Job Description

This job is part of our sustainability series:  > See more sustainable job ideas > Find out more about sustainable careers

A Furniture Restorer will conserve antique or general pieces of furniture using methods to restore original features and using new materials to protect and update existing features.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

Apprenticeship

You can complete an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in restoring furniture or advanced upholstery.

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• art and design
• furniture design
• furniture restoration
• product design

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Other routes

You can do short courses in woodworking skills and restoration techniques through the British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association.

More Information

You can find out more about training and careers in furniture restoration and conservation through The Institute of Conservation and The British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association.

Career Path and Progression

You could set up your own furniture restoration business, carrying out work for organisations and the public, or work as a consultant for museums, auction houses, historical or heritage sites, or antique dealers.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Antique Dealer
• Art valuer
• Carpenter
• Conservator

Required Skills

• Good practical skills
• Patience
• Good at problem solving
• Good technical abilities
• Strong communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things

Salary Range

£20,000 to £35,000