Custom Upholstery

SENTIENT’s in-house upholstery shop handles everything from residential sofas and dining chairs to commercial-grade banquette seating for restaurants and hotels. We carry a curated selection of premium fabrics, leathers, and outdoor textiles, and we work with COM and COL as well. Here are answers to the most common questions about our custom upholstery services.

What upholstery services does SENTIENT offer?

SENTIENT offers full custom upholstery for new pieces and reupholstery for existing furniture. Services include design and manufacturing of upholstered sofas, sectionals, armchairs, ottomans, chaise lounges, headboards, dining benches, banquettes, dining chairs, cushions, and outdoor furniture. We also offer refinishing and restoration of wood frames during reupholstery projects. All upholstery work is completed in our Brooklyn workshop by our in-house tailors and craftspeople. Learn more about our upholstery services.

What fabric and leather options does SENTIENT carry?

SENTIENT carries leather, velvet, chenille, cotton, polyester, wool, microfiber, tweed, and linen. For performance applications, we offer commercial-grade fabrics rated for high double rubs with stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and anti-microbial treatments. Outdoor upholstery uses solution-dyed acrylic and vinyl that withstand UV exposure and moisture. We work with COM (Customer’s Own Material) and COL (Customer’s Own Leather) for clients and designers sourcing independently. Our studio has material samples available for in-person review. Schedule a studio visit to see options in person.

What does COM and COL mean for upholstery projects?

COM stands for Customer’s Own Material and COL stands for Customer’s Own Leather. This means you source the fabric or leather independently and provide it to SENTIENT for construction. This is common in design projects where a specific fabric has been specified in the interior design scheme, or where a client has access to a material we do not carry. We will advise on yardage requirements based on the piece dimensions and any pattern repeat considerations. Please share material specifications with us before ordering to confirm the material is suitable for the intended application.

What spring and cushion construction options does SENTIENT offer?

SENTIENT offers multiple suspension systems for upholstered pieces: hand-tied coil springs for the most traditional and resilient support, serpentine (sinuous) springs for a more contemporary build, and webbing suspension for lighter applications. Cushion fill options include high-resiliency polyurethane foam, memory foam, feather and down wrapping, and pocket coil inserts. Outdoor cushions use open-cell or reticulated foam that drains water quickly. Firmness and fill density are customized based on your comfort preference and the intended use of the piece.

What is the difference between residential and commercial-grade upholstery?

Commercial-grade upholstery at SENTIENT is built to withstand higher traffic and more frequent cleaning than residential pieces. The key differences are fabric performance specifications (higher double-rub count, typically 50,000 or above versus 15,000 for residential), frame construction (heavier joinery and metal reinforcements for heavy use), and foam density (higher ILD ratings for seats that must hold shape under repeated use). Flame-retardant and anti-microbial treatments are also applied more often to commercial pieces. Residential upholstery uses the same construction quality but is optimized for comfort and aesthetics over raw durability.

Does SENTIENT offer reupholstery for existing furniture?

Yes. SENTIENT offers reupholstery services for existing furniture, including pieces not originally built by SENTIENT. We strip the old fabric, inspect and repair the frame and suspension if needed, and rebuild the piece with new padding and your choice of upholstery. This is a cost-effective way to refresh furniture that has a sound structure but worn or dated fabric. We handle reupholstery contracts for restaurants, hotels, and residential clients. Contact us with photos and dimensions of the piece you want to restore.

How do I choose the right fabric for my intended use?

Fabric selection depends on three factors: aesthetics, durability, and environment. For a private residence with light use, almost any fabric works well. For a restaurant or hotel, look for fabrics with a minimum 50,000 double rubs, stain-resistant treatment, and easy-clean properties. For outdoor use, solution-dyed acrylic or vinyl is the most durable. For a formal living room where you want texture and visual interest, velvet or wool works well but requires more careful maintenance. Our design team will ask about your lifestyle, how the piece will be used, and who will use it, then guide you to the right options from our material library.

What stitching and detail options are available for upholstered pieces?

SENTIENT offers a range of decorative and structural stitching options: button tufting (standard and diamond patterns), channel tufting, biscuit tufting, box stitching, topstitching, piping and welting (single and double), contrast welting, French seams, faggoting, and nailhead trim. These details significantly affect the finished look of the piece, from clean and minimal to richly detailed. Nailhead trim can be applied in straight lines, decorative patterns, or inset from the edge. Our team will advise on which details complement your chosen fabric and the overall design direction.

Does SENTIENT offer outdoor upholstery?

Yes. SENTIENT builds and upholsters outdoor furniture for residential and commercial use. Outdoor upholstery uses solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, vinyl, and treated outdoor textiles that resist UV fading, moisture, and mildew. Cushion fill uses open-cell or reticulated foam that allows water to drain quickly and dries rapidly. We also apply water-resistant treatments to wood frames. Outdoor upholstery is available for dining chairs, lounge chairs, cushion covers, banquettes at outdoor restaurant terraces, and hotel pool and terrace seating. See the Outdoor Furniture FAQ.

What is the lead time for custom upholstery projects?

Lead time for custom upholstery depends on the scope of the project, the complexity of the piece, and whether we are sourcing fabric from our stock or waiting for COM/COL delivery. Standard custom upholstered pieces typically follow the 12 to 14 week timeline for all custom orders. Reupholstery projects may be shorter depending on availability. For commercial programs with multiple upholstered pieces, lead time increases proportionally. Provide your timeline at the start of the consultation so we can plan accordingly. Contact us to get an accurate estimate for your specific project.