Upholstery courses in Annecy, France

The 5-Day Upholstery Course

Five days in a real French atelier to learn upholstery properly, from the bare frame to the last nail, in a group of 4 students maximum.

This is the most complete way to learn upholstery with me. Over one week, you build a full piece yourself and go through every layer of the craft: stripping and preparing, webbing, springs, padding, covering and finishing. There is time to understand why each step exists, to practice it until it becomes natural, and to leave with a piece you are proud of.

2026 / 2027 Dates

• February 15 to 19, 2027
• April 26 to 30, 2027
• May 17 to 21, 2027
• June 28 to July 2, 2027

Each session is limited to 4 students, and once fully booked. Booking early is recommended.

Who This Course Is For

Complete beginners are welcome: you do not need any experience or tools. Enthusiasts who have already tried a few projects will finally understand the logic behind what they have been doing. And professional upholsterers can use the week to complete their training, refine a technique, or discover methods they have never worked with. Tell me your level and your goals when you book, and I will adapt your project.

What You Will Learn

Over the week, you go through the complete upholstery process on your own piece: preparing the frame, webbing, springs, traditional padding or modern foam, covering and finishing with decorative nails or trimmings. You learn to use professional hand tools and workshop equipment, and above all to read a piece and make the right decisions on your own.

A Typical Week

Day 1: discovering the tools, preparing the frame, webbing, then setting and lashing the springs.
Day 2: padding begins, building the first layers of the seat.
Day 3: padding and shaping, building comfort and volume.
Days 4 and 5: covering and finishing details, depending on your project, until your piece is ready to go home.

The pace adapts to your project, your level and the technique you choose: a foam stool and a sprung cabriolet chair do not follow exactly the same rhythm.

Your Upholstery Project

Your course includes a chair frame or stool structure made in France and ready to be upholstered. Choose the model that best matches your level, your style and the way you plan to take it home:

• Adult-size cabriolet chair: the richest and most complete upholstery experience
• Kid-size cabriolet chair: lighter and easier to transport
• Kid-size Voltaire chair: a charming, beginner-friendly traditional project
• Square upholstered stool: a simpler introduction with quicker progress

Choose Your Technique

You also choose how your piece is upholstered. Traditional upholstery means hand-tied springs and natural fibre padding, built layer by layer the way French workshops have always done it. Modern upholstery uses foam for a cleaner, faster result. Not sure which one suits your project? We decide together when you book.

Wood finishes available: natural wood with matte varnish, stained wood with matte varnish, White Linen paint, Lamp Black, or another Little Greene colour for an additional fee.

Fabric and Finishes

You may bring your own fabric or choose one through our website. I can help you estimate the quantity needed for your model and fabric pattern. As a general rule, you will need up to 1.5 metres of a plain fabric in standard width. Decorative nails and trimmings are chosen on site, according to your project and taste.

Schedule and Language

Location

Le Boudoir des Etoffes
58 Route d’Annecy
74290 Veyrier-du-Lac
France

Near Lake Annecy, around 40 minutes from Geneva Airport. View on Google Maps

Getting Your Piece Home

Shipping is not included, but packing materials are provided free of charge. Stools and kid-size chairs are the easiest and least expensive to ship. Larger chairs may require a transport company or a custom wooden crate: I can advise you on the best option for your destination.

Book Your Place

To check availability, choose the right project for your level, or ask about fabric, accommodation and travel, contact me directly. You can simply ask me on WhatsApp or contact me by filling the form on this website. Travel, accommodation and shipping questions are answered in the course FAQ. You can also download the general terms (PDF). Looking for a shorter format? Discover the 2-day class or compare all courses.

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Keep Learning After the Course

Because the learning doesn’t stop at the workshop, course participants get 3 months of free access to the Hammer Club, with more than 80 step-by-step video tutorials filmed in this same atelier. A great way to revisit techniques and keep progressing at home.