National Upholstery Association
Why Join the NUA? Join our mailing list: https://nationalupholsteryassociation.org/Mailing-List
Continuing Education
Business Resources
Networking
Access to Member's only resources
Webinars with industry experts
More benefits as the NUA grows....
Today is Election Day! The National Upholstery Association encourages everyone to get out there and make your voice heard. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape the future of our communities and industries alike. Take a moment to head to the polls today—every vote counts! 🗳️
✨ Reminder, our 2024 Annual Meeting is on Thursday, November 7th, at 6:30 PM EST! ✨
This is a special opportunity for us to come together as a community, reflect on the achievements of the past year, and discuss our plans for the future. As always, we want to hear from you! That’s why we’ll be saving time at the end of the meeting for a Q&A session where you can ask questions and share your thoughts.
Check your emails for the link to join!
This is a members-only event, and we hope you can join us live! However, if you are unable to attend, don't worry—the meeting will be recorded and shared with all members afterward.
🎃 Happy Halloween from the National Upholstery Association! Today we’re celebrating all things spooky and stylish – from vintage velvets to mysterious fabrics that tell a story. Whether it’s eerie antiques or custom upholstery that brings character to life, we love helping pieces stand out…even in the darkest corners! 👻
Stay safe, have fun, and remember, a little creativity (and a few cobwebs) never hurt anyone!
Members, watch your emails now for more information and a link to register! Not a member? Join the NUA today to gain access to this and all past webinars.
🌟 Join us for our November webinar: Mastering Cornice Construction 🌟
Tuesday, November 12th at 1:00pm EST
With Nancy Letts
Fabricating upholstered cornices can be quite profitable with the right know-how. In this comprehensive class, Nancy will show you how to measure for, construct, and upholster a cornice, using a single piece of fabric for the face and returns. You will learn about what materials to use, considerations for bay and corner windows, things to watch for when measuring, methods to lighten large cornices, how and when to hinge large cornices, pattern placement, and more.
Help us give a warm welcome to our new Volunteer Coordinator and our new Blog Writer!
✨ LaTress will match your skills with a role where you can make a real impact with just a few hours a month and help the industry thrive!
✨ Nicole was one of our two NUA scholarship winners and is joining us as our new volunteer Blog Writer.
Our Fall Newsletter is now available! Check your email to learn more about the latest trends, industry insights and valuable updates from the National Upholstery Association.
This quarter, learn more about our Annual Meeting, a recap from our CWC Plate & Panel Event, upcoming webinars, events and more!
We're excited to announce the National Upholstery Association's 2024 Annual Meeting! 🎉
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 7th at 6:30pm EDT as we gather virtually on Zoom to reflect on this year's accomplishments and share plans for 2025! This members-only event is a fantastic opportunity to engage with fellow members, ask questions, and learn more about the future of the NUA.
🗓 Date: Thursday, November 7th, 2024
🕒 Time: 6:30pm (Eastern Time)
💻 Platform: Zoom
Members, check your emails for a link to join the Zoom meeting. This is a members-only event.
Today, on Indigenous People's Day, we honor and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples. Upholstery, like many crafts, has deep roots in cultural traditions, including those of Indigenous communities who have long honored craftsmanship and storytelling through textiles and design.
We recognize the importance of learning from and respecting these traditions, and we’re grateful for the diverse voices and skills that continue to shape the world of upholstery.
The National Upholstery Association is seeking passionate and driven individuals to join our Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term! If you have leadership skills and are a professional in the upholstery industry, we encourage you to nominate yourself or someone you know.
Open positions include general Board roles and the Secretary position. Terms are 2 years long. Nominees do not need to be current NUA members, but will be expected to join if selected.
Submit nominations by October 20th to [email protected]. Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape the future of the NUA!
Today, on World Mental 🧠 Health Day, we recognize the importance of mental health and the challenges many face in silence. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, and it's crucial to remember that it's okay to seek help and support when needed.
Whether you're struggling or simply feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Reaching out to friends, family, or professionals can make a significant difference. Let’s break the stigma around mental health and create a culture of openness and understanding.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please don't hesitate to seek help. Together, we can foster a more compassionate world.
...that upholstery has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to Ancient Egypt? From the earliest times when chairs were stuffed with straw and covered in animal hides, to the luxurious textiles of the Renaissance, upholstery has always been about blending function with artistry.
In the 18th century, upholstered furniture became a symbol of status and elegance, showcasing intricate designs and lavish fabrics. Fast forward to today, and upholstery has evolved into a vibrant field where innovation meets tradition, with sustainable materials and modern techniques paving the way for the future.
