Upholsterer Resume Example and Template
Upholstery resumes shine by showcasing project volume, specialty techniques mastered, and customer satisfaction. Emphasize work types: residential custom pieces, commercial contract furniture, automotive interiors, or antique restoration.
Employers value speed combined with craftsmanship, knowledge of fabrics and foam types, and ability to handle complex pattern work and frame restoration.
A complete, realistic Upholsterer resume, laid out in an ATS-tested template. The candidate is illustrative: the name, employers and figures were written for this example and identify no real person, so you can copy its structure and wording freely.
Updated September 2026
Also searched as
Lead Upholsterer, Apprentice Upholsterer
Marie Dupont: Upholsterer
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Summary
12 years custom furniture upholstery. Completed 200+ projects annually including residential, commercial, and antique restoration. Mastered hand sewing, fabric selection, spring system repair, and frame restoration. 95% customer satisfaction rating.
Work Experience
Lead Upholsterer, Heritage Upholstery Designs
Mar 2019 – Present. 12-person custom upholstery and furniture shop
- Completed 220 custom upholstery projects annually meeting 95% satisfaction.
- Mentored 3 junior upholsterers on pattern grading and fabric selection.
- Restored 45+ antique frames identifying and repairing structural issues.
- Consulted on complex projects including curved backs and button tufting.
Upholsterer, Southern Comfort Upholstery
Jul 2014 – Feb 2019. 28-person full-service upholstery and refinishing shop
- Executed 180 residential and commercial upholstery jobs per year.
- Skillfully selected and cut fabrics for 4-piece sectionals and custom sofas.
- Rebuilt springs and padding on vintage furniture and heirlooms.
- Collaborated with designers on color and texture choices for client projects.
Apprentice Upholsterer, Classic Furniture Upholstery
Sep 2011 – Jun 2014. 8-person traditional upholstery workshop
- Trained for 3 years in hand sewing, frame repair, and traditional techniques.
- Learned fabric types, foam selection, and pattern layout from master craftsman.
- Assisted on 150+ furniture pieces building foundational skills.
- Completed apprenticeship earning journeyperson recognition.
Education
New Orleans School of Furniture Craftsmanship
Apprenticeship Certificate, Furniture Upholstery. Sep 2011 – Jun 2014
Skills
Hand sewing, Fabric cutting and layout, Spring system repair, Frame restoration, Button tufting, Curved seaming, Pattern grading, Padding installation, Fabric selection, Serger operation, Embroidery basics
Languages
English, French
Why this look works
Upholstery is a craft requiring precision and artistry; a warm, refined design reflects quality workmanship and attention to detail that customers value in custom furniture.
Resume tips for this job
- Lead with project volume: '200+ pieces yearly' demonstrates speed and productivity.
- Describe specialty work: antique restoration, commercial contract pieces, automotive interiors.
- Mention fabric knowledge: 'selected fabrics from 500+ swatches', 'specified foam density for comfort'.
- Show progression from apprentice to journeyperson to lead; mastery takes years.
Common questions
Do I need formal training to be an upholsterer?
Formal apprenticeship is traditional and highly valued. Most upholsterers learn through multi-year hands-on training. Self-taught upholsterers should document customer work and be prepared to demonstrate skill in interviews.
How should I describe custom work if I don't remember exact details?
Keep descriptions general but honest: 'custom residential furniture', 'commercial office seating', 'antique frame restoration'. Focus on techniques used and customer satisfaction rather than forgetting details.