How to Properly Reupholster a Chair

Reupholster that old chair with a chic new pattern.

When reupholstering a chair, not only are you saving money by not buying new furniture, but you also are salvaging an old piece of furniture. Reupholstering allows you to choose the fabric and cushion amount you want on the chair and allows you to experiment with your creative side. Reupholstering an old chair is not as difficult as it may seem if you follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Upholstery fabric
• Screwdriver (for screws on cushion of chair)
• Needle-nose pliers
• 1-inch-thick cotton batting
• Scissors
• Staple gun with staples or upholstery tacks

Instructions

1. Choose a fabric. Only upholstery fabrics should be used as they will last longer than regular fabrics. Try to choose a stain-resistant upholstery fabric. Avoid leather or suede unless you are skilled in upholstery.

2. Unscrew the seat cushion from the chair using a screwdriver. Use needle-nose pliers to remove all staples and upholstery tacks from the chair.

3. If needed, replace the old batting with 1-inch-thick cotton batting. Lay the cushion on top of your chosen fabric and cut out around the cushion with scissors, leaving 3 inches of excess fabric for stapling.

4. Pull the batting over the sides of the chair and staple it or tack it in place with upholstery tacks. Trim any batting that is left over.

5. Place the batting side of the cushion over your fabric and pull the fabric taut over the chair, one side at a time. Staple the fabric to the chair. Repeat for each side.

6. Trim the excess fabric. Screw the cushion back onto the chair.

References

• Repair-Home: How to Reupholster Furniture