Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Upholstery & Soft Furnishings in Wiltshire
Established in 1961, Bishops Upholstery has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship in upholstery and soft furnishings across Wiltshire and beyond. Since 1993, Tim and Theresa Sumbler have continued this legacy, combining traditional techniques with modern innovation to deliver bespoke solutions. Our expertise spans antique furniture restoration, custom upholstery, and tailored soft furnishings, supported by over 35 years of industry experience. We collaborate closely with clients and designers to create unique pieces that meet exact specifications, using premium materials and time-honoured methods. Our commitment to quality is evident in every project, from restoring heirloom chairs to crafting durable seating for boats and campervans.With a focus on precision and client satisfaction, we offer comprehensive services including curtain design, roman blinds, and loose covers, ensuring every detail aligns with the customer's vision. Our workshop's meticulous approach reflects decades of accumulated knowledge, blending Theresa's sewing expertise with Tim's woodworking background. We prioritise transparency and personal consultation, guiding clients through material selection and design choices to achieve lasting results. Our dedication to excellence has fostered a loyal clientele who value our artisanal approach and attention to detail. As a locally rooted business, we remain committed to upholding the standards set by our founders while adapting to contemporary needs.
Services
Traditional Upholstery
Modern Upholstery
Curtain Design
Roman Blinds
Leisure Seating
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- We combine 60+ years of combined experience in traditional upholstery and soft furnishings
- Our bespoke service includes antique furniture restoration using heritage techniques
- We offer tailored curtain design and roman blind solutions with child-safe features
- Our team collaborates directly with clients for precise design realisation
- We specialise in durable seating solutions for boats, bikes and campervans
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Personalised service
Perfect fabric selection
Excellent restoration work
Durable leisure seating
Services
Traditional Upholstery
Specialising in antique furniture restoration using time-honoured techniques. We rebuild and repair historic chairs and settees while preserving original character. Our process combines woodwork expertise with fabric conservation to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic value. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of period-specific materials and methods.
Modern Upholstery
Offering complete reupholstery solutions for modern furniture. We apply traditional craftsmanship to contemporary pieces, including headboards and pelmet boards. Our approach ensures durability while maintaining design integrity. Clients receive tailored advice on fabric selection and structural reinforcement for long-lasting results.
Curtain Design
Creating bespoke curtains with precise lining and heading specifications. We guide clients through fabric selection, offering measuring and installation services. Our handmade curtains combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, using premium materials suited to individual requirements and interior styles.
Roman Blinds
Crafting made-to-measure roman blinds with child-safe cassette rails. Options include inter-lined luxury finishes for enhanced texture and insulation. We ensure perfect fit and operation while maintaining safety standards, providing both practicality and decorative enhancement for modern interiors.
Leisure Seating
Specialist seating solutions for boats, bikes and campervans using durable materials. We create weather-resistant covers in leather and vinyl that withstand frequent use. Our designs balance comfort with longevity, tailored to specific vehicle types and client leisure requirements.
People
Tim Sumbler
Upholsterer & Woodworker
With extensive woodworking expertise, Tim specialises in antique furniture restoration. He trained under founder Bernie Bishop and brings precision to upholstery projects, combining traditional methods with modern requirements for structural integrity.
Theresa Sumbler
Soft Furnishings Expert
Theresa offers over 35 years of experience in soft furnishings, excelling in sewing and curtain design. She consults closely with clients to realise their vision, ensuring perfect fabric selection and execution of bespoke window treatments and loose covers.
Questions
Do you offer antique furniture restoration services?
Yes, we specialise in restoring antique chairs and settees using traditional techniques while preserving original character and structural integrity.
Can you create custom curtains and roman blinds?
We provide bespoke curtain solutions and made-to-measure roman blinds with child-safe features, offering fabric consultation and installation support.
Do you work on vehicle upholstery projects?
Yes, we create durable seating solutions for boats, bikes and campervans using weather-resistant materials tailored to specific leisure requirements.
What materials do you recommend for soft furnishings?
We advise on suitable fabrics based on project needs, offering guidance on durability, maintenance and aesthetic suitability from our selection of premium suppliers.
How do you ensure perfect fit for loose covers?
Our loose covers are tailor-made in our workshop with overlocked seams to prevent fraying, ensuring precise fit and longevity through proper washing techniques.
Can you visit clients at their homes?
We offer home visits for consultations and project assessments, providing expert advice in the client's own space to better understand their requirements.
