How to Re-Cover a Chair Pad

Swap out old, dated upholstery with little fuss.

Recovering an existing chair pad can be a cost-effective way to enhance your decorating. Most padded chairs that come with dining sets are typically upholstered in beige or another neutral and are overall, just pretty boring. It you want to either jazz up your chairs, or renew old chairs, they are easy to replace and can change the look of a room instantly.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Staple gun
• Chair
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Flip over your chair or bar stool, or padded bench. Underneath you should find a set of screws that have been screwed into the corners of the seat cushion, often through a wooden block. Remove these screws with the appropriate screwdriver. Place screws to the side, and make sure your don't lose them.

2. Lay out your fabric right side down and use scissors to cut a square following the outline of the seat cushion, allowing an extra 4 inches on each side. Center any design or floral on top of the cushion.

3. Take the right edge of the fabric and fold it over the seat cushion, stapling down the fabric on the back with your staple gun about every 3 to 4 inches. Make sure the fabric is pulled tight. Staple the left side of the cushion in the same way. Fold over the corners as neatly as possible and staple these down as well, incorporating the fabric along the way. Fold over the top and bottom and repeat the same process. Because this is the underside of the cushion, this does not have to be perfect, just make sure the fabric is pulled tight enough so there are no wrinkles, or creases on the top of the cushion.

4. Return the cushion to the seat bottom, and screw back in the screws you have removed from before. Because you have added additional fabric to the seat, it may take a little muscle to re-tighten the screws, but it can be done. Repeat with all remaining cushions. This is a simple inexpensive way to decorate your home, while adding color and interest to your decor.

Tips & Warnings

• Add an extra layer of batting or foam before layering on the fabric if the seat padding is worn.