What is Upholstery

Upholstery is one of those things you interact with every day—often without realizing how much craftsmanship goes into it. From the seat you drive on, to the booth you eat in, to the aircraft interior you fly in, upholstery is where comfort, function, and durability meet design.

At its core, upholstery is the art and process of covering and constructing furniture, seating, and surfaces using materials like fabric, vinyl, leather, foam, and padding. But real upholstery goes far beyond just wrapping something in fabric.

Behind the door...

  • More Than Fabric and Foam

    Upholstery combines multiple elements working together:

    • Structure: Frames, panels, and foundations
    • Padding: Foam, batting, and support materials
    • Covering: Fabric, vinyl, leather, or specialty materials
    • Finish: Stitching, seams, fasteners, and detailing

    When done correctly, upholstery isn’t just about how something looks—it’s about how it feels, how it wears, and how it performs over time.

  • Where You’ll Find Upholstery

    Most people think of car seats first, but upholstery shows up almost everywhere:

    • Automotive and truck interiors
    • Boats and marine seating
    • Aircraft headliners, seats, and trim
    • Restaurant booths and bar seating
    • Medical and commercial seating
    • Convertible tops and vinyl roofs
    • Shade awnings, covers, and roll-up walls

    If it needs to be comfortable, durable, flexible, or protected, upholstery is usually involved.

  • Why Craftsmanship Matters

    Anyone can staple fabric. Upholstery, done right, requires planning, precision, and experience. Patterns, seam placement, foam density, and material selection all affect comfort and longevity.

    At Koons Kustoms, upholstery isn’t just a service—it’s a craft. Whether we’re building a custom interior, restoring a classic, or creating a commercial solution, the goal is always the same: build it right, and build it to last.

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Upholstery Today: Built for the Real World

Modern upholstery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Materials are chosen based on environment and use:

  • Marine-grade materials resist moisture and sun
  • Aviation materials meet safety and performance standards
  • Commercial-grade fabrics handle high traffic
  • Automotive upholstery balances comfort and durability

Choosing the right materials—and building them correctly—is what separates long-lasting work from short-term fixes.

A Short History of Upholstery

Upholstery has been around longer than most people realize. Early versions date back to ancient Egypt, where woven materials and animal hides were used to soften seating for royalty. During the Middle Ages, upholstered furniture became a symbol of wealth, using horsehair, wool, and leather.

By the Industrial Revolution, upholstery evolved into a skilled trade, blending hand craftsmanship with emerging tools. As automobiles, aircraft, and commercial spaces developed, upholstery expanded beyond furniture into transportation, aviation, and industrial applications.

Today, upholstery combines traditional techniques with advanced materials designed for safety, durability, UV resistance, and heavy use.

Fun Upholstery Facts

The word upholstery comes from the Middle English word upholder, meaning "one who repairs or furnishes."

  • Early automotive seats were often stuffed with horsehair.
  • Marine vinyls are engineered to resist mold, mildew, and UV damage.
  • Aircraft upholstery must often meet strict flammability standards.
  • Good upholstery can extend the life of a seat or structure by decades.