Business Details
11 Years
experience
Expert Upholstery Services in Dunfermline
Porcupine Upholstery, established in 2015, specialises in rescuing and restoring vintage and modern furniture using traditional techniques and durable materials. Our expertise lies in re-upholstering chairs, stools, and bespoke commissions, ensuring each piece meets current fire safety regulations while preserving its historical integrity. We prioritise eco-friendly practices by upcycling and recycling materials, offering a sustainable alternative to discarding damaged furniture. Our team, led by qualified upholsterer Paula Graham, provides tailored consultations to advise on fabric choices and finishes that complement clients' spaces. In addition to restoration services, we run hands-on upholstery classes, teaching traditional methods to empower individuals to create unique, handmade furniture.With a studio at Fire Station Creative in Dunfermline, we combine craftsmanship with a commitment to quality, ensuring every project delivers lasting value. Our work has been praised for its exceptional attention to detail and ability to transform tired pieces into functional art. We source and refurbish chairs for sale, alongside crafting made-to-order footstools ideal for special occasions. By blending heritage techniques with modern materials, we ensure every restored or created piece stands the test of time. Our dedication to client satisfaction and industry standards has established us as a trusted name in upholstery and furniture restoration.
Services
Re-upholstery
Footstool Making
Chair Restoration
Upholstery Classes
Bespoke Commissions
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer bespoke re-upholstery using traditional techniques and durable materials.
- All fabrics meet current Fire and Safety Regulations for domestic and commercial use.
- We provide hands-on upholstery classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
- Our eco-friendly approach prioritises upcycling and recycling to reduce furniture waste.
- Expertise in restoring pre-1950 furniture with original jointing methods and materials.
Associations and certifications
- Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishings (AMUSF)
What people say
Loved my Chair
Exceptional quality
Personalised service
Satisfying class experiences
Services
Re-upholstery
We specialise in re-upholstering vintage and modern chairs, stools, and bespoke furniture using traditional techniques. Our process involves repairing frames, replacing webbing, and applying durable fabrics like wool, linen, and leather. Each project is tailored to meet fire safety standards while preserving the piece's original character, ensuring longevity and aesthetic appeal for decades.
Upholstery Classes
Our hands-on classes teach traditional upholstery methods, from webbing frames to stitching calico finishes. Options include 8-week evening courses, 1-day footstool workshops, and 2-day intensive training. Participants learn to use professional tools and materials, gaining skills to create unique furniture pieces while enjoying a fun, collaborative environment led by expert tutor Paula Graham.
Footstool Making
We craft bespoke footstools using traditional and modern techniques, offering made-to-order designs for special occasions. Clients choose fabrics and finishes to match their decor, with options for braids, piping, and studs. Each footstool is handmade to ensure durability and style, starting at 120 with a 14-day production lead time for mainland UK delivery.
Chair Restoration
Our expertise extends to restoring pre-1950 chairs with original jointing methods like dowel and glue. We repair broken frames, replace horsehair padding, and re-cover pieces in durable fabrics. This service ensures historical integrity while updating furniture for modern use, combining eco-friendly practices with meticulous craftsmanship to revive heirloom or auctioned pieces.
Bespoke Commissions
We accept bespoke commissions for unique upholstery projects beyond chairs and footstools. Clients receive 1-2-1 consultations to discuss design goals, fabric choices, and placement. Whether revitalising a restaurant's seating or creating a statement bedroom chair, we focus on durability, aesthetics, and alignment with the client's vision using high-quality materials and traditional techniques.
People
Paula Graham
Proprietor & Qualified Upholsterer
Paula Graham, founder of Porcupine Upholstery, is a qualified upholsterer with over a decade of experience in interior design and furniture restoration. Her passion for preserving traditional craftsmanship and promoting sustainability drives the company's eco-friendly approach. Paula's expertise in blending heritage techniques with modern materials ensures every project meets exacting standards.
Questions
What services does Porcupine Upholstery offer?
We provide re-upholstery, chair and stool restoration, bespoke commissions, and hands-on upholstery classes using traditional techniques and durable materials.
Do you offer upholstery classes for beginners?
Yes, our classes cater to all skill levels, including 8-week courses and 1- or 2-day footstool workshops with expert tuition and materials provided.
How long does a bespoke footstool take to make?
Made-to-order footstools take up to 14 days for delivery to mainland UK, with custom fabric and finish options available.
Are your materials eco-friendly?
We prioritise upcycling and recycling, using durable fabrics like wool and linen to reduce waste while restoring furniture sustainably.
Can you restore antique furniture?
Yes, we specialise in restoring pre-1950 pieces using traditional jointing methods and materials, ensuring historical integrity and modern durability.
Reviews (2)
Natalie Hancox
Jun 21, 2019
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I was given an armchair by my mother-in-law which is very comfy but had very dated fabric. I wanted to update the fabric and use it as a nursing chair with my newborn, with the aim that she can keep it when she is older. I found the process very easy, got lots of good advice and the work was done quickly. The finished chair is amazing - even my mother-in-law approves, despite misgivings about my decision to change her favourite chair! Very happy that I had the work done and would recommend this service :-)
Janet Torley
May 26, 2017
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Paula save my lovely armchair from the skip when she took it away and turned it into a total conversation piece. Wonderful. The attention to details was phenominal
