How to Measure a Wingback Chair for Recovering Material

Correct measurements will ensure you don't buy too much excess material.

Reupholstering a wingback chair will give it new life. People recover furniture because it is worn or because they are changing their room decor and want a new look. Whether you want to recover the chair yourself or take it to a professional, you need to purchase the correct amount of fabric for your chair. If you do not, you may find that if you need more material, it has sold out or the fabric has been discontinued. It is always wise to buy plenty of fabric; this will give you sections of the cloth to grip to pull the material snugly during the recovering process. And if you have enough fabric left over, you can make throw pillows or cover a footstool.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Seam ripper or box cutter
• Permanent marker
• Ink pen
• Clean bed sheet (optional)
• Sheet of notebook paper

Instructions

1. Carry the wingback chair from the room, take it somewhere dry and out of the weather, such as a garage or workshop.

2. Remove the old fabric from the chair one section at a time. You will need pliers to pull out the heavy-duty staples or tacks and box cutters or a seam ripper for the other areas. Start on the bottom of the chair and work your way up to the arm sections. Take care not to rip the old fabric, as it will be your pattern.

3. Number each piece of fabric with a permanent marker because you will need to replace it in the same fashion, or you can label it by writing on it "top right wingback section," "seat cushion" and repeat with the appropriate names for each piece.

4. Lay the fabric on a worktable or a clean sheet on the floor.

5. Measure each section, write down the length and width of the sections, and label each section on one line of the notebook paper.

6. Choose the fabric you want to use to recover your wingback chair. Most upholstery fabrics come in 54 or 60 inches wide.

7. Place the sections closely together on the table or clean sheet to get the correct measurements and not waste money on too much excess material.

8. Measure all the sections and determine how many yards of fabric the chair will need. Allow plenty of fabric in case you accidentally cut a piece or spill something on a portion of the material.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are taking the chair to a professional and don't have the time to remove the old fabric, the professionals will tell you how much fabric to buy when you deliver the chair to them or when they pick it up.

• Use the tape measure on the bottom, top and depth portions of the cushion if it is removable. Most people turn their seat cushions around and over periodically to reduce wear, so you want to consider this.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: How to Reupholster a Chair

Resources

• Penny Pinching Grandma: Reupholster It Made Easy