Chevin Upholstery
Step through the door at Chevin Upholstery in Bay Horse Court and you’re walking into what owner Rachel Michael cheerfully calls her “happy place” – a colourful workshop-showroom where tired furniture gets a second life and Rachel’s soft furnishings creativity takes centre stage.
The light-filled space was previously home to Chevin Books, the much-loved bookshop run by Rachel’s late husband, Simon. Look closely at the window panes and you’ll spot a quiet tribute to that history: “Dad’s shop” picked out on the glass, a nod to the way the couple’s kids they were going to Mum’s shop (Odds and Ends, across the courtyard) or Dad’s shop (the bookshop).
These days, the shelves are stacked with fabric and plumped cushions rather than paperbacks. Rachel specialises in upcycling and reupholstering old furnishings – from well-loved armchairs to one-off vintage finds – either for resale or as bespoke commissions. The larger premises give her room to show what’s possible, with finished pieces, work-in-progress, and a glorious line-up of vintage Singer sewing machines that’s almost a little museum in its own right.
Rachel is a stalwart of the Otley business community, fiercely passionate about the town and its independent businesses. Her longstanding support for local traders and events was recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the Otley Business Awards in 2024, and she’s one of those go-to people who always seems to know what’s happening where.
Whether you’re looking to rescue a sagging sofa, give a family heirloom a fresh lease of life, or just fancy a browse of the soft options on offer, Chevin Upholstery is a warm, welcoming spot that captures what Otley’s indie scene is all about: character, craft, and tonnes of heart.
- Listing ID: 5190