential Upholsterer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of home design, the significance of residential upholsterers has never been greater.

As interior trends evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can revamp, upgrade, and maintain our home furnishings continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a residential upholsterer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the craft of residential upholstery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable residential upholsterer job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Residential Upholsterer Duties and Responsibilities

Residential Upholsterers are primarily involved in the restoration or covering of furniture with fabrics, leather or other materials.

They use various tools and techniques to restore furniture to its original condition or give it a new look.

The duties and responsibilities of a Residential Upholsterer include:

• Inspecting furniture to determine the amount and type of work required
• Removing old fabric or leather from furniture
• Repairing and replacing damaged or worn-out furniture frames
• Selecting, measuring, and cutting fabric or leather for upholstery
• Applying fabric or leather to furniture using hand tools or automated equipment
• Stitching or gluing fabric panels
• Applying padding, filling, and/or springs to furniture as needed
• Creating and installing fabric draperies or slipcovers
• Estimating material costs and providing quotes to clients
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment

 

Residential Upholsterer Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

The Residential Upholsterer will be responsible for repairing and restoring damaged upholstery, making new covers and replacing old or damaged materials.

Our ideal candidate has experience in the upholstery field, has a keen eye for detail, and is well-versed in the different types of materials and fabrics used in upholstery.

Ultimately, the role of the Residential Upholsterer is to ensure that all upholstery jobs are completed to a high standard of quality, ensuring customer satisfaction.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspecting furniture to identify repairs needed and provide an estimate of the repair cost
• Removing, replacing or repairing damaged upholstery
• Applying new fabric or leather cuts to furniture frames in a way that ensures pattern continuity
• Understanding customers’ requirements and providing advice on upholstery options
• Maintaining clean and safe work areas
• Restoring antiques or other furniture with care and precision
• Staying updated with new trends, materials, and techniques in upholstery

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Upholsterer
• Knowledge of different upholstery techniques and fabrics
• Ability to use upholstery tools and machinery safely and effectively
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and physical condition
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training in upholstery is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for skills development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Residential Upholsterer
• Work Environment: Varied settings, including residential and commercial spaces. Some travel may be required for on-site repairs or consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Upholstery Manager.
• 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 or indicate if remote)
• 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 portfolio of your previous work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Residential Upholsterer Do?

Residential Upholsterers work primarily in the home furnishings sector, providing services directly to homeowners or through furniture stores and interior design firms.

They can also operate as self-employed individuals, running their own upholstery businesses.

They are involved in the repair, restoration and reupholstering of various types of furniture including sofas, armchairs, dining chairs and ottomans.

They replace or repair upholstery fabric, padding, springs, and frames as necessary to restore the furniture to its best condition.

Residential Upholsterers consult with clients to understand their preferences in terms of fabrics, colors, patterns, and finishes.

They may also offer advice on the best materials to use, considering factors such as durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal.

They use a variety of tools and equipment in their work, including scissors, staple guns, sewing machines, and upholstery hammers.

Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and creativity are key skills in this role.

Furthermore, Residential Upholsterers may work on custom upholstery projects, creating bespoke furniture pieces according to specific design briefs.

This requires good communication and interpretation skills to ensure the finished product meets the client’s vision and expectations.

In some cases, Residential Upholsterers may also work on window treatments, such as curtains and blinds, or other fabric-based home decor elements, expanding the scope of their services.

 

Residential Upholsterer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Residential Upholsterer should possess the necessary skills and qualifications to successfully complete upholstery tasks within a residential setting, including:

• Technical skills to reupholster, repair, and maintain a wide variety of furniture pieces according to client specifications.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to manipulate heavy furniture, use a variety of hand tools, and perform detailed work.
• Artistic creativity to design and implement custom upholstery solutions that align with a client’s aesthetic preferences and home decor.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure precise alignment of fabric patterns, secure installation of buttons and zippers, and superior finishing of upholstered furniture.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to understand client requirements, provide clear updates on work progress, and build strong customer relationships.
• Problem-solving abilities to efficiently identify and address issues like furniture damage, fabric mismatches, and unexpected changes in client requirements.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures to maintain a safe working environment and handle upholstery tools and materials responsibly.
• Customer service skills for scheduling appointments, managing transactions, and ensuring client satisfaction.

