8 Upholstery Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

What started as Amanda Brown's quest to revitalize worn furniture evolved into this detailed guide to upholstery and design. Drawing from her experience running Spruce, a furniture redesign studio in Austin, she walks you through five projects, each bursting with over 900 photos that clarify techniques from stripping sofas to stuffing ottomans. You'll gain hands-on skills like sewing, fabric selection, and chair revamping, supported by appendices that explain complex steps like furniture stripping. This book suits anyone ready to tackle upholstery with a creative flair, though beginners should note the specialized tools and depth involved.

Cherry Dobson is an upholstery teacher with more than three decades of experience, and her expertise clearly shapes this guide. You’ll learn a broad range of skills, from selecting proper materials and tools to mastering complex techniques like button covering and chair stripping. The book takes you step by step through the processes, making it accessible whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your craft. Dobson also shares practical advice on evaluating secondhand furniture, helping you avoid costly errors by choosing appropriate stitches and textiles. If you want a hands-on, methodical approach to upholstery that grows with your skill level, this book could be a solid companion.

This tailored book explores the art and craft of upholstery with a focus on your unique interests and goals. It covers the essentials of upholstery techniques, from fabric selection and furniture preparation to advanced stitching and restoration methods, all tailored to match your background and aspirations. By concentrating on your specific learning needs, this book reveals how to approach projects with confidence, blending practical skills with an appreciation for design details. The personalized content ensures you engage deeply with upholstery concepts that resonate with your experience level, making mastery accessible and rewarding. Whether refreshing a vintage chair or crafting custom pieces, this book guides you step-by-step through the craft.

Unlike most upholstery manuals that zero in solely on techniques, Carole Thomerson brings a rich blend of restoration and furniture design experience from top British and American museums, offering you a multidimensional take on traditional upholstery. You’ll gain insight into not just how to upholster, but why certain methods have evolved, backed by 360 detailed illustrations and dozens of color photos that guide you visually through each step. Chapters explore the historical context behind styles and materials, enriching your appreciation while sharpening your craft. This book suits anyone serious about mastering traditional upholstery, whether you're restoring antiques or crafting bespoke pieces.

Drawing from her hands-on experience as a qualified upholsterer working with notable clients such as Paloma Faith and John Lewis, Vicky Grubb crafted this book to demystify upholstery for beginners. You’ll learn practical, modern techniques to transform thrifted or vintage furniture into stylish home pieces through ten approachable projects ranging from stools to headboards. The book breaks down upholstery skills into clear, jargon-free steps that make the craft accessible without overwhelming you with technical detail. If you enjoy working with fabric and want to refresh your home’s look without professional help, this guide offers a solid foundation and creative inspiration.

David James brings decades of upholstery expertise to this detailed guide, drawing on his extensive teaching experience at Buckinghamshire College. You’ll find clear, practical projects with precise cross-section diagrams and fabric-cutting layouts that demystify complex techniques. Chapters cover everything from restoring antique furniture to advanced reupholstering skills, making it a solid resource if you want to deepen your craft beyond basics. This book suits those comfortable with upholstery fundamentals who want hands-on projects with expert visual guidance—lessons not easily found elsewhere.

This tailored upholstery book offers a focused, rapid pathway to revitalize furniture in just 30 days. It explores essential upholstery techniques and materials while matching your background and skill level, ensuring every chapter addresses your specific goals. The content emphasizes hands-on, project-focused guidance designed to help you achieve noticeable results quickly without overwhelming detail. Through its personalized approach, the book reveals how to select fabrics, prepare frames, and apply finishing touches efficiently, blending expert upholstery knowledge with your unique interests. By concentrating on your priorities, this book makes upholstery accessible and rewarding, guiding you through a refreshing journey of furniture transformation.

Fred Mattson draws on decades of hands-on experience, beginning with stitching his own 1969 Oldsmobile as a teen, to guide you through automotive interior restoration with precision and clarity. You’ll learn detailed techniques such as seat restoration, door panel removal and assembly, headliner installation, carpet cutting, and convertible top repair, all supported by clear photos that demystify complex steps. This book suits anyone wanting to save money by mastering upholstery skills themselves rather than outsourcing, making it especially valuable for DIY car restorers who want to achieve show-quality results. Its straightforward, methodical approach helps you gain confidence to tackle your vehicle’s interior challenges without getting overwhelmed.

Don Taylor and Ron Mangus bring decades of hands-on expertise to this advanced guide on automotive upholstery, targeting enthusiasts eager to master custom interiors. The book is richly illustrated with over 800 color photos detailing materials, specialized fasteners, and tools, alongside precise instructions that elevate craftsmanship to a professional level. You’ll explore nuanced techniques for creating award-winning interiors, making it ideal if you’re beyond beginner stage and ready to tackle sophisticated customization. While it demands commitment, the depth here benefits anyone serious about high-quality car interior restoration and design.

Creative Publishing International, known for guiding crafters through sewing and textile arts, crafted this book to demystify upholstery techniques for a broad audience. You’ll gain detailed insights on fabric selection, frame preparation, and finishing touches, with clear visuals supporting each stage. The book’s stepwise approach breaks down complex upholstery projects into manageable parts, making it suitable whether you’re refreshing a chair or tackling more intricate furniture. If you’re looking to deepen your practical upholstery skills with reliable, well-illustrated instruction, this book serves as a solid foundation without overwhelming you with jargon or excessive theory.