Upholstery
Upholstery is the skill of covering furniture and set pieces with fabric, padding, and decorative materials. In prop making and set design, upholstery involves creating or restoring furniture pieces to match specific time periods, styles, or creative visions. This could mean anything from recovering modern chairs to creating elaborate period-accurate furniture for historical productions. Similar terms include furniture finishing, soft furnishing, or reupholstery work. Prop makers who specialize in upholstery help create convincing set pieces that look good both on stage and on camera.
Examples in Resumes
Created period-accurate Upholstery for Victorian-era theatrical production set pieces
Restored and applied Upholstery techniques to antique furniture for historical film sets
Led Upholstery projects for custom-designed furniture pieces in major television productions
Typical job title: "Prop Makers specializing in Upholstery"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Prop Makers specializing in Upholstery
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach upholstering period-specific furniture for a historical drama?
Expected Answer: A senior upholsterer should discuss research methods for historical accuracy, material selection, aging techniques, and durability considerations for filming conditions. They should mention experience managing complex projects and leading teams.
Q: What considerations do you take into account when choosing materials for camera-friendly upholstery?
Expected Answer: Should explain fabric choices that work well under different lighting conditions, avoiding problematic patterns, durability for multiple takes, and budget management while maintaining visual quality.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What techniques do you use to make modern furniture look aged or distressed?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe various aging techniques, material treatments, and methods to create authentic-looking wear and tear while maintaining structural integrity.
Q: How do you handle quick furniture modifications during production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with quick changes, temporary solutions that look good on camera, and problem-solving under time pressure while maintaining quality.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools and materials do you use in upholstery work?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list essential tools like staple guns, fabric scissors, measuring tools, and basic materials including different types of foam, fabrics, and fasteners.
Q: How do you ensure safety when working with upholstery materials and tools?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic workshop safety, proper tool handling, and awareness of fire safety regulations for different materials.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic furniture covering techniques
- Simple repairs and modifications
- Knowledge of common materials
- Basic tool proficiency
Mid (2-5 years)
- Period-specific upholstery techniques
- Complex furniture restoration
- Material selection expertise
- Quick modifications under pressure
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Historical accuracy expertise
- Team leadership
- Budget management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with different types of furniture
- Lack of knowledge about fire safety regulations
- Unable to work within quick turnaround times
- No experience with period-specific materials and techniques
Related Terms
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