Red Hat Upholstery Atelier
Welcome to Red Hat Upholstery Atelier. I’m Muriel, I’m the upholsterer behind Red Hat Upholstery Atelier, offering both traditional and modern upholstery. Passionate about giving much-loved furniture a new lease of life, preserving the character and stories within each piece.
I aim to make your furniture beautiful and comfortable for years to come. Whether it’s a treasured family chair, a vintage find or a piece that simply deserves a second chance. I approach every project with care and attention to detail, from the guiding of choosing your fabric to fillings and traditional techniques that bring out the very best in each piece.
I’d love to help you give your furniture a new chapter.
Soft Furnishing
Bespoke cushions, made to bring comfort, colour, and personality to your space. Carefully crafted to suit your style and complete your interior with a tailored finishing touch.
Modern Upholstery
Crisp, modern finishes ideal for revitalising existing pieces or blending seamlessly with a new interior.
Blanket Boxes
Beautifully bespoke upholstered blanket boxes. Perfect for keeping your space tidy while adding warmth, texture, and style to your bedroom or living area.
Traditional upholstery & Restoration
Thoughtful restoration using traditional techniques and quality materials to preserve each piece’s unique character.
Full Restoration – Stripping the piece back to its frame and upholstering it from scratch.
Partial Reupholstery – Preserving as much of the original materials as possible, while replacing only what is necessary.
Recovering – Updating the fabric when the furniture is still in good condition, giving it a fresh new look while retaining its existing structure.
Repairs & Structural Work – Carrying out basic necessary repairs to frames, legs and other structural elements.
My Services
I can work with you to bring your cherished pieces back to life, carefully restoring their character, craftsmanship and beauty.
Every project starts with a conversation
I love hearing the story behind a piece of furniture, how you use it, and what you’d like it to become. From there, I’ll guide you through the choices, from fabrics and fillings to the finer details, making the process feel relaxed, personal and enjoyable.
Your Estimate
Upholstery estimates can be tricky because I can’t always see what’s happening beneath the surface until I strip a piece back.
My experience helps me assess what’s needed, but hidden issues such as split frames, broken springs or deteriorated canvas can sometimes only be found once I’m inside.
That’s why I provide estimates rather than fixed quotes. If I uncover any unexpected damage, I’ll let you know straight away, explain the options and agree any additional costs with you before proceeding.
Each estimate is broken down into three main areas:
Labour – This covers the time and skill involved in stripping your piece back, assessing what needs to be repaired or replaced, reupholstering and finishing it in its new fabric.
Materials – This includes everything that sits beneath the final fabric, from springs and stuffing to the smaller essentials such as twine, thread and tacks.
Fabric – I’ll include the amount of fabric your piece requires, measured in metres, so you have a clear idea of the cost.
The Process
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Get In Touch
Get in touch using the online form, and I’ll be happy to provide you with a provisional estimate.
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Consulation
Every piece of furniture is different, so I offer consultations either by email or in person, depending on the piece. Once I’ve had a chance to understand your project, I’ll provide a tailored quote. If you’re happy to go ahead, let me know by email.
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Booking
To secure your place in my atelier, I ask for a 50% deposit of the labour cost, along with the full cost of the fabric. Once payment is received, your slot will be confirmed and your project booked in.
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Completion
Projects typically take 4–8 weeks, depending on the piece and work involved. I’ll keep you updated throughout and be in touch once it’s finished. The remaining balance is due 24 hours before collection or delivery.
Thinking about reupholstering ?
Reupholstery could be a great option if:
You have an old or meaningful piece of furniture and want to restore it.
You want to avoid sending furniture to landfill and instead give it a new life with reupholstery options.
You have found a piece you love and want to transform it into a beautiful, healthier addition to your home.
Reupholstery may not be the best choice if:You are mainly looking for a cheap fix rather than a long-term solution.
You are mainly trying to save money compared to buying new furniture.
You usually change your furniture every few years.
You need the work finished quickly (in less than 8 weeks).
As a guide, labour costs start from £450 for an armchair and £1200 for a sofa.
These prices are for labour only and do not include the cost of fabric or other materials. A personalised estimate will be provided once your furniture has been assessed.
