The word "upholstered" has an interesting spelling that may confuse some. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ʌpˈhəʊlstəd/. It starts with the "uh" sound followed by a "p" sound. Then comes the "owe" sound, followed by the "l" sound, and then the "s" and "t" sounds. Finally, we have the "uhd" sound at the end. This word is commonly used to describe furniture that has been covered in fabric, and its spelling is an important component of correct written English.
The term "upholstered" refers to the process of covering furniture, typically seating furniture, with a layer of fabric or padding to provide comfort, protection, and aesthetic appeal. Upholstering involves the skilled work of attaching or sewing the chosen fabric or material onto the frame or structure of the furniture.
In the realm of furniture, both traditional and modern designs can be upholstered. This encompasses various types of seating items such as chairs, sofas, ottomans, and benches. Upholstered furniture is widely sought after for its ability to enhance the overall look, style, and comfort of interior spaces, be it residential, commercial, or institutional settings.
The upholstery process is meticulously carried out, beginning with the selection of fabric or material. This may include a wide array of options ranging from textiles like cotton, silk, linen, or leather to synthetic materials such as polyester or microfiber. The chosen fabric is then carefully measured, cut, and sewn to fit the furniture's frame, incorporating different techniques to ensure a tailored and polished appearance.
Aside from providing visual appeal, upholstery also serves functional purposes such as enhancing seating comfort and preventing damage or wear and tear to the furniture itself. Upholstered furniture can offer support through the addition of padding or cushioning materials, providing a softer surface to sit or recline upon.
In essence, "upholstered" encapsulates the art and craftsmanship of transforming bare furniture frames into comfortable, visually pleasing, and functional pieces by expertly incorporating fabric, padding, and design elements.
Fitted with hangings and coverings of cloth, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "upholstered" is derived from the Middle English verb "upholsteren", which appeared in the late 14th century. It can be traced back to the Old French word "upholdster", formed by combining "up" (meaning "up" or "upon") and "holster" (meaning a sack or bag). The term initially referred to stuffing sacks or bags with materials such as straw, feathers, or wool. Over time, "upholsteren" evolved to signify the act of adding padding, stuffing, springs, and fabric to furniture, resulting in its modern usage.