Discover the timeless craft of traditional upholstery
Welcome to Little Shed Upholstery. Join hands-on furniture workshops crafting bespoke, sustainable furniture pieces with natural materials, professional tools and guidance.
What you will receive
We provide workspace, tuition, professional hand tools, and natural materials so you can learn classic upholstery from the frame up. You just take along your upholstery fabric of choice, or purchase from our range at the workshop.
Make a footstool
Master the foundations of traditional upholstery as you create your own footstool, building it from the bare frame to the finished fabric. You’ll learn how to make and shape a springy, comfortable seat using, as much as possible, using traditional tools, methods and materials.
Leave with practical new skills and a beautiful piece made by you—perfect at the end of a bed or beside your favourite chair.
Make an ottoman
As you transform a frame into a beautiful ottoman, learn traditional upholstery techniques from the initial build-up to the finished fabric. You will create a beautiful statement piece for your living room, upholster a frame, learn how to make buttons, add them to your ottoman, and make and apply matching piping. You will build it in natural layers to prepare it for your chosen fabric.
Designed to define a room, serve as a footrest, or provide a stylish tray rest, this handmade ottoman will add character and versatility to your home while giving you valuable skills for future projects.
Make a bespoke headboard
Master the foundations of upholstery as you create your own headboard, building it from the bare frame to the finished fabric. You’ll learn how to prepare and shape a comfortable surface, then add a layer of wadding for a smooth finish beneath your chosen upholstery fabric. You’ll also create matching piping and apply it for a polished, professional finish. Leave with practical new skills and a beautiful piece made by you—perfect as a stylish focal point behind your bed.
Designed to bring warmth and personality to your home, this handmade headboard will make a beautiful statement in any bedroom while giving you valuable skills for future projects.
Make a lampshade
Complete your furniture with classic blind stitching, decorative studs, or gimp braid to make it truly personal.
Sustainable craft from the frame up
At Little Shed Upholstery, our passion lies in preserving traditional furniture making while caring for the environment. Based in Waterford and delivering courses nationwide, we prioritize natural fibres like jute, hessian, wool, and linen over modern synthetic foams. Every student walks away with not just timeless craft skills, but a solid piece of furniture crafted to cherish and hand down through generations.
Handcrafted by our students
From dining chairs to heirloom footstools, take a look at the beautiful pieces created in our friendly studio workshops using natural materials and recovered textiles.
"I came in with zero experience and left with a gorgeously upholstered vintage stool that now takes pride of place in our living room. Truly inspiring course."
Siobhán Kelly
"Learning traditional methods using hessian and pure wool felt so satisfying. The atmosphere in the shed is warm, patient, and full of encouragement."
Eoin McCarthy
"An incredible weekend in Waterford. Having all the tools and natural supplies laid out made tackling a full restoration manageable and fun."
Clodagh Walsh
Ready to create your own piece?
Places are kept intentionally small to ensure dedicated guidance for every student. Reserve your workbench today or inquire about our scheduled workshops across Ireland.
Get in touch
Workshop location
Little Shed Upholstery
Waterford, Ireland
Courses available locally and nationally