How to Upholster Wood Dining Chairs

Upholstered wood dining chairs

Upholstering wood dining chairs is a quick and easy project that enhances the comfort and appearance of the chairs. Upholstered dining chairs create a custom designer look that instantly upgrades any room.

Things You'll Need

• 2/3 yard of upholstery fabric for each chair to be covered
• 2-inch thick upholstery foam
• Scissors
• Utility knife
• Staple gun
• Staples
• Tape measure
• Screwdriver
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Remove the wooden seat by turning the chair upside down and loosening the screws under the seat. Discard the old upholstery and foam.

2. Place the seat on top of the upholstery foam and trace with a pencil. Cut out foam along the marked line using a utility knife.

3. Place fabric on the work surface, wrong side up. Put the cut piece of foam on the fabric. Using the tape measure, mark a 4-inch border all the way around the foam. Cut fabric along marked line.

4. Turn the wooden seat upside down and place on top of the foam, which is centered on top of the fabric. Pull one side of the fabric up and over the edge of the wooden seat. Fold under the raw edge of the fabric and staple in place. Carefully repeat this procedure on the opposite side of the seat, making sure to pull the fabric tightly before stapling. Pull up one of the remaining sides, folding the edges toward the center to avoid bulk at the corners of the seat. Staple the center of this side first and work toward the corners, adjusting the fabric as needed for a neat appearance. Turn under all raw edges of fabric before stapling. Repeat with the final side of the seat.

5. Put the finished upholstered seat back into the chair frame. Tighten the screws securely under the seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Fabrics with designs or texture are better for hiding spots.

• Use only upholstery-grade fabric. Lightweight fabrics will not wear well.