Matthew Haly's Book of Upholstery: Projects, Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

At Matthew Haly’s custom-upholstery studio in Manhattan’s NoHo district, the demand for his work is incredibly high—and often, so is the price tag. That inexpensive flea-market find seemed great until you discovered just how much it would cost to have it reupholstered. But don’t let the professional’s price tag deter you. In Matthew Haly’s Book of Upholstery, Haly—the go-to upholsterer to Manhattan’s interior design crowd—shares his craft: all the details, secrets, and tips to help you restore the original beauty to a haggard piece of furniture with your own hands—and put the savings into fabric that will make you swoon! He draws from more than two decades of experience to provide you with the expertise you need to give that sofa, chair, stool, window, or tabletop a makeover like a professional.

Upholstery can be challenging, so Haly has provided straightforward projects to help you build the skills every upholsterer needs—from determining how much fabric you’ll need for the job to adding just the right trims and finishes. Begin by sewing a simple pillow, a table runner, and a lampshade. Once you’ve mastered these basic projects, hone your measuring skills by making a lined round tablecloth, then embark on your first piece of furniture, a stool with decorative nails. Each project is designed with the home upholsterer in mind, but Haly never oversimplifies, cheats on techniques, or cuts corners for the sake of making it appear easy. And only Haly gives you tips on how to pick out the pieces of furniture with good bones that are really worth the effort.

With projects ranging from a handsome bolster, casual floor cushion, and floor-length curtains to a multipurpose folding screen, refined headboard, and fully slipcovered dining chair, both novice and seasoned sewers will find inspiration. User-friendly yet packed with information from an industry insider, Matthew Haly’s Book of Upholstery is a thorough primer on upholstery, sharing all the know-how you need to do the job yourself.

MATTHEW HALY is the president and owner of The Furniture Joint in New York, where he teaches upholstery classes. He has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Time Out New York, and Country Living, and his work has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and in Oprah’s O at Home, Domino, Elle Décor, and Interior Design, among other publications. His clients include Clodagh Design, interior decorator Celerie Kemble, and filmmaker Ken Burns and his wife Julie.