What Is an Upholstered Chair? An Expert Guide for Group Furniture Buyers

Media ASKT
Jul 4
4 min read

Even if you’ve never purchased upholstered furniture before, chances are you've sat on it countless times—at a cozy restaurant, in a hotel lounge, or even while reading this article. Upholstered chairs are everywhere, valued for their comfort, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. But what exactly is an upholstered chair, and why is it such a central piece in both residential and commercial interiors?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the fundamentals of upholstered chairs: what they are, how they're made, the different types available, what to consider when buying in bulk, and why companies like ASKT have become trusted partners in this field. Whether you’re sourcing for retail, e-commerce, or hospitality, this article is crafted specifically with your business needs in mind.

Upholstered Chair Definition

An upholstered chair is a seating product that combines a structural frame with padded support and a textile or leather covering. Unlike rigid plastic or wooden chairs, upholstered chairs feature foam, springs, and fabrics that provide added comfort, visual richness, and usability.

Upholstered chairs can be found in dining rooms, offices, living rooms, cafes, and waiting areas. In fact, anywhere comfort and visual appeal matter, you’ll find them in use. The value of these chairs lies in the synergy of form and function—something ASKT specializes in delivering.

A Brief History of Upholstered Furniture

The word "upholstery" stems from the Middle English "upholder," meaning a tradesperson who furnished or repaired furniture. The practice dates back to ancient Egypt and China, but it became mainstream in 17th-century Europe with the use of luxurious materials like velvet, silk, and embroidered linens.

Early upholstered furniture used straw, wool, and horsehair as padding. Over time, craftsmanship evolved to include coiled springs and layered padding for superior comfort. Today, advanced techniques like CNC cutting, robotic welding, and automated sewing machines allow for mass production without compromising on detail.

At ASKT, we honor this tradition while infusing it with modern technologies. Our facilities combine hand-finishing with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure each chair is a statement of quality.

Parts of an Upholstered Chair

Understanding what goes into an upholstered chair can help you evaluate quality and make informed sourcing decisions. Here's a breakdown:

Component	Function
Frame	The structural skeleton, made from wood or metal
Springs	Usually sinuous or coil springs for flexible support
Padding	High-resilience foam or fiberfill to add cushioning
Fabric/Upholstery	Outer material; varies in texture, performance, and look
Webbing	Strips of elastic or jute that provide foundational support
Cushions	Often detachable; provide ergonomic support

At ASKT, we use kiln-dried hardwood, robotic welding for metal frames, and high-resilience foams. Our in-house quality control lab tests all components to ensure they meet EN12520 standards.

Frame Materials: Metal vs. Wood

Metal Frame

Metal frames are popular for their sleek, modern look and structural integrity. They're ideal for high-traffic environments like cafes or waiting areas. At ASKT, we employ automated welding arms to ensure uniform joints, increasing chair longevity and reducing failure rates.

Wood Frame

Wooden frames bring warmth and tradition. Commonly used woods include oak, birch, and beech. Our artisans at ASKT use mortise-and-tenon joinery for added strength. We kiln-dry all wood to avoid warping, a crucial step for longevity.

Springs and Suspension

Springs are the unsung heroes of comfort in upholstered chairs. At ASKT, we use two types:

Sinuous Springs: S-shaped steel wires that offer resilient support.
Webbing: Elastic or jute straps used mainly in backrests.

These ensure consistent support and help prevent seat sagging even after prolonged use.

Cushioning and Padding

We use high-density polyurethane foam with a density of 30-45 kg/m3, depending on the application. For hospitality projects, we offer customizable cushioning thickness and density levels. All our padding materials are formaldehyde-free and tested for off-gassing.

Upholstery Fabrics: Features and Choices

Choosing the right fabric is about more than aesthetics. Here's what we offer at ASKT:

Velvet: Soft, elegant, and ideal for luxury interiors.
Faux Suede: Easy-care and machine-washable.
Linen: Breathable, natural, and eco-friendly.
Vinyl: Waterproof and easy to clean.
Recycled Fabric: Made from PET bottles; meets European sustainability standards.
Cotton, Tweed, and Tartan: Durable and available in multiple patterns.

All our fabrics meet OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 criteria and are abrasion-tested to 30,000+ rubs (Martindale test). We also offer waterproof, pet-friendly, and anti-stain coatings.

Upholstered Chair Designs

Upholstered chairs vary in shape and form:

Parsons Chairs: Armless, sleek, great for dining rooms.
Wingback Chairs: Feature high backs and side wings.
Barrel Chairs: Curved back for lounge comfort.
Slipper Chairs: Low-slung and armless, ideal for compact spaces.

ASKT customizes these designs with varied stitching, piping, quilting, and tufting options.

How to Make an Upholstered Chair

At ASKT, the chair-making process is a blend of precision and craftsmanship:

Frame Assembly: Cut and joined via CNC machines and robotic welding.
Spring and Webbing Installation: Manual or semi-automated methods.
Foam Application: Adhered with water-based, formaldehyde-free glue.
Fabric Cutting: Computerized fabric cutters ensure accuracy.
Sewing: Mechanical and hand-guided sewing for patterns and seams.
Upholstery: Stapled or glued using pneumatic tools.
Quality Control: Each chair undergoes durability and load testing.

Considerations When Buying Bulk Upholstered Chairs

Group buyers must weigh several factors:

Application: Lounge, dining, reception, or contract use?
Material Durability: Match material to end-use frequency.
Customization: Can the supplier accommodate branding or SKU-level tweaks?
Lead Time: ASKT delivers bulk orders in 25-30 days.
Certifications: Look for BSCI, ISO9001, OEKO-TEX.
Budget & MOQ: ASKT offers competitive pricing with scalable MOQs.

ASKT: Your Upholstered Chair Partner

We’re not just a manufacturer—we're problem-solvers. Here’s what makes us different:

4 R&D centers in Bazhou, Anji, Huizhou, and Zhangzhou
11-person inspection team with 12 types of testing equipment
Zero-plastic packaging to reduce your green tax burden
Recycled materials and high-efficiency logistics
CEO Sunbin Qi featured on the cover of Germany’s möbelmarkt in 2025

Where to Buy

While many platforms sell upholstered chairs—Amazon, Alibaba, Made-in-China—what sets ASKT apart is our B2B specialization, tailored service, and commitment to quality.

We work with:

Furniture wholesalers
Restaurant chains
E-commerce sellers
Hospitality procurement agents
Interior design studios

Conclusion

Upholstered chairs offer unmatched comfort, flexibility, and aesthetic value. Whether you're sourcing for a multinational furniture chain or a boutique hotel, these chairs represent both function and style.

And when you're ready to elevate your product line or streamline your procurement process, ASKT is here to support you—with custom options, fast lead times, and proven quality.

Let’s build spaces that matter—together.