Master the Art of Furniture Craftsmanship

Discover the enduring satisfaction of creation. Join our expert-led courses in the heart of Paris and learn the timeless skills of fine woodworking, meticulous restoration, and elegant upholstery.

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Our Heritage, Your Learning Ground

Dubois Furniture Workshop, nestled in the heart of Paris's historic Faubourg Saint-Antoine artisan district, carries a proud legacy of exceptional craftsmanship dating back to 1952. For over seventy years and spanning three generations, we have dedicated ourselves to the meticulous creation and sensitive restoration of fine furniture, honouring the rich traditions of French ébénisterie that define this unique neighbourhood. Our founder, Emile Dubois, envisioned a space where the timeless beauty of wood could be shaped by skilled hands, a place where knowledge was as valued as the finished piece – a vision we uphold with unwavering passion every single day. We are not merely manufacturers; we consider ourselves custodians of an invaluable art form, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Parisian artisanship and committed to its future.

We firmly believe that true mastery in furniture making arises from a harmonious blend: the time-honoured techniques passed down through careful mentorship combined with the precision and understanding afforded by modern tools and material science. Our workshop environment is a tangible reflection of this philosophy – it's a vibrant, active hub where the scent of sawdust mingles with focused concentration, where traditional hand planes sit alongside modern machinery, and where heritage continuously informs innovation. More than just a place of production, Dubois is fundamentally a space dedicated to learning, sharing, and transmission. We established our diverse range of courses out of a profound desire to preserve these invaluable, often endangered, skills and to ignite that same passion in a new generation of creators, hobbyists, and professionals.

Our commitment extends beyond the techniques themselves; we actively champion the use of sustainably sourced European hardwoods and employ environmentally conscious practices wherever possible, ensuring our craft respects both its historical lineage and the planet's future. We cultivate a uniquely supportive, intensely hands-on learning atmosphere where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and mistakes are viewed as crucial learning opportunities. Meticulous attention to detail is not just taught; it's ingrained in our culture. Whether your ambition is to construct an heirloom piece from scratch, breathe new life into a cherished antique passed down through your family, or master the intricate details of fine upholstery, our workshop provides the expert instruction, professional-grade tools, and vital inspiration to guide your personal journey. Join us and become part of a living tradition. Discover the deep, unparalleled satisfaction of creating something truly beautiful, functional, and enduring with your own hands, right here in the city that has inspired artisans for centuries.

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Generations of Expertise

Built on 70+ years of family tradition and skill.

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Sustainable Materials

Commitment to responsible sourcing and eco-friendly practices.

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Hands-On Training

Learn by doing in our fully equipped, professional workshop.

Detailed view of woodworking tools and benches inside Dubois Furniture Workshop.

Our Craftsmanship Courses

Whether you're taking your very first steps into the rewarding world of woodcraft or seeking to significantly refine your existing skills, discover the perfect course designed to ignite your passion and elevate your abilities in furniture creation and restoration.

Hands carefully measuring wood for a joinery project.

Introduction to Woodworking

Embark on your essential woodworking journey! This comprehensive foundational course covers crucial hand and power tool safety protocols and proficient usage. We introduce fundamental joinery techniques vital for furniture construction, such as mortise and tenon joints and elegant dovetails, demystifying the process step-by-step. You'll also learn about selecting appropriate timber and applying professional finishing techniques. Participants complete several guided small projects (e.g., a small box, a simple stool), building practical skills and tangible confidence from the very first session. Perfect for absolute beginners eager to transform raw wood into functional objects.

Duration: 6 Weeks Skill Level: Beginner
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Applying finish to a restored wooden chair.

Furniture Restoration Basics

Breathe new, enduring life into tired, worn, or damaged furniture. This course teaches the essential, methodical techniques required to accurately assess condition and structural integrity, perform discreet and durable repairs on joints and surfaces, safely strip old, failing finishes, and expertly apply new stains, varnishes, waxes, or paints for protection and beauty. Gain crucial understanding of different wood species, common period styles, and appropriate restoration ethics to make informed, sensitive choices. You'll work on provided practice pieces and are encouraged to bring a small personal item (like a chair or small table) for assessment and potential hands-on work under guidance. Ideal for antique lovers, flea market enthusiasts, and advocates of sustainable living.

