Read my latest blogs

  • A upholstery nightmare due to a woodworrm infested brown chair

    As an upholsterer - whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years - there are some things you come across that will cause your heart to sink. Unfortunately, no one is immune to the nightmares that lie beneath the surface or the hidden secrets that spell upholstery hell. Here are the [...]

  • Stapling upholstery single piping onto chair with a staple gun

    Piping is used as a finish for many upholstery projects, so it’s an essential skill to learn. As well as being used frequently on boxed cushions and scatter cushions, you’re likely to come across it on a whole range of traditional and modern upholstered furniture. In this easy to follow masterclass, we’ll focus on single [...]

  • Deep pink fabric being sewn onto chair during upholstery process

    The craft of upholstery - what does it take to excel at it? Picking a great fabric and having the talent to put it on a piece of furniture, right? Well, yes, that is the most important part, but there are three extra skills that you definitely need to grasp before you can consider yourself [...]

  • Paula Johnson from Treasured Upholstery

    When I embarked on my upholstery journey over ten years ago, I hardly knew anyone who was an absolute beginner like me. Since I launched my online guide to getting into upholstery - Virtual Vintique: Upholstery Uncovered, with its own private online community, I’ve loved hearing all the stories of people just starting out. This [...]

  • Photo of Sharon O'Connor inspecting upholstery hammer with other tools on wall in background

    Over the years as an upholsterer, I've picked up a fair few tips on where to source and buy your essentials. Whether it’s fabrics and finishes or tools and fillings and foams, good suppliers are worth knowing about wherever you are in your upholstery journey. These are my go-to places I know I can rely on to find [...]

  • 19th Century Cornelius V Smith armchair with blue velvet material, wooden legs and castors

    I’m ALL for people having a go at upholstery themselves and as with most skills, much of it you learn through trial and error. But, if you’re an absolute beginner, I do have a word of caution: “don’t bite off more than you can chew”. If you choose an achievable transformation, you're more likely to [...]

  • Virtual Vintique logo

    March has been a manic month. In fact, I have barely stopped for breath since the start of 2021. Behind the scenes, I’ve been bringing to life my very own online guide. Virtual Vintique: Upholstery Uncovered is my take on everything you need to know if you’re considering pursuing upholstery as a new hobby or even thinking [...]

  • Upholstered blue patterned Lloyd Loom Ottoman lid

    When you’re starting out as an upholstery beginner, it’s really important to choose a project that won’t be overwhelming. What you’re looking for is something that will allow you to achieve a decent result while developing your skills. For this reason, something like a Lloyd Loom Ottoman is a great piece to begin with. I'll [...]

  • Very Vintique logo

    I love revamping treasured items of furniture for my customers. Hearing about the history of the pieces, whether they were picked up on the internet for a steal or handed down through generations. I don’t see it as a job. But, I can’t lie, there’s also something satisfying about the process of seeking out my [...]