In today’s era of heightened environmental consciousness, making sustainable choices has become increasingly important. When it comes to furniture, instead of discarding and replacing worn-out or outdated pieces, consider the eco-friendly option of restoring and reupholstering. Upholstery offers a sustainable solution that not only reduces waste but also brings a host of other benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of upholstery as a sustainable choice and how it can transform your furniture while minimizing your environmental impact.

1. Reducing Landfill Waste

Furniture waste is a significant contributor to landfill waste globally. By choosing upholstery and restoring your furniture, you actively contribute to reducing this waste. Upholstery extends the lifespan of your furniture, allowing you to continue enjoying its functionality and beauty rather than adding to the landfill. Upholstery provides a second life for your furniture, ensuring that valuable resources and materials are not wasted.

2. Conservation of Resources

The manufacturing process of new furniture consumes vast amounts of natural resources, including timber, water, energy, and raw materials. Upholstery minimizes the need for new furniture production, conserving these valuable resources. Restoring and reupholstering furniture means making the most of the existing frames, springs, and structures, while refreshing the fabric and padding. It’s a sustainable choice that significantly reduces the demand for new resources.

3. Preservation of Craftsmanship

Many older furniture pieces are crafted with superior quality and attention to detail that may be challenging to find in mass-produced furniture today. Upholstery allows you to preserve and showcase the craftsmanship of these older pieces. Skilled upholsterers can bring new life to antique or vintage furniture, restoring their original beauty while adding modern touches. Upholstery keeps the artistry alive and ensures that these valuable pieces continue to be appreciated for generations to come.

4. Customization and Personalization

Upholstery offers a unique opportunity for customization and personalization. By reupholstering your furniture, you can choose from a wide range of fabrics, colors, patterns, and textures to suit your style and preferences. This customization allows you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly complements your interior design aesthetic. It’s a chance to express your creativity and make your furniture truly reflect your personality and taste.

5. Cost-Effective Solution

Restoring and reupholstering furniture can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new pieces. Quality furniture can often withstand the test of time, and with a fresh upholstery update, it can look and feel as good as new. By investing in upholstery, you can achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality without the higher price tag associated with buying brand new furniture. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.

6. Enhanced Emotional Value

Furniture often holds sentimental value, carrying memories and stories within its fibers. Upholstery allows you to retain and enhance the emotional value of your furniture. By restoring and reupholstering cherished pieces, you keep the sentimental connection intact while giving them a fresh lease on life. It’s a way to preserve family heirlooms, hand-me-downs, or pieces with personal significance, ensuring that they continue to be enjoyed and passed down through generations.

7. Reduction of Carbon Footprint

Choosing upholstery over purchasing new furniture helps to reduce your carbon footprint. The production, transportation, and disposal of furniture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. By embracing upholstery, you minimize the need for these activities, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. Upholstery is a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Upholstery is a sustainable choice that offers a multitude of benefits. By restoring and reupholstering furniture, you actively contribute to waste reduction, resource conservation, and the preservation of craftsmanship. Upholstery allows for customization, personalization, and the retention of sentimental value. Additionally, it is a cost-effective solution that helps reduce your carbon footprint. So, the next time you have a worn-out or outdated piece of furniture, consider the sustainable choice of upholstery and give it a new life while making a positive impact on the environment.

North Cheam, a vibrant suburb located in the London Borough of Sutton, holds a rich history that extends beyond its picturesque landscapes and charming community. As we delve into the annals of North Cheam’s past, we uncover a fascinating story woven in threads of craftsmanship, tradition, and the art of upholstery. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the captivating history of upholstery in North Cheam and the enduring legacy it has left on this quaint corner of the world.

The early history of upholstery in North Cheam is shrouded in mystery. However, we do know that the trade gained popularity in the 17th century when padded chairs and sofas became a status symbol among the aristocracy. By the 18th century, upholstery had become a highly skilled craft, with upholsterers working on intricate designs for royal families and nobles. In the late 1800s, North Cheam saw the rise of several small upholstery businesses. These businesses were run by skilled artisans who provided quality craftsmanship to their customers. They specialized in creating bespoke furniture pieces and provided customers with a wide variety of upholstery options, including silk, cotton, and velvet fabrics.

One of the most prominent upholstery businesses in North Cheam was run by the Darvill family. The Darvill family had been in the upholstery trade for over a century, and their reputation for quality craftsmanship was second to none. They created upholstered furniture for the elite in London and beyond, and their clients included members of the royal family. During the Second World War, the upholstery trade in North Cheam was severely affected by the bombing raids. Many businesses were destroyed, and the area faced a difficult time. However, with resilience and determination, the upholstery trade gradually began to recover.

In the post-war years, the upholstery trade saw a surge in demand as people sought to restore their homes to their pre-war glory. Many of the businesses in North Cheam that had survived the war saw an increase in business, and the area became known as a hub of upholstery expertise.

