A Step-by-Step Guide to Reupholster a Chair

Are you looking to give an old chair a new look? Reupholstering furniture is a great way to transform an outdated piece needing love. Reupholstering also allows you to use fabrics and colors, adding a personal touch to your home decor. Plus, it can save you money since buying a new chair might cost more than reupholstering an old one.

In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through reupholstering a chair. We’ll review what you need to know about measuring, choosing fabrics and supplies, and performing the actual reupholstering. Read on if you’re ready to give your chair a new look!

Preparing the Chair

The first step to reupholstering any chair is to prepare by removing the old fabric and padding. First, you will want to remove the upholstery from the chair’s frame. Unscrew any parts and use pliers to get off staples you find. It is essential to do this carefully so that you don’t damage any of the other parts of the chair. Once you have carefully loosened the fabric, remove it from the frame. Be sure to note how it was attached so you can reattach it the same way when finished. Now remove all of the paddings that were underneath the upholstery. At this phase, you want to also examine the chair’s legs and arms to see if they need to be refurbished or replaced. If they do you can use a wood lathe to create new ones or to refurbish the originals. 

Sewing the New Fabric

Next, you must measure and cut your new fabric (and padding). Add a couple of extra inches for hemming and stretching when cutting your fabric and other material.

Attaching the New Fabric

Now that your new fabric is ready, it’s time to attach it to the frame of your chair. Begin by stretching the fabric over the frame with new padding underneath and pulling it tight from all sides. You may need someone else to help with this step, as it can be tricky to do it independently. Once it is stretched tightly across all frame sides, use a staple gun or upholstery tacks to secure it. Once your chair is back together, you can enjoy your renewed piece of furniture for years.

Conclusion

Reupholstering a chair is a great way to give an old piece of furniture a new life. Whether you want to update a piece you already have or you want to make a unique statement piece, re-upholstering can be a fun and rewarding project. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take on this challenge and bring a piece of furniture in your home back to life. You can reupholster your chair quickly with patience, a few supplies, and some know-how.