Let me set the scene: It was 2006, and I was working as Development Coordinator for the Austin Symphony. Although surrounded by the arts and creative individuals, I knew I needed more than the occasional symphonic concert to keep my interest. Through college and adulthood, I have always picked up old furniture, refinished, and reused it.
I suppose my deep interest in history lent itself to collecting old furnishings, each one with its markings and layers of paint that told the story of its past owners. This combined with my need for a more creative job led to my enrollment in upholstery classes at Austin Community College, which led to the creation of Spruce in 2007.
I suppose my deep interest in history lent itself to collecting old furnishings, each one with its markings and layers of paint that told the story of its past owners. This combined with my need for a more creative job led to my enrollment in upholstery classes at Austin Community College, which led to the creation of Spruce in 2007.
Services
At our core, we are experts in furniture redesign, textile selection, and creating custom soft furnishings, from pillows to draperies. Begin a customized design plan with an in-home consultation to discuss potential upholstery projects and ways to enhance or reimagine your space with soft furnishings.
A tome of design, inspiration, and how-to, this substantial book is the one-stop resource for anyone looking to learn the fine art of furniture upholstery.
With all of the techniques taught through step-by-step illustrated instructions of five projects, including a Louis chair, a slipper chair, a wingback chair, a full-sized sofa, and an ottoman, students will acquire all the skills they need to go out and create one-of-a-kind pieces designed to suit their taste.There are also chapters on interior design principles and how to sew throw pillows.
With all of the techniques taught through step-by-step illustrated instructions of five projects, including a Louis chair, a slipper chair, a wingback chair, a full-sized sofa, and an ottoman, students will acquire all the skills they need to go out and create one-of-a-kind pieces designed to suit their taste.There are also chapters on interior design principles and how to sew throw pillows.
I'm Amanda Brown, and I've resurrected countless pieces headed for the dump into showstoppers at my Austin-based upholstery shop, Spruce. Before I became an upholsterer, I was mystified by the skills of upholstery. Where do you hide all of the staples? How do you make cording? Dive into my bag of tricks and create your own before and after beauties with these step-by-step tutorials I developed for HGTV and Design*Sponge!
Amanda gives you a preview of Spruce's first instructional DVD featuring step-by-step instructions for spring tying and upholstering tight seats and backs. Watch this sneak peek from Spruce's first upholstery video to see how Amanda strips off old padding and fabric to get furniture ready to reupholster.
Contact us to bid on your next large-scale residential or commercial project. We've completed dozens of projects in Austin and beyond including restaurant booths, medical equipment, salon chairs, and the most unusual built-in seating. We pride ourselves in making our construction process simple, stress-free, and on time.
Reviews (25)
Michael O'Toole
Nov 15, 2021
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We recently had cushions for an old set of outdoor wicker furniture reupholstered by Spruce. Our set included a swing, a sofa, a rocking chair, and another chair. The original cushions that came with the set were pretty thin and damaged by squirrels, but the wicker was in good shape so we looked for someone to replace the cushions.
We looked at several companies to replace the cushions and decided on Spruce. The folks there were very knowledgeable and helpful, discussing details we weren’t even aware with regard to fabric choice and orientation. Though the quotes were a little higher than others
We looked at several companies to replace the cushions and decided on Spruce. The folks there were very knowledgeable and helpful, discussing details we weren’t even aware with regard to fabric choice and orientation. Though the quotes were a little higher than others
Rich
Sep 07, 2021
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We love these new cushions! They transform the whole room and they are flawless. Spruce knocked it out of the park with our whole experience. They helped us think through the functional requirements, showed us material options in different price ranges and, ultimately, delivered beautiful cushions that look even with exceptional cording. Amanda was always very responsive and kept us informed when the material delayed. Overall 5 stars and we highly recommend Spruce.
Isabel Peters
Jul 28, 2021
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GrcyNthePieWthAlmnds
Apr 01, 2021
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Pricier than other places I researched, but it's because they offer better service! Such genuine excitement from the team to work on my project. They let me take.home so many fabric books so I had so many options to choose from. They worked on my couch through the massive snowstorm!! This was an investment in my beloved grandmother's couch and I am very pleased.
Fred K.
Mar 01, 2021
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NOT a typical couch-recovering story. I bought a custom $600 cover for my nice pickup truck (that lives outdoors) this past January. The cover is constructed of marine-grade Sunbrella fabric, and is warranted for 7 years -top of the line. Long story short, about two weeks after I received it, an animal (most likely a squirrel, I am advised) chewed a hole through the cover on top of the cab. My warranty didn't cover rodent damage, so I had to buy a yard of the matching material from the cover manufacturer, and figure out how to install a patch on the cover (other than by hand-stitching
John S.
