Tapissière de la Bastide: Traditional & Contemporary Upholstery

Discover

At Tapissière de la Bastide we take time and pride in bringing new life to your furniture. It doesn't matter to us whether it's an heirloom piece, a flea-market purchase, something that you've owned for years, or even something that you have found abandoned on the road-side (something that we've encountered a few times!). For us, every piece of furniture is unique, and important.

While our primary focus is on traditional upholstery, using natural materials such as coco-fibre, horsehair, jute, linen, and cotton, we recognise that this might not be your preference, or appropriate for your piece of furniture. Therefore, we're equally happy to work with modern materials, such as foam, too. We're also comfortable with a "hybrid" approach of using a mixture of modern and traditional materials to give you the finish you seek. Please don't hesitate to contact us, or drop into the workshop, so that we can discuss your project

Services

Bespoke Upholstery and Craftsmanship Services

Furniture Reupholstering

Whether you're seeking to undertake a total restoration of an upholstered piece, or "re-look" it, or simply re-cover it, we're here to help you.

If your furniture is in need of structural work, we have a close working relationship with a master carpenter; and if it requires rejuvenation, our colleagues at Intemporel are ready to give your frame the update you seek prior to re-upholstering.

We work with some excellent fabric manufacturers, and creators of passementerie to ensure a durable and quality finish.

Custom Curtain-Making

Curtains are an integral part of interior design. They complete the "dressing" of a room. They can be elaborate statement pieces, or simple window covers offering privacy, or a mixture.

With the careful use of modern insulating materials , curtains can be a very useful tool in keeping rooms cosy-warm in winter and cooler in the summer without contributing to electricity bills.

Why not drop us a line and see how we can help you to create the right solution for your windows and doors?

Unique Pieces

We occasionally have finished pieces for sale. These can range from antiques to custom-built pieces. Depending upon the design, these are either completed with a fabric of our choice, or left ready for the finishing fabric of your choice ( price of finishing fabric not included!!). For what's currently available, please visit the shop.

We also design and create unique, custom light fixtures, often using "found," or recycled materials. Please see the portfolio for some inspiration

Our Story

Welcome to my workshop, nestled in a medieval half-timbered building in a quaint town in southwest France. With nearly two decades of expertise, I specialize in traditional upholstery, working solely with natural materials like jute, coco fiber, horsehair, and cotton. From the structure to the fabric, each piece I restore tells a story. Whether I’m bringing life back to a chair from the 1700s or crafting a bespoke reproduction, every stitch and spring is placed with precision and care.

My passion lies in not only restoring but preserving the history of each piece. My workshop is as much a homage to the craftsmanship of the past as it is a workspace.

Learn More

Mary D, Gironde

The chairs are beautiful! And I feel like Goldilocks when I sit at the table now! It's just the right height! Thank you.

What materials do you use for upholstery?

I prefer to work with all-natural materials like jute, cotton, cocoa fibre, horsehair, and linen twine, which ensure authenticity, comfort, and sustainability. However, modern materials, such as foam, are used when, and where, ever appropriate.
Do you work on modern furniture?

Yes, absolutely! While I specialize in antique and vintage pieces, I am happy to take on modern pieces.
Can you ship the custom pieces for sale?

Yes, we can arrange shipping for any of the unique items available in our shop. Please contact us for more details.
How long does the reupholstery process take?

The time required for reupholstery depends on the piece and its condition. Here's a rough breakdown of the time involved, using a traditional French piece - the Voltaire - as a guideline: Stripping: 3 hours Reupholstering and re-covering: 26 hours Re-covering: 12 hours Studded finish: 3 h Braided finish: 2 h Generally, it takes between 3 to 4 weeks to complete an item, but I will provide a more accurate timeframe after evaluating your piece. A chair can have different proportions and is made with a particular type of upholstery as well as a specific number of processes, depending on its era and style. These different factors are taken into account when preparing the quote. Please be aware that if you have more than one piece (a pair, or a set) we must work all pieces at the same time to ensure uniformity of finish.
Can I choose the fabric for my reupholstery project?

Absolutely! I offer a wide selection of high-quality fabrics, and I'm happy to work with you to select a material that best suits your needs and the style of your furniture. To guarantee your satisfaction, we prefer to work on fabrics provided by ourselves.
Do you offer consultation services?

Yes, I provide consultations to help you decide on the best approach for your furniture. Whether it’s choosing fabric or discussing restoration options, I’m here to guide you through the process.
What styles of furniture do you work with?

I work with a wide range of styles, from 17th-century antiques to mid-century modern pieces. My goal is to respect the original craftsmanship while enhancing the comfort and aesthetic.
Can I visit your workshop?

Yes, visits to the workshop are by appointment. I would be delighted to show you around, discuss projects, and share my passion for traditional upholstery.