How to Reupholster a Dining Chair Seat

You may be thinking about reupholstering a dining chair seat or several dining room chairs to match the decor that is currently in your dining room. Reupholstering a dining room chair is easier than you think and it only takes a half hour or so. Here's how to reupholster a dining chair seat:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric of your choice
• scissors
• staple gun
• hammer
• screwdriver

1. 
   Unscrew the dining chair seat.

   Use a screwdriver to unscrew the seat from the dining chair.

2. Remove the existing upholstery from the dining chair seat. This step is optional since it sometimes involves removing the padding underneath. It is perfectly fine to put the new fabric over the old when reupholstering a dining room chair.

3. 
   Measure the dining chair seat.

   Measure the dining chair seat and cut the fabric to size for reupholstering. Be sure to allow for at least 4-6 inches to wrap around the back of the seat.

4. 
   Position the dining chair fabric and seat.

   Lay the fabric wrong side up on a flat surface. Place the dining chair seat on top of it (bottom up), aligning the pattern as necessary.

5. Fold one side over and staple it to the back of the dining chair seat. Be sure not to staple over the screw holes. Repeat this step until all four sides and corners of the seat are stapled. Pleat the corners for best results during reupholstering.

6. 
   Screw the dining chair seat back in.

   Place the reupholstered dining chair seat back into the dining chair and screw it back in.

Tips & Warnings

• See the resource links listed below for more chair reupholstering ideas.
• Make sure the fabric is taught when stapling.
• Stain protect the seats after you're finished if desired.
• Tape the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying.
• Buy extra fabric if you want to make matching items for the dining room (table cloth, place settings, curtains, etc).
• Use the hammer to push down any staples that stick out after stapling.
• Be careful not to staple your hand or fingers!

Resources

• 50 Fabulous Chairs
• More Sew-It-Yourself Home Décor: Over 50 Easy-to-Make Designs for Beds, Chairs, Tables and Windows
• Funky Chairs: Sit Down in Style: 25 Sensational Seats

[betterbody]

on 4/5/2009 How to Reupolster a Dining Chair Seat offers great 5* tips.

[1InternetSmarty]

on 3/24/2009 Very well written and easy to understand. Five stars.

[docjenny]

on 3/23/2009 How simple! Thanks for this article! I needed this! 5*

[consignmentchic]

on 3/22/2009 Great article with detailed instructions! THANKS! 5**

[FrazzledNanny]

on 3/20/2009 I have a few dining chairs that need reupholstering. Thanks for the article. 5*