Locked in on the price for our best-seller

When we find a good one for our customers, we make sure it’s here to stay…

An innovative look that can be described as neither plain nor patterned, Stainfree Tweed offers an “all-over” design for the home and is very easy to style.

We are proud to be offering this excellent Abingdon Carpet for the 3rd year, at the same price of £29.99, to our budget-savy customers.

This is a high-performing UK-manufactured twist carpet with a robust pile height of 7.3mm, Tweed is a great stain-resistant option that’s ready to tackle even the busiest family home, making it perfect for hallways, stairs, or any high-traffic space. 

Available in a selection of 20 contemporary colour options, which include timeless neutral combinations that are forever stylish, as well as bold classics, such as Chianti red and Cobalt blue for the more adventurous.  

Enjoy a 10-year wear warranty with this durable and fleece-backed collection.  That’s a decade of wear, and with its backing to keep its shape, it provides the utmost in feeling under your feet. Be your own kind of unique with Tweed. 

📞 Contact us today to discuss your project, request a quote, or explore our stunning range of J2 LVT flooring options at our shop on 6 Church Hill Place, Edinburgh EH10 4BD.

James Erskine is a proud NICF member R0016

We are always so glad to receive our annual certificate from The National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers! And we now have our own number.

“ The aim of the NICF is to promote excellence within the field of flooring installation; understanding and awareness of the British Standards Codes of Practice for the installation of floorcoverings; and to provide assurance of quality of workmanship to the public.”

Some history:
The NICF, National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (formerly the National Institute of Carpet Fitters), was formed in 1979.

The aim of the NICF was to promote excellence within the field of carpet fitting, understanding and awareness of the British Standards Code of Practice for the installation of textile floor coverings, and to provide assurance of quality of workmanship to the public.

As always, we are here to advise you on best carpet and flooring solution for your home and business. Just get in touch with us.

March Easter Egg Giveaway

We have a lovely promotion for the spring of 2026, because we want to give you our full attention for any required projects in your home this year.

You can go ahead and place your order this March, we do:

• Flooring

• Carpet

• Curtains

• Blinds

• Re-Upholstery

• French polishing

Remember, our measuring service is FREE, so don’t delay getting in touch.

Winner will be announced at the beginning of April.

The Challenges of Re-Upholstering: Leather vs. Velvet Fabric

Re-upholstering furniture is one of the most effective ways to refresh a space without replacing beloved pieces. But not all fabrics behave the same way once they’re on the worktable. Two of the most popular—and most demanding—choices are leather and velvet. While both offer luxury and durability when done well, each presents its own set of challenges during the re-upholstery process.

Understanding these challenges upfront can save time, money, and frustration.

Working With Leather: Precision Is Everything

Leather is often chosen for its timeless look, durability, and ability to age beautifully. However, it is one of the least forgiving materials to work with.

1. Mistakes Are Permanent
Unlike woven fabrics, leather cannot be unstitched and re-stitched without leaving visible holes. Every staple, seam, and cut must be placed correctly the first time. This makes leather re-upholstery far less flexible during installation.

2. Limited Yield and Higher Waste Risk
Leather hides are irregularly shaped and may contain scars, stretch marks, or thin areas that can’t be used. Cutting patterns efficiently requires experience, and mistakes can result in significant material loss—especially costly given leather’s price point.

3. Thickness and Strength Challenges
Leather is tougher and thicker than most fabrics. This can strain sewing machines, needles, and hands. Corners, curves, and tufting are particularly difficult, requiring specialized tools and techniques to avoid puckering or uneven tension.

4. Stretch Behavior Is Tricky
Leather stretches, but not always evenly. Over-stretching can cause long-term sagging, while under-stretching can lead to stiffness and poor fit. Achieving the right balance takes skill and patience.

Re-Upholstering With Velvet: Beauty With a Sensitive Side

Velvet is loved for its softness, depth of color, and elegant appearance. But beneath that plush surface lies a fabric that demands careful handling.

1. Nap Direction Matters
Velvet has a nap—the direction in which the fibers lie—and it must be consistent across every panel. If pieces are cut or installed in different directions, the finished furniture can appear patchy or mismatched, even when the color is identical.

2. Marks Show Easily
Velvet is prone to pressure marks, bruising, and shading from handling. Staples, hands, tools, or even resting fabric the wrong way can leave visible impressions that are difficult to remove.

3. Slippery During Installation
Velvet tends to shift and slide while being stretched and stapled. Keeping seams straight and patterns aligned can be challenging, especially on complex furniture shapes.