Jun 10, 2020
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I know very little about the "art and science" of cushion product creation other than knowing how to use : ) ...
SPRUCE experience was exceptional:
- Ease of doing business: 10
- Product Knowledge: 10
- Walk / support through measurement process: 10
- Quality: 9
- Cost: 8
- Delivery time: 9
- Customer Service / support: 10
Overall experience
SPRUCE experience was exceptional:
- Ease of doing business: 10
- Product Knowledge: 10
- Walk / support through measurement process: 10
- Quality: 9
- Cost: 8
- Delivery time: 9
- Customer Service / support: 10
Overall experience
Emily Mae Smith
Dec 31, 2019
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Karen Whitehead
Nov 23, 2019
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Many thanks to Lexy at Spruce Upholstery for helping my Dad find the right pairing for the cushion in his antique wingback chair.
Lexy spent about an hour and half with us determining which cushion and pillow insert would work best and even let us take the pillow insert with us so my Dad could try out before he purchased it.
Lexy was a joy to work with and has the patience of a saint. Thank you again for your time and help.
Lexy spent about an hour and half with us determining which cushion and pillow insert would work best and even let us take the pillow insert with us so my Dad could try out before he purchased it.
Lexy was a joy to work with and has the patience of a saint. Thank you again for your time and help.
Alice J.
May 17, 2019
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I was looking into getting some custom pillows done and inquired with a couple different resources in Austin. The customer service I experienced in the store was poor and I was made to feel like what I wanted wasn't achievable. From working with fabrics for 15 years in the fashion industry and getting quotes from other locations in Austin, I was assured that what I was requesting was possible. After this awkward exchange she said should would send me a summarized quote by the end of the day on the project. It's now 3 days later and I still haven't heard a thing.
Mario D.
Apr 25, 2019
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I got furniture re-done by this company 10 years ago and it was a fantastic experience. Today I spoke to a twit by the name of Lexi, who's pompous and unnecessary complication of the process of getting an estimate has driven me to any other upholsterer on the planet. Life's too short to be a customer with cash in hand and be put through verbal torture on a simple phone call.
Nancy Brooks K.
Apr 18, 2019
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Annie S.
Feb 01, 2019
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Mary Lee
Oct 27, 2018
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Chelsea Dunn
Sep 08, 2018
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I had the best experience with Spruce! Would 100% recommend them to anyone and I will forever be a Spruce customer. My dog had torn apart a cushion in my fabric couch as well as ate the majority of the arm rest. The team at Spruce was super responsive and sent a team out to review the damage and identify the right course of action. They came back a few days later to complete the project. My couch looks like nothing happened! Beyond pleased with my entire experience with Spruce!
Marc Z.
Aug 01, 2016
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Great fabrics and excellent service. I have enjoyed this store for years. Their quality is excellent. I have enjoyed bringing in my client's heirloom furniture to see it reborn in a fabulous new fabric! It is always fulfilling to take something that means so much to someone, but doesn't quite fit with their current life-style and bring them back together.
Grace G.
Jan 18, 2016
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I took a chair recovering class with my sister in-laws and my mom at Spruce this past weekend. Katherine and Lilly were both so sweet and so informative. They worked so hard helping and teaching us for two days! The class was very hard but we learned so much! We had such a great time and could not have asked for a better experience or better people to work with!
Thank you Spruce!
Thank you Spruce!
Kendall S.
Jan 18, 2016
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I received a chair class at Spruce as a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law. I couldn't say more good things about the class or our instructor, Katherine and her helper Lilly. The two days were hard work, but very fun, interesting and rewarding! I have a new found appreciation for the art of upholstery and the hard work, craftsmanship and skill that goes into it!
Once we got connected by email, Katherine was super responsive with details we needed to know to prepare for the class. I emailed her several photos of my chair and fabrics and she was very useful in helping me select a fabric
Once we got connected by email, Katherine was super responsive with details we needed to know to prepare for the class. I emailed her several photos of my chair and fabrics and she was very useful in helping me select a fabric
April S.
Sep 29, 2015
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THANK YOU SPRUCE FOR SAVING MY ANTIQUE CUSHIONS!!!
The score of my life has been this amazing Heywood Wakefield couch that had original fabric on it in mint condition due to it always being covered. Seriously gorgeous fabric that in a bout of panic my dog completely shredded during a rain storm. She's never seen me so angry. Perfect, original cushions with springs and everything. I thought the couch was ruined.
