A person interested in becoming a reupholsterer can get on-the-job training or enroll in courses to prepare for a career in furniture maintenance and repair. People with a particular interest in the appraisal and preservation of antiques and museum pieces will require additional education, such as a degree in art history or conservation. Reupholsterers work with a wide range of furniture and textiles, and employment opportunities in this field are varied.
Working for an experienced tradesperson to develop professional skills is the traditional way to become a reupholsterer. He or she can teach you how to inspect furniture, remove old upholstery, and replace stuffing and external upholstery. Working with a variety of furniture and learning techniques used with furniture from different eras to make a reupholstery job blend seamlessly with the look and style of the furniture can be part of the job.
Another option is to enroll in reupholstering school. College and technical school programs are available. Schools may provide structured classroom learning opportunities on topics such as textile history, different types of textiles, and furniture care. In addition, students practice their skills in a lab setting under the supervision of instructors. Students can receive a diploma or certificate upon graduation to use as a professional credential when applying for jobs.
Antiques, works of art, and historical items are more difficult to reupholster. These jobs necessitate not only the restoration of a furniture covering, but also the preservation of the original piece’s appearance and feel. The reupholsterer may be required to work with antique tools and materials, as well as select or create suitable filling and upholstery. A degree in textiles, art history, or conservation is usually required for someone who wants to work as a reupholsterer in a museum or similar facility.
It may be possible to work for a shop or independently after becoming a reupholsterer. This job necessitates a decently sized workspace, as well as a truck for transportation and a variety of tools. New reupholsterers should look into shop share or rental options to use while they establish their reputation and client base. This can be less expensive than trying to set up a shop and acquire a set of tools on your own at the start of your career.