Joe Ellis Fabrics & Upholstery: a tradition of craftsmanship

Joe Ellis is familiar with the image of an apron-wearing upholsterer, needle in one hand, hammer in the other, and it makes him chuckle. To begin with, he doesn’t wear an apron.

Joe learned his trade from treasured mentors, and also learned how to run an upholstery business—what works, what doesn’t. His bright, organized Bentonville fabric and upholstery shop is a testament to that.

“We do a really good job of the logistics, an important unseen aspect of our business,” Joe points out. “We’re great with the art. But that’s only 50%. The other 50% is paperwork, scheduling, ordering, customer service, keeping up with all of that.”

In response to limited local fabric options, for example, Joe and his mom Cheryl opened the Ellis Fabrics side of the storefront a few years ago.

Here, customers find literally thousands of fabrics to choose from, all conveniently displayed and arranged by color and type of fabric (outdoor, leathers, brocades, velvets, etc.) Huge leather pelts are suspended from the ceiling. There are bolts of reasonably priced remnants in the popular bargain room. You can also visit the design room and look through the stacks of sample books lining the walls, and order any fabric you can imagine. And if you get overwhelmed, their friendly staff is willing to help you figure it all out.

“People come in with a vision, or they say ‘I have a crazy idea,’” Joe says. “Sometimes they’ll come in with their designer. Sometimes it’s just a sketch. They get it started and we can get them across the finish line.”

Bringing that vision to life is the upholstery side of the business. With an experienced team of nearly a dozen, Joe Ellis Upholstery can handle jobs of all sizes.

This includes residential furniture, antiques, home décor items like throw pillows and window seats, outdoor cushions, and RV’s.

In addition, they can help with commercial upholstery needs such as waiting room furniture, exam tables and chairs, restaurant booths, fitness equipment and custom builds.

In an era of cheap, disposable furniture some say upholstery is a dying trade. But the Ellis business continues to grow and draw customers from a wider geographic area, including Washington County and as far away as Florida and Texas. They have earned a reputation for quality, creativity and a business model that has kept up with the times.

“Sometimes people don’t have time to come in, or they live out of state. They just send me a picture from their phone,” Joe says. “Designers will ship furniture to us. Sometimes we pick furniture up locally, and deliver it when it’s finished.”

It’s clear that every single job is important to Joe and his team, no matter the scope.

Besides, as Joe points out, everybody’s got that chair. “You know, that chair…the one you keep meaning to get around to reupholstering,” Joe laughs.

Whether he’s bringing a crazy idea to life or restoring a family heirloom, Joe is passionate about carrying on the tradition of his craft. Even if he doesn’t wear an apron.

Joe Ellis Upholstery and Ellis Fabrics are located at 8822 W. McNelly Road in Bentonville. Joe Ellis Upholstery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Ellis Fabrics is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit joeellisupholstery.com, or call (479) 657-6868 for all of your upholstery and fabric questions.