Upholsterer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of interior design and furniture restoration, the role of upholsterers is more pivotal than ever.

As trends evolve and the demand for quality, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable furniture rises, the need for skilled craftsmen who can revive, enhance, and preserve our beloved furnishings grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s actually expected from an upholsterer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the art and science of upholstery,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

Upholsterer Duties and Responsibilities

Upholsterers are primarily responsible for restoring furniture with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather covers.

They use a variety of hand and power tools to create, repair, and install upholstery.

Upholsterers have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Consult with clients to discuss their upholstery needs and preferences
• Inspect furniture to determine the extent of damage or wear
• Remove old upholstery and repair frames if necessary
• Measure and cut fabric or leather materials to the correct shape and size
• Attach padding, springs, webbing, and covers using hand and power tools
• Sew seams and attach buttons and trim to finish the upholstery
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following safety regulations
• Estimate costs and provide quotes to clients
• Keep track of inventory and order materials as needed

 

Upholsterer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Upholsterer to join our team.

The successful candidate will have a knack for repairing and restoring furniture by replacing and repairing damaged upholstery.

The Upholsterer’s responsibilities will include removing old upholstery, making new upholstery, and installing it on furniture or other items.

Our ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has a keen eye for aesthetics and is familiar with a variety of upholstery techniques.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspect furniture to determine the extent of damage or wear
• Remove old fabric and padding from furniture
• Measure and cut new fabric or leather strips with the aid of design stencils
• Stitch together upholstery in accordance with the design
• Attach fabric or leather using staple guns or industrial sewing machines
• Repair furniture frames and refinish exposed wood
• Keep a record of all work performed and materials used
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Upholsterer
• Knowledge of various upholstery tools and techniques
• Ability to work with a variety of materials including leather, suede, and various fabric types
• Detail-oriented with a keen eye for aesthetics
• Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• High school diploma or equivalent. A vocational school certificate in upholstery is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional growth

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Upholsterer
• Work Environment: Workshop setting with occasional on-site work. Some lifting of heavy furniture may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Workshop Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 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 cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Upholsterer Do?

Upholsterers are skilled professionals who work with a variety of materials to cover, re-cover, repair, or design furniture.

They primarily work with textiles, foam, and other materials to create or restore upholstery for items such as chairs, sofas, and other furniture pieces.

Upholsterers often start their process by removing old coverings and repairing the frame or springs if necessary.

They then cut, shape, and apply new padding and fabric, carefully fitting each piece to the contours of the furniture.

They use various tools and techniques, such as sewing, stapling, and tufting, to attach and finish the upholstery.

Upholsterers may also create custom furniture designs based on client specifications, or restore antique furniture to its original condition.

They often work in furniture manufacturing or repair shops, but may also be self-employed or offer their services as part of larger interior design projects.

Upholsterers need a good eye for detail and design, as well as solid technical skills, to ensure their finished products are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

They also need good communication skills to understand and meet client needs.

 

Upholsterer Qualifications and Skills

An upholsterer should have a variety of technical and soft skills that align with the specific tasks and duties of the job role, including:

• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for detailed work with tools and fabrics
• Practical skills to cut and shape materials, and to repair and restore furniture
• Awareness of safety precautions, handling sharp and heavy tools and materials
• Strong attention to detail to ensure high-quality workmanship and adhere to specific design specifications
• Problem-solving abilities to assess the best method of repair or restoration and to resolve any issues that arise during the upholstery process
• Strong physical condition as the job may involve lifting heavy furniture and working in awkward positions
• Good color vision and aesthetic sense to match and coordinate fabrics and patterns
• Patience and precision for time-consuming, meticulous work
• Interpersonal and communication skills for understanding customer requirements and delivering the desired results
• Understanding of various fabrics, their properties, and how to handle them

 

Upholsterer Experience Requirements

Aspiring upholsterers often start their journey through vocational training or apprenticeships where they acquire hands-on experience in fabricating and repairing upholstered furniture.

This usually lasts for 1 to 2 years, giving them a solid foundation in the basics of upholstery.

During this time, they can gain experience in measuring and cutting fabric, attaching padding and fabric to furniture, and understanding the types of materials used in upholstery.

They can also learn about safety regulations and procedures related to upholstery work.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in both manual and machine sewing, fabric selection, furniture design, and the use of various upholstery tools.

They may also have experience in custom upholstery jobs, as well as repairing and restoring antique furniture.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have further specialized in areas such as automotive or marine upholstery.

Additionally, they could have some leadership experience, managing teams or overseeing projects, and may be ready for a managerial or supervisory role within an upholstery business.

Some may even possess the necessary skills and experience to start their own upholstery service.

 

Upholsterer Education and Training Requirements

Upholsterers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Many upholsterers learn the necessary skills through on-the-job training or apprenticeships, which may last for several months to a year.

Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience with various types of upholstery work, including furniture, vehicle interiors, and more.

This training often includes learning about materials, tools, and techniques used in upholstery.

There are also vocational and technical schools that offer courses and certificate programs in upholstery.

These programs may cover topics like furniture construction, fabric selection, sewing techniques, and safety procedures.

While not always required, some employers may prefer upholsterers who have completed formal training or certification.

This can demonstrate a commitment to the profession and a solid understanding of the skills and knowledge required.

Continued education is also important in this field, as technologies and techniques can change.

Upholsterers may attend workshops or courses to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Additionally, skills such as attention to detail, patience, and dexterity are often needed in upholstery work.

 

Upholsterer Salary Expectations

An Upholsterer can expect to earn an average salary of $36,670 (USD) per year.

However, the earnings can differ based on factors such as level of experience, skills, geographical location and the size of the employing company.

 

Upholsterer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an upholsterer need?

An upholsterer needs to have good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to work with precision on detailed tasks.

They also need to have a good sense of design and color to make aesthetic decisions on fabric choices and design elements.

Understanding of different types of fabrics and materials, as well as knowledge of furniture construction is also important.

In addition, they should have basic math skills for accurately measuring and cutting materials.

 

Do upholsterers need a degree?

Upholsterers do not necessarily need a degree, but they do need training.

This can be achieved through vocational schools, community colleges, or apprenticeships.

Some may also learn on the job.

Certification, although not always required, can enhance job prospects.

 

What should you look for in an upholsterer resume?

The first thing to look for is experience in upholstery work.

The resume should detail the kind of projects they have worked on, their role in those projects, and the specific skills they used.

Any additional skills like sewing, fabric cutting, or furniture repair should also be included.

Certificates or relevant training in upholstery should also be highlighted in the resume.

 

What qualities make a good upholsterer?

A good upholsterer is meticulous and pays close attention to detail, as they often work on intricate, unique pieces.

They should also be creative and have a good sense of design, as they often need to make decisions about fabric selection and placement.

Good physical stamina is also important, as the job can involve a lot of standing, bending, and lifting.

 

Is it difficult to hire upholsterers?

The difficulty of hiring upholsterers can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific skills you require, the location of your business, and the current job market.

However, since upholstery is a specialized skill, finding experienced upholsterers can sometimes be challenging.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complexities of what it truly means to be an upholsterer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about re-covering furniture.

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

With our practical upholsterer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop at the surface?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every stitch is a part of the grand design.

Let’s create that masterpiece. Together.

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