Origins of Upholstery in North Cheam

The roots of upholstery in North Cheam can be traced back to the early 19th century when local artisans and craftsmen honed their skills in the art of furniture upholstery. With a burgeoning demand for finely upholstered pieces, skilled upholsterers set up workshops and studios, establishing the foundation for a thriving trade that would flourish in the years to come. Upholstery, with its meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship, quickly became an essential aspect of North Cheam’s cultural and economic fabric.

Craftsmanship and Techniques

The craftsmen of North Cheam mastered the intricate techniques required to transform bare frames into works of art. From the selection of premium fabrics to the careful padding and stitching, every step of the upholstery process was executed with precision and expertise. Skilled artisans honed their craft, passing down their knowledge through generations, ensuring that the artistry of upholstery remained alive and vibrant in North Cheam. Techniques such as deep buttoning, hand-tied springs, and traditional webbing methods were practiced, preserving the authenticity and quality of the upholstered furniture produced.

Influence of Design Movements

Throughout the years, North Cheam’s upholstery scene has been influenced by various design movements. From the opulence of Victorian and Edwardian styles to the sleek lines of the Art Deco era, each design movement left its imprint on the upholstery craft in North Cheam. Upholsterers adapted their techniques, materials, and designs to align with the prevailing trends, while still preserving the traditional craftsmanship that defined their work. This adaptability and fusion of styles allowed North Cheam to embrace and celebrate the ever-evolving world of upholstery.

Upholstery as a Reflection of North Cheam’s Identity

Upholstered furniture became a symbol of North Cheam’s identity, reflecting the tastes, preferences, and cultural heritage of its residents. The local community took pride in owning beautifully upholstered pieces that showcased their individuality and sense of style. The upholstery trade not only contributed to the local economy but also fostered a sense of community spirit, as skilled craftsmen worked closely with residents, creating bespoke pieces that held sentimental value and a deep connection to the region.

Upholstery Today: A Legacy Preserved

As we fast-forward to the present, the legacy of upholstery in North Cheam remains intact. While the landscape of the upholstery industry has evolved with modern technologies and trends, the commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are still deeply rooted in the region’s upholstery trade. Local businesses continue to offer a diverse range of upholstered furniture, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design aesthetics. Upholstery workshops and training programs ensure that the artistry of upholstery lives on, passing the torch to the next generation of skilled upholsterers.  Today, North Cheam continues to be home to several upholstery businesses that provide quality craftsmanship to their customers. These businesses offer a wide range of services, from creating bespoke furniture to repairing and restoring vintage pieces.

The history of upholstery in North Cheam weaves a tale of craftsmanship, tradition, and the enduring spirit of community. From its humble beginnings to its position as a vibrant hub of upholstered furniture, North Cheam has celebrated the artistry and skill of upholstery for generations.

Popular upholstery materials

There are many materials used in upholstery, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most popular upholstery materials:

1. Leather: Leather is a classic upholstery material that is known for its durability and luxurious look. It is easy to clean and maintain and can last for years with proper care.
2. Cotton: Cotton is a versatile and breathable fabric that is commonly used for upholstery. It is easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
3. Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic material that is known for its durability and resistance to staining and fading. It is often blended with other materials to create a more durable fabric.
4. Velvet: Velvet is a soft and luxurious fabric that is often used for upholstery. It has a rich texture and comes in a variety of colors.
5. Linen: Linen is a natural fiber that is lightweight and breathable. It is often used for upholstery because it is durable and easy to clean.
6. Wool: Wool is a natural fiber that is known for its warmth and durability. It is often used for upholstery because it is resistant to staining and has natural flame-retardant properties.
7. Silk: Silk is a luxurious and delicate fabric that is often used for decorative upholstery or accent pieces. It has a unique sheen and texture, but it is not as durable as other materials and is more difficult to clean.
8. Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic material that is made from polyester and nylon fibers. It is a popular choice for upholstery because it is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
9. Rayon: Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber that is made from natural cellulose fibers. It is often used for upholstery because it has a soft texture and drapes well, but it is not as durable as other materials and is more prone to wrinkling.

When choosing an upholstery material, it is important to consider the specific qualities of each material and how they will impact the appearance, durability, and maintenance of the furniture. For example, leather and microfiber are both durable and easy to clean, but leather may be more expensive and may require more maintenance over time. Cotton and linen are both breathable and lightweight, but they may be more prone to wrinkling and staining. Ultimately, the choice of upholstery material will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your furniture.

Can an upholsterer advise on what kind of fabric to choose?

Yes, an upholsterer can definitely advise on what kind of fabric to choose for your furniture. An experienced upholsterer will have a good understanding of the different types of upholstery materials and their specific characteristics. They can provide guidance on factors such as durability, ease of maintenance, and suitability for different types of furniture. They can also help you choose fabrics that will complement the design and style of your space.

