Reupholsterer: meaning, definitions and examples

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reupholsterer

 

[ ˌriːˈʌp.hoʊl.stər.ər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

furniture repair

A reupholsterer is a skilled professional who specializes in replacing the fabric or leather covering of furniture, such as chairs, sofas, and other seating. They also repair and replace padding and structure to restore the furniture to its original condition or to give it a new look.

Synonyms

fabric specialist, furniture restorer, upholsterer

Examples of usage

  • I took my old sofa to the reupholsterer to give it a fresh new look.
  • The reupholsterer worked wonders on my grandmother's vintage armchair.
  • After years of wear, I decided it was time to see a reupholsterer for my dining chairs.
  • Finding a skilled reupholsterer can greatly enhance the value of antique furniture.

Word origin

The term 'reupholsterer' comes from the prefix 're-', which means 'again' or 'back', combined with 'upholster', which originates from the Middle English word 'upholdster', meaning 'to provide with a covering'. The word 'upholdster' itself can be traced back to the Old French term 'upholsterer', derived from 'hoisting up' due to the action of covering the structural parts of furniture. The practice of reupholstering has been around for centuries, evolving alongside furniture design. Initially a craft associated with the wealthy, it became accessible to the general public as furniture styles began to change and the necessity for maintaining comfortable and aesthetically pleasing homes grew. As tastes in fabric and design changed over time, the role of the reupholsterer became increasingly important in restoring aging furniture to match contemporary styles.