4. Seam and Padding Imperfections Are Visible
Because velvet reflects light differently depending on how it’s brushed, any lump, uneven padding, or crooked seam underneath will be noticeable once the piece is finished. Prep work must be flawless.

Comparing Durability vs. Workability

While both materials are durable in use, they challenge upholsterers in very different ways. Leather demands technical precision and commitment, while velvet requires visual sensitivity and meticulous preparation.

• Leather is harder to correct but easier to keep visually consistent once installed.

• Velvet allows more flexibility during sewing but exposes even minor flaws in execution.

Cost and Skill Considerations

Leather generally costs more upfront, and mistakes can be expensive. Velvet can vary widely in price, but high-quality velvet also requires skilled handling to avoid a disappointing final result.

In both cases, professional experience makes a significant difference. These are not beginner-friendly materials, and attempting re-upholstery without proper tools or knowledge often leads to wasted fabric and uneven results.

Final Thoughts…

Leather and velvet both bring undeniable character and luxury to re-upholstered furniture—but they demand respect. Leather rewards precision and confidence, while velvet rewards patience and attention to detail.

If you’re choosing between the two, consider not only how the piece will look in your space, but also the complexity of the re-upholstery process itself. The right material paired with the right expertise is what turns a challenging project into a stunning success.

We hope you found this helpful? If you require further assistance,

We’re here for you, at Church Hill Pl. Edinburgh, EH10 4BD but we can travel to you!

Please call 01314473135 or email us enquiry@james-erskine.co.uk.

Vote for us at Scotland's Business Award

January brings many good news, like our nomination to Scotland’s business award! This competiton has been going strong for 12 years and we made the cut this year.

Competing for one of the awards is an exciting time for us, so we would like to ask you to take a moment and vote in favour of James Erskine Interiors. Any member of the public can vote for the business on:

https://www.scotlandsbusinessawards.co.uk/edinburgh/

Or by texting “James Erskine Edinburgh” to 07520634133.

In May 2026…
The results night will be a Black Tie Award evening dinner, held locally in a hotel in Edinburgh. To which we would love to attend and win (of course).

Thank you in advance, for any support we might receive.

January Sale 20% off curtains & Roman blinds

As we are entering a new year, we would love for you to feel content in your home. What better way, than adding some colour with the help of new curtains or Roman blinds?

We have a generous discount for you this January, 20% off displayed ILIV and Richard Barrie curtains.

Your biggest decison would be the colour and texture, but this is what we’re here for! Our experts are in the shop to help from start to finish with your project. Remember, our measuring service is FREE, so don’t delay getting in touch.

We’re here for you, at Church Hill Pl. Edinburgh, EH10 4BD but we can travel to you!

Please call 01314473135 or email us enquiry@james-erskine.co.uk.

January Luxury Hamper Giveaway

We have a lovely promotion for the start of 2026, because we want to give you our full attention for any required projects in your home this year.

You can go ahead and place your order this January, we do:

• Flooring

• Carpet

• Curtains

• Blinds

• Re-Upholstery

• French polishing

Remember, our measuring service is FREE, so don’t delay getting in touch.

Winner will be announced at the beginning of February.

And the winner is...

We would like to thank all customers who chose us this month of November!

We had a busy month and we really enjoyed including customers in the draw.

The winner of draw is Mrs. Dean who has been contacted to claim her meal voucher.

As the year draws to an end, we thought you’d like to see our 2025 jobs compilation…

RE-UPHOLSTERY

STAIRS AND LANDING CARPET

KITCHEN AND HALL LVT

LOCAL SHOP CARPET AND BARRIER MAT

COMMUNAL LANDING VINYL

COMMUNAL STAIRS CARPET

BEDROOM CURTAIN

We hope you got a bit of inspiration for your next home project.

Need help choosing materials or colours for 2026? Visit our showroom on 6 Church Hill Pl, Edinburgh or call us to chat with a flooring specialist on 01314473135

Proud Sponsor's Moment- New Kits are here

With the new M1XV men’s match kit debuting this weekend, we'd like to take the opportunity once again to wish Lismore players & club all the best.

A founder member of the Inch Park Community Sports Club in Edinburgh’s southside, Lismore RFC is a club which fosters community involvement.

This club believes sport, and rugby in particular, is a great way to promote health, discipline, teamwork and competition in a friendly environment. We are happy to take part in their mission.

Here is a close up of the new kit launched this weekend.

Founded in 1901, Lismore RFC is a rugby club with a long history in the city of Edinburgh. James Erskine is glad to be able to sponsor and continue supporting their legacy.

Go Lismore!