Upholstery Restoration and Trends

In days gone by, one would only consider a re-upholstery of one's vehicle if the fabric were truly beyond repair (or reproach). Car seats, regrettably, are not like one's denim pants that can withstand a bit of patchwork or ironed-on covering. Typically, once a vehicle's interior began to show signs of extreme wear, slipcovers were the order of the day.

Inside Edition
But, with many owners searching for an "individual touch" and collectors desiring a complete restoration, upholsterers are busier than ever. Gone for the most part—although still available on certain lower-priced forms of transportation—is the traditional sheepskin seat cover, or worse, some sort of fabric liner. Today, people are both more demanding and critical, expecting quality materials to cover where they plant themselves. And, in many cases, it's more important how the seat looks than it is how it feels.


Billy Crystal once said, "It is better to look good than to feel good." Of course, those who are old enough to have watched Nixon resign can likely recall seeing those AMC Hornets and Gremlins with Levi-branded denim seats—and probably wish they hadn't.


Fortunately, most upholsterers who prefer to remain in business are up-to-date (and up-to-speed) with the most requested installations. And making sure the customer is comfortable with the look, feel and price is what keeps a company in business. For many upholsterers, it is word-of-mouth, and key customers, that keeps them busy, as well as the quality of their work. Upholsterers are artists. It takes a special talent to mold, sew and fit leather and other fabrics and materials to a car's interior—from doors to headliners to window rests to just about anywhere. Plus, installing carpet correctly to ensure a complete finished appearance is an important part of the overall package.

Material World
Today, that interior package is more than just leather, vinyl or basic fabrics. In the automotive kingdom, especially at the top of the ownership food chain, anything goes. And that means custom embroidery and installation—especially for movie stars, athletes and the requisite rapper—is the order of the day. And what kind of customization would that be? How about an assortment of Gucci fabrics for seat covers? Or an ostrich interior? Perhaps some alligator material on a motorcycle seat? In triple tone no less? Or maybe something in a leopard print? Very trendy. Very expensive.