Duration: 8 Weeks Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
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Hands stretching fabric over a chair frame during upholstery.

Upholstery Techniques

Discover the deeply satisfying and transformative craft of renewing furniture with fabric and padding. This practical course covers essential foundational upholstery skills, starting with safely stripping old materials, moving through traditional webbing and modern springing techniques, applying layers of padding and foam correctly, and mastering accurate pattern making. Learn precise fabric cutting, handling, and smooth application techniques for a professional result. We explore different fabric types, their properties, and suitability, alongside finishing details like creating neat corners, applying decorative trim, buttoning, and piping. Suitable for keen beginners ready for a rewarding hands-on challenge or individuals aiming to confidently reupholster their own treasured pieces.

Duration: 5 Weeks Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
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Meet Your Expert Instructors

Learn from seasoned Parisian artisans, each possessing a deep well of practical experience, a profound respect for the craft, and a genuine dedication to sharing their extensive passion and hard-earned knowledge directly with you.

Headshot of Jean-Pierre Dubois, Master Woodworker.

Jean-Pierre Dubois

Master Woodworker & Restorer

As the current steward of the Dubois family legacy, Jean-Pierre quite literally grew up amidst the sawdust and shavings of this very workshop, absorbing knowledge over more than thirty years. He learned the intricacies of traditional French joinery, wood selection, and sensitive restoration techniques directly from his father and grandfather. Jean-Pierre possesses an almost encyclopedic knowledge of wood behaviour, historical furniture construction methods, and finishing recipes. His teaching style is characterized by patience, precision, and a methodical approach, focused on building rock-solid foundational skills and fostering a deep appreciation for the subtleties of fine craftsmanship. He particularly enjoys guiding students through the rewarding challenges of complex joinery like hand-cut dovetails and the delicate, respectful art of restoring antique treasures to their former glory.

Specialties: Advanced Joinery (Dovetails, Mortise & Tenon), Antique Furniture Restoration, French Polishing, Wood Species Identification.

Headshot of Sophie Moreau, Upholstery Specialist.

Sophie Moreau

Upholstery Specialist

Sophie brings a vibrant combination of rigorous technical expertise and a remarkable innate eye for design, color, and textiles to the workshop. With over fifteen years of professional upholstery experience and a decade dedicated to teaching, she guides students through both time-honoured traditional methods and efficient modern techniques with exceptional clarity and infectious enthusiasm. Sophie believes upholstery represents the perfect marriage of structural integrity and artistic expression, and she excels at helping students select the ideal fabrics for their projects and apply them with professional precision. Her calm demeanor and highly supportive, step-by-step approach make even complex upholstery tasks feel accessible, empowering students to tackle ambitious projects and transform furniture with newfound confidence and stylistic flair. She finds immense joy in seeing students discover the hidden potential within an old chair frame or flea market find.

Specialties: Modern & Traditional Upholstery Techniques, Fabric Selection & Coordination, Pattern Matching, Deep Buttoning, Cushion Making.

What Our Students Say

Avatar of Antoine L.
"The Introduction to Woodworking course was absolutely fantastic! Jean-Pierre is an incredibly patient, clear, and deeply knowledgeable teacher. I genuinely went from knowing absolutely nothing about wood or tools to confidently designing and building my own small side table by the end. The hands-on approach from day one is perfect for learning."

Antoine L.

Woodworking Student, Paris 11e

Avatar of Claire D.
"I cannot recommend the furniture restoration course highly enough. I brought in a rather dilapidated chair I found at the Puces de Saint-Ouen, and learned so much about assessing its structure, traditional joinery repair, and achieving a beautiful, authentic finish. The workshop atmosphere itself is truly inspiring, steeped in history and craft."

Claire D.

Restoration Student, Montmartre

Avatar of Marc R.
"Sophie's upholstery class was simply brilliant. She has a real gift for breaking down potentially complex steps like webbing and pattern cutting into logical, manageable parts. Her guidance on fabric handling and achieving those professional finishing touches was invaluable. I feel so much more confident tackling my own upholstery projects now!"

Marc R.

