Upcycling old furniture is a sustainable and creative way to breathe new life into old or outdated pieces. Instead of discarding furniture that no longer fits your style or needs, upcycling involves transforming it into something new and useful. This process can include repainting, reupholstering, or adding new hardware to a piece to give it a fresh look.
When you want to revive your favorite chair, you might think that reupholstering your chair may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little patience, anyone can tackle this project!
In this article, we'll cover the basic steps involved in reupholstering a designer chair and the specific tools you'll need to get the job done.
Tools You'll Need:
Upholstery fabric
Upholstery foam
Screwdriver
Pliers
Needle-nose pliers
Hammer
Pry bar or tack puller
Measuring tape
Chalk or pencil
Step 1
Remove the old fabric and padding The first step in reupholstering a designer chair is to remove the old fabric and padding. Use a screwdriver and pliers to remove any screws or staples holding the fabric in place. Carefully remove the fabric and any padding underneath it. Use a pry bar or tack puller to remove any stubborn tacks or staples.
Step 2
Measure and cut the new foam and batting Measure the dimensions of the chair seat and backrest and cut a piece of upholstery foam to fit. Do the same for the batting, but add an extra inch or two to the dimensions to allow for wrapping around the edges of the chair.
Step 3
Wrap the foam and batting around the chair Lay the batting over the foam and wrap them both around the seat and backrest of the chair. Use the staple gun to secure the batting and foam to the chair frame, making sure it is taut and smooth.
Step 4
Cut and attach the new fabric. Measure the dimensions of the chair seat and backrest, and add a few inches to each side for wrapping around the edges.
Cut a piece of upholstery fabric to fit. Lay the fabric over the chair, making sure it is centered and smooth. Use the staple gun to attach the fabric to the chair frame, starting at the center of each side and working your way outwards. Pull the fabric taut as you go, but be careful not to pull too hard and distort the pattern or texture of the fabric.
Step 5
Finish the edges Fold the fabric neatly around the corners and edges of the chair, like wrapping a present. Use the staple gun to secure the fabric in place. Trim any excess fabric, but leave enough to fold over and tuck neatly underneath. Use the upholstery tacks to secure the fabric in place.
Step 6
Reattach any hardware If the chair has any hardware such as buttons, nails, or decorative trims, reattach them using a hammer or needle-nose pliers.
Reupholstering a designer chair can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can create a beautiful new look for your furniture. Remember to take your time and be careful, and you'll end up with a chair that looks like new.
Upcycling your favorite old chair can save money and reduce waste while also allowing for the expression of personal style and creativity. Plus, repurposing old furniture can create unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that cannot be found in a store!
Before you start reupholstering your own favorite chair, watch how professionals worked on this iconic piece of furniture called the Proust Chair by Alessandro Mendini.
The chair features a Baroque-inspired shape with a unique and colorful hand-painted pattern on its surface. The Proust Chair is considered a postmodern masterpiece and has been displayed in numerous art and design museums around the world.
Cake is a lifestyle brand offering unique homewares and accessories that celebrate culture and individuality. Founder Laurine Brugman designs products that withstand trends and fads - creating timeless pieces that you’ll treasure forever.
We’re passionate about preserving traditional crafts and passing on a little bit of love with our hand-made items. All of our items are produced in limited runs to eliminate waste and ensure quality.