New Upholstery

by Nicole Fulton, Stuart Weston

In eye-capturing style, this essential new guide provides everything do-it-yourselfers, design students, and professionals need to prepare and create beautifully upholstered furniture. Featuring 250 dazzling color photos, it provides the lowdown on scouting the antiques market for perfect furniture; choosing the right tools and materials; and selecting from today's innovative and vibrant fabrics-including finishes and trimmings, which are often the key to making or breaking a piece. Novice upholsterers learn a range of basic and complex techniques, from stripping back and top stuffing to springing and making cushions. Eighteen easy-to-master projects bring rewarding results, including a striking Arts and Crafts Easy Chair, sumptuous red suede box stool, soft leather '60s G Plan Chair, sensuous shaped headboard, and elegant 19th-Century sofa. A Selection of the Homestyle Book Club.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2006

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are better upholstery books out there and this ranks in the middle of the pack for me. I was surprised at how little the author focuses on the hardest part of upholstery, which for me is getting the hairy padding right and then stitching it correctly with the long needle—skills that are disappearing with the use of modern foam and Dacron. Many of the steps in the instructions should actually be broken down into many, many single steps and more, clearer, close-up photos are warranted. I enjoyed seeing the more contemporary pieces of furniture reupholstered in the back of the book. I also wished there were cooler fabrics showcased.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

It looks to be an excellent book on the subject, the only major flaw, from a Yankee perspective, is the extensive list of supplies and resources are in the UK.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great inspiration even if you don't plan to reupholster. There's plenty of practical hands-on information too.