Strong Upholstery

About Us

Based in Hampshire, Strong Upholstery is run by Nicola Strong. Nicola spent three years completing her diploma in Modern and Traditional Upholstery at the British School of Upholstered Furniture learning all aspects of the craft. She is now part of the Continuing Professional Development group at the Chair School run by Master Upholsterer Greg Cupitt-Jones and Charlotte Ellis-Brown.

Strong Upholstery has set out to honour craftsmanship that employs traditional and conservation techniques while appreciating the benefits of modern sustainable upholstery practices. The results are bold designs that infuse new life into your furnishings.

Strong Upholstery is actively researching sustainable materials that also comply with the current UK Government fire regulations and guidance by The Furniture Industry Research Association

About

Craftsmanship that began in the past

Each piece of furniture has a story. Sometimes it can be told by the current owner. Occasionally the upholstery itself contains its full history. When I restore any upholstered furniture I like to see what I need to conserve, what I need to restore and what I have to replace. I am learning to blend traditional techniques with modern materials in order to create long‑lasting, beautiful pieces. I hope that each chair I revive not only saves characterful furniture from landfill but recalls and honours important memories that can be woven into your home.

Nicola Strong

Services
A neatly organized upholstery consultation scene laid out on a broad oak worktable: stacked swatch books of wool, linen, and velvet in earthy and coastal tones, a tape measure gently coiled, chalk, webbing, and brass upholstery tacks arranged in a tidy tray. In the background, softly out of focus, the silhouette of an elegant antique chair frame awaits restoration. Natural daylight from a high workshop window washes across the table, creating gentle highlights on textures and subtle shadows between the tools. Shot from a slightly elevated angle with shallow depth of field, the photographic realism and calm, professional mood suggest careful planning and personal service for customers considering new upholstery projects.

Reviews

A small collection of three rescued antique chairs arranged in a tasteful Hampshire cottage interior: a Victorian balloon-back chair in striped linen, an Edwardian nursing chair in soft rose tweed, and a classic club chair in charcoal wool. Each piece shows carefully restored woodwork and thoughtfully chosen modern fabrics that harmonize yet remain distinct. They are grouped on a pale oak floor near a large sash window, with a simple woven rug beneath. Overcast daylight bathes the scene in even, diffused light, creating a serene, sustainable-living atmosphere. Shot at eye level with balanced composition and sharp focus, the photographic style feels aspirational yet authentic for a gallery highlighting antique chair rescue and revival.

Aya Nakamura

“Our grandmother’s armchair came back from Strong Upholstery better than new. The repair, fabric choice and finish are exquisite. Thank you.”

An inviting corner vignette featuring a single statement armchair reupholstered in a bold, yet tasteful, mustard-yellow wool fabric, set beside a small, round, mid-century side table holding a fabric sample book and a vintage measuring tape. The chair’s seat and back show smooth, even tension with flawless seams and perfectly aligned pattern on a coordinating cushion. The setting is a minimal, light grey wall with warm oak flooring, suggesting a Hampshire home interior. Late afternoon natural light filters in from an unseen window, casting soft shadows that add depth without distraction. Photographed from a slightly elevated angle with moderate depth of field, the image has a clean, modern, professional look ideal for a contact or enquiry page hero image.

Mateo García

“I nearly skipped reupholstering and bought new, but Strong Upholstery transformed my worn chair and eased my environmental guilt.”