Reupholstering a chair is an excellent way to add style and function to your home. It’s also a fun project that can be done by anyone with a little patience and a little know-how.
First, you’ll need a few supplies to complete the project: some heavy-duty staples, space for your work, and a protective sheet or foam layer if needed. You may also want to consider purchasing a professional upholstery tool kit and decorative tack strips, both of which can be found online.
Stripping Old Upholstery
Remove the seat cushion and the old fabric. This is generally a fairly easy job, and if you have the necessary tools, it can be accomplished without the need to buy new hardware. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the chair before stripping the original covering, as this will be helpful later in reassembling the piece.
Label the Removed Pieces
Once you have removed all the old fabric, label each one for reference as you pull it off. This will help you know which part of the chair it belongs to, and which side. You can then use the markings to cut out your new pieces of fabric.
When you’re removing the old pieces of fabric, pay special attention to the cut lines on each piece. This is important, as you will be using these as pattern pieces when you cut your new fabric to match the dimensions of each piece.
Make Pleats if Needed
For curved corners on the chair seat, fold the fabric in half and pleat it, making sure to keep the creases smooth. Repeat this process on each corner to ensure that the rounded corners are flat and evenly finished.
Tacking the Chair Back
Next, tack the back of your chair to its frame with tack strips. These can be purchased in a variety of colors and styles from online fabric stores or in the craft section at your local store. They are very easy to use and will give you a nice clean line along the top of your fabric.
If you want to add a decorative touch, you can tack on buttons or trim. However, some details are more difficult to adhere to than others, so it’s best to consult with your local upholstery shop or check out instructions on the Internet to determine how to attach them.
Stapling the Chair Back
Reattach the back of your chair to its frame with staples, tack strips, or decorative upholstery tacks. If you are using tack strips, apply them to the top of your back panel and pull tight toward the bottom. Then, fold your back panel back over the tack strip and staple it in place.
Tacking the Chair Back
When reattaching the back of your chair, tuck under any raw edges that are visible. This will give your chair a nice finished look and prevent loose threads from showing through the fabric.
Once the back is secured, the rest of the chair is ready to be reassembled. This can be a time-consuming process, so it is important to be patient and enjoy the finished product.