Upholstery Student, Le Marais

Avatar of Isabelle G.
"A truly wonderful experience from start to finish! The small class size meant lots of invaluable individual attention from Jean-Pierre. Learning to cut traditional joinery by hand felt like connecting directly with history. I learned more than I thought possible and I'm already planning which course to take next at Dubois!"

Isabelle G.

Woodworking Student, Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Avatar of François B.
"The restoration course honestly exceeded my expectations. It wasn't just about the 'how-to' techniques, but also about understanding the 'why' – respecting the history and 'soul' of the piece you're working on. The workshop is perfectly equipped, and being located right in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine adds so much to the charm."

François B.

Restoration Student, Bastille

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Ready to Start Your Craftsmanship Journey?

Select your desired course from the options below and fill out the form to express your interest or ask any specific questions you might have. Our dedicated team will review your submission and get back to you promptly via email with detailed information on upcoming schedules, course fees, material specifics, and current availability. Please be aware that spots in each session are strictly limited to ensure the highest quality of instruction and personal attention, so we encourage you to reach out soon to secure your place!

We genuinely look forward to welcoming you into our historic Parisian workshop and sharing our enduring passion for the art and craft of fine furniture making.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any prior experience for the courses? Show answer Hide answer
Our 'Introduction to Woodworking' and 'Furniture Restoration Basics' courses are specifically designed for individuals with absolutely no prior experience in the field. We meticulously start from the very basics, covering safety, tool identification, and fundamental techniques. The 'Upholstery Techniques' course is also perfectly suitable for beginners, although having good manual dexterity or some basic prior sewing experience can be slightly helpful but is certainly not a strict requirement. If any advanced course were to have specific prerequisites, they would be very clearly listed on the detailed course information page. We warmly welcome enthusiastic learners at all levels!
Are tools and materials included in the course fee? Show answer Hide answer
The course fee includes the use of all necessary workshop tools (both hand and power tools) and essential safety equipment during class hours. For introductory courses, the fee also typically covers the cost of basic consumable materials used during the structured lessons and initial practice projects – such as standard wood for exercises, sandpaper, glue, basic fasteners, and simple fabrics for upholstery practice. For larger personal projects you might undertake within a course framework, or if you wish to utilize specific high-end materials (like premium hardwoods, exotic veneers, or designer upholstery fabric), you will generally need to source and purchase these separately. We always provide detailed guidance on selecting and sourcing appropriate materials and often have some common options available for convenient purchase directly at the workshop.
What is the typical class size for your courses? Show answer Hide answer
We strongly believe that effective learning in craftsmanship requires personalized attention and a safe, comfortable working environment. Therefore, we intentionally keep our class sizes small and manageable. Typically, our courses have a maximum enrollment of just 6 to 8 students per instructor. This intimate setting ensures that every participant has ample opportunity for direct one-on-one guidance, can ask questions freely as they arise, and receives regular, constructive feedback from the instructor throughout the course.
What is your cancellation and refund policy? Show answer Hide answer
Comprehensive details regarding cancellations, potential refunds, and possibilities for rescheduling can be found in our full Terms of Service document, which you will review and agree to during the final enrollment process. As a general guideline, cancellations made with significant advance notice before the course start date (usually defined as 4 weeks or more) may be eligible for a partial or full refund, potentially less a small administrative processing fee. Unfortunately, cancellations made closer to the start date are typically non-refundable, as instructor time, workshop space, and sometimes materials have already been firmly allocated based on enrollment numbers. We strongly recommend reviewing the specific policy linked during enrollment or contacting us directly if you foresee any potential scheduling conflicts or have specific concerns.

Get In Touch With Us

Do you have questions that weren't covered in our FAQ, or perhaps you're interested in discussing a bespoke furniture commission, private tuition, or arranging a visit to see our historic workshop in action? Please don't hesitate to contact us using the details below. We're located in the vibrant Faubourg Saint-Antoine district, easily accessible in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.

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Visit Our Workshop:

14 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine,
75012 Paris, France

(Métro: Bastille or Ledru-Rollin)

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Opening Hours:

  • Workshop & General Enquiries: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Course Hours: Vary based on specific course schedule (often includes select evenings and weekends)
  • Workshop visits are welcome, but calling ahead is recommended to ensure availability.

Our Parisian Neighbourhood

Our workshop is located in the historic artisan district of Faubourg Saint-Antoine.

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