We took it to Spruce and the ladies didn't want to promise us anything at first, and I don't blame them as what was left was a bit of a mess. However, they looked things
The score of my life has been this amazing Heywood Wakefield couch that had original fabric on it in mint condition due to it always being covered. Seriously gorgeous fabric that in a bout of panic my dog completely shredded during a rain storm. She's never seen me so angry. Perfect, original cushions with springs and everything. I thought the couch was ruined.
We took it to Spruce and the ladies didn't want to promise us anything at first, and I don't blame them as what was left was a bit of a mess. However, they looked things
Saraswati S.
Jul 23, 2015
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We so wanted to like this company. We went in on a Saturday and brought in one of our dining chairs with us to get an estimate on the cost of recovering all 7 of them. The two employees there were friendly and helpful and there were nice samples of their work in the store. We picked out a fabric that, according to their price listing, was $35.90/yard. I quickly calculated an estimate for the labor, fabric, and foam, but the employee said that she couldn't give us an "official" bid until Tuesday. Having quickly calculated the estimate on-the-spot ourselves, we were confident that
John T.
May 14, 2013
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We brought a chair to be covered, overall it turned out great. Fabric selection is nearly endless, which can be a little difficult trying to find the right pattern at the right price. We were steered towards a couple of books, so I really can't fault that.
Although the quote seemed a little pricey, it came out very well. You get what you pay for these days.
Communication was excellent and job was finished ahead of time. I'm sure we'll be back with more chairs.
Although the quote seemed a little pricey, it came out very well. You get what you pay for these days.
Communication was excellent and job was finished ahead of time. I'm sure we'll be back with more chairs.
Michelle A.
Sep 22, 2012
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As a consumer, my knowledge of upholstery is quite limited. Therefore, I have spent some time educating myself in order to respond to Amanda's comments.
As 'experts', employees of Spruce should provide ALL relevant information to potential customers, so that they are able to make an informed decision:
1. My choice of fabric for the sofa is actually recommended, [by the manufacturer], for drapery.
2. Goose down mixed with feathers is 'top of the line' and would have achieved the 'yummily plump' cushions I specifically requested. It is 'about double
As 'experts', employees of Spruce should provide ALL relevant information to potential customers, so that they are able to make an informed decision:
1. My choice of fabric for the sofa is actually recommended, [by the manufacturer], for drapery.
2. Goose down mixed with feathers is 'top of the line' and would have achieved the 'yummily plump' cushions I specifically requested. It is 'about double
Sean Foxhall
Sep 16, 2012
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Valerie P.
Apr 29, 2011
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Like my Grandmother used to say, if you want quality, don't go cheap. This rings true at Spruce. If you are a person who doesn't want to settle or has a disdain of the status quo, you must go to Spruce for your home decor needs.
Meredith was very helpful in assisting with fabric choice and has a great eye for mixing fabrics. My grandmother's chair is beautiful. It looks great with the red walls in my bedroom. This place has a fantastic selection of fabrics, better than anyplace I have been in Austin.
Meredith was very helpful in assisting with fabric choice and has a great eye for mixing fabrics. My grandmother's chair is beautiful. It looks great with the red walls in my bedroom. This place has a fantastic selection of fabrics, better than anyplace I have been in Austin.
Ashley M.
Mar 12, 2010
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I love Spruce! I uploaded a picture of the sofa they did for me...The piece is about 10 years old, and was completely worn in & honestly ugly.
The girl that I worked with was incredibley helpful especially since I am not very visual. The patterns and colors are things I never would have been able to come up with on my own!
The sofa was done incredibley quickly and they handled getting it delivered to my condo. I'll be heading back the next time I need something done.
The girl that I worked with was incredibley helpful especially since I am not very visual. The patterns and colors are things I never would have been able to come up with on my own!
The sofa was done incredibley quickly and they handled getting it delivered to my condo. I'll be heading back the next time I need something done.
Heather G.
Sep 08, 2008
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My husband and I had a ragged, but well loved mid-century sofa we wanted reupholstered. I heard about Spruce from a local vintage shop in town. They indicated that Spruce Upholstery specialized in mid-century furniture. Their quote was reasonable and they gave me some good recommendations on fabrics (but also mentioned they could order some for me). My sofa also had original down cushions that were looking a bit flat, when they reupholstered the sofa, they put in foam and added down top pillows, to keep the down feel with a more structured look.
My husband wanted to toss the old sofa out, but
My husband wanted to toss the old sofa out, but
