Upholstery 10, 20, 30: Curriculum Guidelines

Module 6: Furniture Styles (Optional)

Suggested time: 2-4 hours
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Foundational Objectives

To demonstrate an appreciation of the varied styles and designs of furniture and how these designs are used in society.
To identify, select, and safely use upholstery tools and equipment.
To provide students with experience in the upholstery industry that will enable them to make informed career decisions.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To become familiar with the vocabulary of furniture and upholstery. (COM)
To develop an understanding of how knowledge is created, evaluated, refined, and changed within upholstery. (CCT)

	Learning Objective	Notes
6.1	To identify historical furniture styles. (COM)	If possible, invite an upholsterer or interior decorator to discuss furniture styles with the class. Develop a collection of pictures from magazines. Using illustrations, discuss the characteristics of the various furniture styles. Use the Interior Design 30 Curriculum Guidelines, Module 5.3, to identify basic furniture styles. A tour of different furniture retailers or antique stores will provide opportunities to examine furniture styles.
6.2	To identify the contemporary furniture styles.	Talk to dealer representatives to obtain copies of furniture sample books. Students may create a scrapbook of various furniture styles and illustrations from magazine clippings or sketches.
6.3	To identify the four styles of furniture backs.	Use furniture in the shop, flash cards, or pictures to identify the four back styles: camel shell pillow curved.
6.4	To identify the four styles of cushions.	Use furniture in the shop, flash cards, or pictures to discuss cushion styles: bench boxed (boxed t) waterfall knife edged.
6.5	To identify the four styles of upholstered arms.	Use furniture in the shop, flash cards or pictures to discuss upholstered arm styles: pillow flap wrapped rolled.
6.6	To compare furniture frame fabrics. (CCT)	Discuss pros and cons of various frame materials identified from pictures or observed while touring a retail outlet.
6.7	To compare furniture of the past and present. (CCT)	Compare and contrast historical and contemporary furniture. Discuss the differences in: foundation fabrics workmanship comfort. Arrange a tour of a furniture retailer to discuss styles and workmanship and relationship of quality to cost. Arrange a tour of a furniture retailer to have the students compare comfort of various styles of furniture.