Upholstery & Furniture Upcycling Workshop – Take Home Your Own Chair

Furniture Upcycling & Upholstery Workshop in London

Join us for a hands-on furniture upcycling and upholstery workshop where you'll learn how to transform a drop-in seat chair using modern methods. You’ll take home not only a beautifully upcycled chair, but also the confidence and skills to continue working on your own projects.

This in-depth, small-group session is suitable for beginners and those with some experience. You'll be guided through every step of the process — from preparing wood to painting and upholstering — with expert tuition tailored to your individual level.

All tools, materials (except top fabric), and the chair are included in the ticket price. You’ll take your chair home at the end of the workshop.

This full-day upholstery and furniture painting workshop includes:

• The full upcycling process, from prep to finish
• Cleaning, sanding and painting furniture correctly
• Minor repairs where needed
• How to safely and effectively use tools
• The steps involved in upholstering a drop-in seat using modern methods and materials
• The reasons behind each step, tool, and material
• Finishing touches to bring the piece together

You'll be working on a chair from our workshop collection, and by the end of the day, you’ll have an upcycled chair of your own to take home — or at least be very close to completing it. You’ll gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of techniques you can apply to future DIY furniture restoration projects.

• One wooden drop-in seat chair
• All necessary tools and core materials
• Hands-on instruction in a small group setting
• PPE (personal protective equipment)

Please note: You’ll need to bring your own upholstery fabric for the seat. If you're unsure or can’t source one in time, we’ll have a small selection available to purchase on the day starting from £30.

• This workshop is for adults aged 18 and over
• Wear closed-toe shoes and old clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or stained
• The session can be physically demanding — please contact us in advance if you need support or any adjustments to participate comfortably

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, an aspiring upcycler, or simply curious about upholstery, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn practical skills in a supportive and creative setting. You’ll leave with a unique piece of furniture and the confidence to take on future projects.

Your ticket also supports our charitable work. We are a Shepherds Bush–based charity and social enterprise diverting furniture from landfill and incineration and transforming it through upcycling. Since 2009, we have been creating practical, measurable impact by providing work experience, traineeships and business incubation opportunities for local adults — including those facing barriers to employment, education and social connection.

Our trainees bring new life to salvaged, vintage and antique items, creating beautiful and affordable bespoke furniture, while others develop artisan products available in our high street shop. As a charitable social enterprise, everything we generate is reinvested directly back into our people, programmes and the wider community.

By booking a place, you’re helping reduce waste, increase employability and give individuals the opportunity to build confidence, skills and a pathway into work.

Scroll down to see photos from previous workshops for a bit of inspiration before you begin!

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