 

Residential Upholsterer Experience Requirements

Residential Upholsterers typically begin their careers with a vocational training program or apprenticeship in upholstery or a related field, where they acquire foundational knowledge and hands-on experience.

Many upholsterers start their journey by working under the supervision of an experienced professional, where they gain practical experience in repairing and replacing upholstery in residential settings.

This early exposure can range from 1 to 2 years, and it aids in understanding the nuances of fabric selection, stitching methods, and furniture styles.

Some residential upholsterers may further their skills by taking on more challenging tasks such as custom upholstery projects or antique furniture restoration.

After gaining around 3 to 5 years of experience, upholsterers typically have advanced skills in furniture reupholstering and are comfortable handling a range of materials and tools.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might have had the opportunity to manage large-scale residential projects and may have developed leadership skills.

At this stage, they may be ready for a managerial role or to start their own upholstery business.

Continued learning and staying updated with the latest trends in interior design and upholstery materials is also an important aspect of an upholsterer’s career growth.

 

Residential Upholsterer Education and Training Requirements

Residential Upholsterers typically learn their skills through on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs.

No formal education is generally required, however, a high school diploma or equivalent may be beneficial.

These apprenticeships and training programs offer practical hands-on experience in the craft, allowing individuals to learn about the various fabrics, materials, and techniques used in upholstery.

This training could last from several months up to four years.

In addition to this practical training, many employers value an understanding of design and color.

Therefore, courses in art, interior design, or similar subjects could enhance an upholsterer’s employability.

Certification is not required for Residential Upholsterers, but can showcase expertise and dedication to the profession.

Various institutions offer certification programs that assess and validate an upholsterer’s skills and knowledge.

Continual learning and skill development are important as upholstery techniques and materials can change over time.

Hence, many upholsterers may attend workshops or short courses to stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

 

Residential Upholsterer Salary Expectations

A Residential Upholsterer can expect to earn an average salary of $39,200 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the location of work, and the specific company they are employed by.

 

Residential Upholsterer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Residential Upholsterer need?

A Residential Upholsterer should possess manual dexterity and excellent hand-eye coordination for detailed work.

They should also have a good sense of design and color to match fabrics and styles accordingly.

Proficiency in the use of hand tools and automated tools used in upholstery is also a must.

Good physical stamina and the ability to lift and move heavy furniture pieces are also important.

 

Do Residential Upholsterers need a degree?

While a degree is not required, a diploma or certificate in upholstery or a related field can be beneficial.

Most Residential Upholsterers acquire their skills through vocational training programs or apprenticeships.

These usually cover upholstery techniques, fabric selection, color matching, and the use of hand and power tools.

 

What should you look for in a Residential Upholsterer resume?

A Residential Upholsterer resume should highlight the applicant’s experience with upholstery repair and restoration, their knowledge of various fabrics and materials, and their proficiency in using upholstery tools.

Also look for any additional skills such as carpentry or sewing, as well as their ability to handle physical tasks.

 

What qualities make a good Residential Upholsterer?

A good Residential Upholsterer should have a keen eye for detail, as upholstery work requires precision and a high degree of craftsmanship.

They should also have good customer service skills, as they will often deal with clients directly.

Furthermore, they should have the ability to work independently and solve problems, such as determining the best way to restore an antique piece of furniture.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Residential Upholsterer?

Finding skilled Residential Upholsterers can be challenging as upholstery is a specialized craft.

Employers may need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract qualified candidates.

It can also be beneficial to consider applicants who have related experience, such as in carpentry or sewing, and are willing to learn the trade.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a residential upholsterer.

You know what?

It’s not just about covering furniture.

It’s about weaving comfort and style into homes, one stitch at a time.

With our comprehensive residential upholsterer job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to step into the field.

But why limit yourself?

Expand your understanding with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for creating meticulously detailed job listings or sharpening your resume to a fine point.

Remember:

Every stitch contributes to the larger masterpiece.

Let’s craft those cozy corners. Together.

How to Become a Residential Upholsterer (Complete Guide)

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