Also taking inspiration from the past is London-based Lee Broom, who has been playing with the concept of the Persian rug. Usually just trodden on, these carpets have been rescued from the floor by Broom's imaginative styling (he has a background in theatre and fashion). The pure wool, woven carpet that covers his carpentry sideboard has the power to make a standard piece of furniture look almost regal. The matching console and pendant lamp, also covered with the Persian rug design, hint at lost lands and romantic journeys.

Does work like Broom's mean that despite upholstery's resurgence we will remain free from chintz? He is not so sure. 'There is room for all types of different upholstery now,' he says. 'Homes and interiors are becoming more and more eclectic. It's important that we have plenty of options.'

Yet for now, most designers, such as British company Squint, are staying clear of garish satins and are experimenting. Japanese ceremonial kimono silks, trimmings from 18th and 19th century France and lavender glass beads are all referenced to by the company, which offers a sumptuous take on upholstery.

'Vintage coverings make a piece unique because, once the fabric has been used, it's irreplaceable ... I love the history of these textiles,' says a Squint spokesman.

For Squint it's impossible, when confronted with something covered with vintage upholstery, not to think about the 'darning and patching that has been applied to keep the fabric going over all the years'.

Overlapping fabrics have become something of an obsession for Squint, which is carried by Lane Crawford. The Sixties Sofa is a mish-mash of assorted silks, woven cottons and velvets. If this is not to your taste then try one of the Shell mirrors, which displays how enthusiastic designers are when it comes to the transformational power of a bit of extra fabric. Padded mirror frames shouldn't work, but somehow here they brighten what can often be an overlooked piece.

Upholstery has also been picked up by hotels such as the W. The hotel has been quick to realise that it's not just the look of upholstery but also the feel of sheer silks and soft wool that attract our attention.

In fact, upholstery's touch is perfect for our current displaced and difficult climate. Something like the 17 different panels that make up the Amor Sofa provide comfort sorely missing from bare wood and shiny steel. And all cushions turn over to reveal different designs and colourings so different looks can be created with ease. The items are available from Corita Rose in Britain, which also offers chairs covered in soft velvet and decorated with tribal, heraldic and folk emblems, which - like Broom's designs - evoke foreign countries and travel.

Many of today's upholstery-minded designers are quick to admit a debt to the past, whether in the form of heritage patterns or vintage fabrics. But when it comes to swathing chairs and sofas in materials such as woven English damasks and shot silver and gold satins, contemporary designers may be forced to become less liberal in their affections.

The spokesman from Squint says: 'It's becoming harder and harder to source these textiles and they are a very specialist part of the antiques trade.'

So if you spot something second hand covered with vintage upholstery, it's probably best to snap it up quickly. But even if your hunting skills aren't quite so sharp, it looks as though upholstery - whether updated with modern fabrics or retro - is going to be around for some time.