Join us as we celebrate the craftsmanship and creativity behind upholstery! Share your favorite upholstered piece or a fun fact about its history in the comments!
Our next webinar is tomorrow! Members, check your emails now for more information and a link to register. Can't make the live webinar? Members also gain access to all past webinars on demand on our website.
Basic Marine Upholstery with Diane Girty
Tuesday, October 8th at 1:00pm EST
Take the mystery out of the lucrative business of upholstering for boats. Discover the tools and supplies required to get started and learn why it’s important to use the correct thread, vinyl, canvas, zippers, etc.
Find out how to quickly and easily change the glass in a boat curtain, without losing the shape. How to know when the zippers or thread are going bad and how to fix them. Discover the basic construction of a boat seat.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the National Upholstery Association! 🎉✨
From September 15th through October 15th, we honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to the world of design and craftsmanship, including the art of upholstery. From vibrant textiles to intricate patterns, the influence of Hispanic heritage can be seen in many beautiful upholstery styles that adorn our homes.
Let’s take this opportunity to appreciate the skilled artisans and designers who bring creativity, tradition, and passion to their work. 💪🎨
Together, let’s recognize the diverse influences that shape our industry and celebrate the beauty of unity through design!
🎉 It’s National Upholstery Month! 🎉
We celebrate National Upholstery Month to honor the artistry, craftsmanship, and essential role upholstery plays in our everyday lives. Upholstery is more than just fabric and foam—it's about transforming furniture into functional, beautiful pieces that enhance our comfort and elevate our spaces.
This month recognizes the hard work of upholsterers, designers, and those who preserve the tradition while innovating with modern materials and techniques. It's a chance to appreciate the history behind the craft, learn more about the process, and explore how reupholstering can breathe new life into our homes and spaces.
Oh what a night!
We had such a wonderful turnout for the National Upholstery Association Plate & Panel Pre-Event at the Custom Workroom Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. Thank you to all who attended!
As always, it was a pleasure to be surrounded by so many talented makers, to network and meet new people, and to see many old friends in person again. What a special group!
Shout out to our fabulous Panelists: Claire Wright, Mike Mascelli, Cynthia Bleskachek, and Ella Hall, and to our incredible Moderator, Jeanne Henzel. Everyone did an amazing job, and we are lucky to have them in our community!
Thank you again to Susan, Roger, and the rest of the CWC team for their tireless efforts to provide a thoroughly enjoyable few days of learning, networking, and dancing!! (💃 iykyk🕺)
And thank you to our volunteers for their time and skills putting this event together. Well done! 👏
If you missed this year’s Pre-Event, never fear! We do something different each year, so be sure to keep an eye out for announcements, and save the date for next year’s conference: Sept. 23-25, 2025, in Kingsport, TN! We hope to see you there!
Join us for an evening of camaraderie and networking at the first Nashville Regional Upholstery Meet-Up! This event brings together local upholsterers and drapery workrooms for a relaxed and engaging gathering at Schumacher's beautiful showroom. Enjoy wine, beer, and light snacks while connecting with fellow professionals, sharing insights, and strengthening ties within our industry. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP to [email protected] or text 615-715-0200
Members, watch your emails now for more information and a link to register! Not a member? Join the NUA today to gain access to this and all past webinars.
🌟 Join us for our March webinar: Basic Marine Upholstery 🌟
Tuesday, October 8th at 1:00pm EST
With Diane Girty
Take the mystery out of the lucrative business of upholstering for boats. Discover the tools and supplies required to get started and learn why it’s important to use the correct thread, vinyl, canvas, zippers, etc.
Find out how to quickly and easily change the glass in a boat curtain, without losing the shape. How to know when the zippers or thread are going bad and how to fix them.
Discover the basic construction of a boat seat.
NUA’s vision for the future
“Upholstery is a dying trade” People love to say that upholstery is a dying trade, but we don’t believe that. . . There’s no question that upholstery has changed dramatically over the last several decades. But dying? No.
We believe that skilled upholstery has a continued relevance in the U.S. We see upholsterers as artists, as entrepreneurs, as historians, as champions for sustainability.
We believe there is work to be done, and we believe there are smart, determined people excited to do it. And we believe that individuals can accomplish far more when they’re connected, supported and working together . . .instead of struggling in isolation.
The infrastructure of our professional community has quietly disappeared, and the time has come to rebuild. We believe in a future where all shops are joined together toward a common goal: a better landscape for everyone.