When working with an upholsterer, it’s important to communicate your preferences and needs clearly so that they can help you find the right fabric for your furniture. You can bring in photos of your space or inspiration images to help guide the process. Additionally, you may want to consider factors such as the intended use of the furniture, the level of traffic the furniture will receive, and any specific concerns you have about cleaning and maintenance. Your upholsterer can take all of these factors into consideration when recommending fabrics for your furniture.

The sofa is usually the central piece of living room furniture around which family life revolves. It is also the part of the interior design that catches the eye the most. That’s why, if you want to change something in your living room and don’t have the desire or the means for a general overhaul, just bet on a new sofa or a cover for an old piece of furniture. This will make a clear change that no visitor will miss!

Are you thinking about buying a new sofa? Or maybe the thought of investing in new sofa upholstery is on your mind? Our interior stylists suggest which furniture you should decide on!

Upholstered sofa – why is it worth it?

Many people have a strong fondness for leather-like sofas. Indeed, this type of furniture can look very striking and fit in well with classic interior design. However, upholstered sofas also have many advantages that make it worth considering buying them:

• they are usually cheaper than sofas made of artificial leather,
• they come in many designs and colours, which can be matched to the interior design,
• the softness and warmth of fabric upholstery provide peace and relaxation,
• the fabric of the upholstered sofa is pleasant to the touch regardless of the season – unlike imitation leather or natural leather materials, which are unpleasantly hot in summer and give a cold feeling in winter.

Among the disadvantages of an upholstered sofa is the fact that it requires washing every so often. On the other hand, however, some soiling of the leather-like material can result in discolouration that cannot be cleaned at all. The choice is yours, but as you can see, in our comparison of upholstered and leather sofas, the former definitely wins!

Focus on quality

Upholstered sofas from Surrey Sofas are all about quality workmanship. The upholstery is made of durable materials that guarantee durability during repeated use. Thanks to the possibility of configuration, we can choose furniture with or without a sleeping function for your interior design. By choosing our sofas, you get a quality product in a price range that suits you. Decorative furniture feet made of chromed metal or wood will complete the look of your chosen lounge chair or sofa. In our shop you will find various solutions for your interior.

Upholstered furniture are products upholstered with elegant material, which have been very popular for many years because of their style and functionality. In order for them to always look good, it is necessary to take proper care of them. Want to know how to take care of upholstered furniture? Read our article!

Upholstered furniture in your interior

This is a popular solution for arranging a living room or bedroom. Upholstered furniture, in addition to its utilitarian function, also combines a decorative function. In order for them to serve us for a long time, we need to properly care for them and take care of their condition. Upholstered furniture care is an important and necessary activity, which largely depends on the type and quality of the material they are upholstered with.

Below you will read about some important factors that you should familiarize yourself with before buying upholstered furniture and before cleaning it for the first time.

Currently in furniture stores we can find a great number of materials with which furniture is upholstered. Each of the fabrics has different specifications and requires proper care, so that the material will remain fresh and shiny as new for a long time.

Making upholstered furniture – how to clean it

The second factor is to know the type of material and how to maintain upholstered furniture. When we use a sofa or chaise longue every day, stains happen. Depending on the material with which the furniture is upholstered, we must act quickly in each case.

When we are dealing with eco-leather we must pay attention not to clean it with a very wet cloth. A gently damp cloth will be a much better solution. We also add gray soap or a special dedicated cleaner for eco-leather to the cleaning. On a daily basis, we will keep the eco-leather upholstered furniture clean with a soft cloth – this is to collect the dust that settles on the furniture. It is also recommended to clean the furniture with special agents once every six months. Avoid chemicals that can contribute to damage and destruction of the furniture. These include, for example, liquid soaps, bleach, solvents or dish liquid.

Furniture upholstered with upholstery fabrics is best cleaned with a special upholstery cleaning cap or a soft natural bristle brush. To help with everyday, delicate dirt, a cloth made of microfiber will work well. When cleaning, avoid alcohol- and solvent-based cleaners.

Furniture upholstered with natural leather should be cleaned on a regular basis. The basis for keeping them clean is frequent vacuuming and regular removal of delicate planes with a damp cloth. On the other hand, once every 6 months it is advisable to fully clean leather upholstery using a soft sponge and special agents designed for cleaning and maintenance of leather upholstered furniture.

How to preserve upholstered furniture

When buying furniture, it is also a good idea to get a special liquid for cleaning dirt from upholstered furniture. These liquids will not only help remove stains from the furniture, but will also preserve the material. The specifics should be tested in an invisible place on the furniture – then we check whether they definitely do not cause discoloration.

An extremely important element that the new owner must check is to determine the specific material from which the new upholstered furniture is made. Then choose the care for the material and take care of the new articles of furniture in your apartment. They will return the favor by hosting you in their soft cushions for years to come.