Different layers and elements that may constitute stuffed or padded upholstery.

 

Padding

Soft material, such as dried grasses, curled hair, or wool or cotton batting, that create a cushioned surface. Also called stuffing.

    

Top covers

The outermost fixed layers of upholstered surfaces. May be decorative. Also called cover fabric, final fabric, finish fabric, show covers, or top covers.

    
           

Springs

Coils, typically of iron or steel wire, mounted upright within an upholstered surface to provide resilient support.

    

Webbing

Strips of linen, cotton, or jute woven together and tacked to the wooden frame of the seat or other surface to be upholstered. Also called girt web, girt webbing, or girth web.

    
           

The general form of upholstery, including whether and how it is attached to a piece of furniture.

 

Bolsters

Cylindrical cushions sometimes intended for use with nineteenth-century sofas. See also cushions.

    

Over-the-rail upholstery

Upholstery that is permanently fixed to the frame of a piece of furniture by stretching layers of upholstery over the sides of the frame and attaching them underneath the frame. Some examples of this upholstery are trimmed with lines or bands of decorative nails.

    
           

Cushions

Portable, pliable containers filled with padding to produce a soft surface for sitting or reclining. See also bolsters.

    

Slip seats

Upholstered seat frames made to fit into chair frames. The upholstery is attached only to the seat frame, rather than to the chair itself. Also called drop-in seats, false seats, loose seats, or pin-cushion seats.