UPHOLSTERY

What are the primary responsibilities of an upholstery professional?

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If you have an affinity for beautiful, luxury furniture that is also comfortable and one-of-a-kind, then it is time for you to connect with an upholstery professional. These professionals are skilled craftsmen who also have exceptional artistic talents and an eye for design. Basic upholstery services involve covering various types of chairs and couches with fabric, including some type of padding. In addition to affixing the padding and fabric to the furniture frame, upholsterers often work with coil springs. Because upholsterers create custom products for individuals and businesses, excellent customer service is a must. To ensure each of their clients understand all of the options and receive their desired final product, a professional upholsterer will spend time with you, asking questions about your project and getting to know your sense of style. Once a budget is determined and all of your questions are answered, you can decide together on the ideal fabric, padding, design, and style of your custom piece.

 

Are there specific requirements for upholsterers to operate in California?

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In the state of California, professional upholsterers need to be licensed through the Bureau of Household Goods and Services, or BHGS. The mission of the Bureau is to protect consumers and ensure quality and safety standards are met. To accomplish this, routine inspections and testing are conducted for professionals who provide upholstery services, including those who work in custom upholstery and repairs.

 

Are upholstery services available for my business?

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Where there is furniture, there is a need for upholstery services. However, these services can look different depending on if you need a piece custom-designed or repaired for your home or for your business. For a business, you may need multiple pieces that either match exactly or that complement each other very well. A few examples of businesses that commonly need upholstery services are hotels and resorts, doctors’ offices, restaurants and bars, any business with a waiting area or lobby, and private office spaces. Universities and government buildings may also benefit from upholstery services. 

 

What should I know about upholstery services for my home?

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The upholstery work needed for your home is likely to be a bit different than those needed by a business. In homes, pieces should complement one another but rarely need to match exactly. Additionally, the options you choose are likely to depend on which room of your home you are furnishing. For a living room, you may prefer to have large, plush pieces and to value comfort above all. However, the upholstery on the chairs in your dining room and kitchen might not need to be as plush, but you may prefer them to be stain-resistant, especially if you have small children. The more formal a room in your home, the more likely you will focus on high-end materials and stylish designs. 

 

How do I know which upholstery fabric to choose?

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There are a wide variety of upholstery fabrics available to choose from. Deciding which type is best for your furniture depends on where the piece will be located and what it will be used for. For example, upholstery fabrics used for outdoor furniture are much different than those used for indoor furniture. Upholstery fabric for outdoor furniture needs to be more durable, weather-resistant, and in some cases, water-proof. Another consideration is cost. Some types of upholstery fabric are more cost-efficient than others. If you would like the look of a leather sofa but do not want to pay the cost, for example, a synthetic option will cost less. The type of padding you choose for your furniture will also affect the cost. 

 

Can the upholstery fabric match my existing decor?

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New upholstery is available in a wide variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns. No matter what your existing decor, an upholstery professional can ensure that your newly upholstered piece fits perfectly with the rest of your space. For example, if one chair in your lobby or waiting area is damaged or needs replaced, upholstery can be made to match the existing pieces. This service is likely to be more personal when it comes to your home decor. An unsung talent of upholstery professionals is interior design. If you have a color palette already in place, an upholsterer will help you choose a style, pattern, and fabric type that will complement it flawlessly. On the other hand, you may want to choose a fabric that will be used as a focal point of a room. In this case, an upholstery professional can help you decide on a versatile color palette and style based on your taste and then assist you in choosing the perfect look and design for your focal point piece. 

 

Is custom upholstery the right choice to revive my old, worn out furniture?

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Depending on the current condition of the padding and the fabric of your worn out furniture, there are a few different options. Smaller upholstery repair services may be an option if there is only superficial damage, but the best option may be reupholstering the entire piece. This option allows you to keep a cherished piece or family heirloom while giving it new life. Depending on the quality of the frame, upholstery repair services may also be a more cost-effective option over purchasing a brand new piece of furniture. You can discuss the best upholstery repair option with your upholsterer.   

 

What if I prefer luxury furniture in my home or business?

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When you think about upholstery services and repairs, the first thing that comes to your mind may be large, plush, and functional furniture, like a sectional couch or a big, comfy armchair. While these pieces can be an excellent addition to your home, in some cases, you may prefer your furniture to have more of an upscale, elegant design. When you choose to work with an upholsterer, it can actually be easier to achieve a luxurious style in your home or business than if you simply bought new furniture. There are a few different types of decor that can fall into the luxury category. A traditional luxury style, for example, may include more ornate details, symmetrical lines, and warm colors. On the other hand, a modern style is likely to feature sleek, simple design elements, cool colors, and off-center features. Regardless of your personal style, luxury pieces can be created by skilled craftsmen using premium materials.