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Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
A Complete Guide to Modern Upholstery
Different Upholstery styles
with MICAELA SHARP — Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.
Lesson 2 of 68
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I have chosen to teach you the modern method of upholstery; however, if you develop a passion for the craft during this course, you may want to challenge your new-found skills and explore traditional techniques.
From the Lesson Workbook
Introduction to Upholstery
There are two main types of upholstery
Traditional
- Normally found on antique furniture
- Uses materials such as tacks, horsehair, straw and other natural fibres
- Quite time consuming, and involves techniques that take a while to master
Modern
- Uses materials such as staples, foam, and polyester
- A faster process, with modern materials such as spray glue speeding things up
- Simpler techniques that are quicker to master
I'll be teaching you the modern method, as the raw materials are a lot more accessible. It's also more cost effective and time efficient compared to traditional techniques.
Different Upholstery Styles
I have chosen to teach you the modern method of upholstery; however, if you develop a passion for the craft during this course, you may want to challenge your new-found skills and explore traditional techniques.
Get the full workbook, video lessons, and more with a Create Academy subscription.
Subscribe to access the full workbookAlready a member? Sign in to watch
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May 31, 2026
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Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Micaela Sharp
Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.
Micaela Sharp is a professional upholsterer, interior designer and broadcaster who champions the art of reupholstery and its ability to breathe new life into pre-loved furniture. Growing up, Micaela learnt both carpentry and sewing skills from her grandparents. It was this knowledge, alongside a passion for sustainability and longevity, that inspired her to take up upholstery and set up her own practice. Whether it’s designing furniture from scratch, reimagining a tired armchair into an heirloom to be cherished for years to come, or creating a room scheme layered with fabric and colour, Micaela brings her unique creativity and inventive flair to every project.
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