NORTH UPHOLSTERY

A bespoke upholstery studio based in East London, restoring your treasured pieces with care and expertise.

Close-up of a wooden chair with floral upholstered cushion and backrest, in a room with shelves and speakers in the background.

I’m an AMUSF-trained upholsterer specialising in both residential and commercial work, across modern and traditional upholstery. My particular passion lies in traditional techniques and the use of natural, high-quality materials.

Sustainability sits at the heart of my practice. By working with renewable materials and traditional craftsmanship, I create pieces that are not only beautifully finished, but made to last, offering a meaningful alternative to mass-produced furniture.

From cherished heirlooms to a well-loved armchair, I take pride in restoring character and bringing furniture back into lasting, everyday use.

  • Close-up of a beige upholstered armchair with tufted back, rolled armrest, and wooden cabriole legs.

  • Part of an antique wooden chair with a white upholstered back rest and seat, with a large tangled ball of dried, curly plant fibers resting on the seat.

  • Close-up of two vintage chairs with patterned fabric seats, one with a gold-colored wood frame and the other painted black, showing their ornate carved legs and backs.

  • A ball of beige twine rests on a wooden workbench next to a hammer, with a partially completed chair frame and coiled metal springs in the background.

  • A light green upholstered armchair with wooden legs on wheels is placed next to a bed with a beige headboard and white bedding. A small wooden nightstand with three drawers, a blue-patterned table lamp, and a small pink candle are in the background. There is a white wall and a window with white curtains to the right.

  • Wooden chair with woven cane backrest and cushioned seat with blue and white pattern.

  • Close-up of the back of an antique wooden chair with upholstery, showing the wood frame, fabric, and nail details.

My path into upholstery began with over two decades of experience in the fashion and textile industry, alongside work in costume design and technical roles at London’s Hayward Gallery. Over time, I began to feel drawn towards creating and restoring furniture designed to last, rescuing pieces destined for landfill and offering a considered alternative to the disposable world of fashion.

In 2020, I retrained in upholstery, a natural progression shaped by my background in textiles and my practical approach to making. I went on to complete the AMUSF (Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishings) three-year programme, refining my technical skills, developing my craft, and becoming part of a wider community of skilled makers.

Today, I work from my East London studio, specialising in both traditional and modern upholstery, with a focus on using natural, high-quality materials and a consistent commitment to sustainability.

Whether restoring a cherished heirloom, reworking a well-loved chair, or undertaking a commercial commission, I approach each project with care, respect, and a commitment to creating work that is enduring, functional, and quietly distinctive.

ABOUT ME

MIRIAM NORTH

A woman with wavy blonde hair standing in a closet wearing a black long-sleeve top and striped black and white loose-fitting pants, with her hands in her pockets.