How To Upholster A Chair
We’re back with another handy dandy tutorial, and this time it’s an exciting lesson in chair covering. The main takeaway should be that this is a super simple way to completely reinvent a chair. Seriously. It’s a snap. So let’s get stapled, er started.
The white fabric on this antique chair was a little yellowed and stained from years of use. So Emily (John’s frequently mentioned sister in law) and I hit up a local fabric store to grab something funky and fun to update this family hand-me-down of hers.
After we scored two yards of sateen & chenille fabric with a fun and dramatic oversized damask pattern (for just $18!) we whipped out a pair of scissors, a screwdriver, and our $12 staple gun and we were in business.
Step 1: Remove the chair’s seat bottom with the screwdriver, and strategically lay the cushion upside-down on the upside-down fabric so that the pattern is straight and centered. Then get to work stapling the new fabric right over the old stuff. Be sure to pull the fabric tight and keep it straight as you work your way around the seat, adding a staple every two inches or so for a secure hold and a pucker-free result. It also helps to periodically check that the front of the cushion looks tight, centered, and wrinkle free by peeking under the cushion as you go (so there’s no big surprise when you flip it over 40 staples later). Also remember that if you think it looks loose or crooked, it’s easy to pop out a few staples with a screwdriver and re-do ‘em. So there’s really no possible way to screw this step up. Promise.
Step 2: Take special care when stapling the corners. It’s the only semi-challenging part of the process (and when I say semi-challenging I don’t mean hard, I just mean that you can’t totally be on auto-pilot). This chair was particularly angular (most dining room chair cushions are square or rectangular) but it was still pretty simple. Just pretend you’re wrapping a present. Tuck the fabric to create folds that are hidden under the seat so that the front of the cushion is snugly wrapped and wrinkle free. It also helps to flip the cushion over as you hold the fabric (before stapling it into place) to be sure that you like how everything looks in front before you pull the trigger.
Step 3: Continue to staple the perimeter until you’re left with a securely covered seat cushion that looks something like this. You can trim the excess fabric if you’d like, but I usually just leave it alone since it’s hidden once the seat’s in place.
Step 4: Screw the cushion back into the chair and do a spirited victory dance as you admire your handiwork. We just love how the patterned fabric is perfectly centered- it looks like a professional upholstery job and it took ten minutes! The total chair transformation will truly be complete with the addition of a few plush tan and green pillows to cozy up the wooden back of the chair and complement our new patterned cushion.
Oh and for an even bigger presto-change-o, you can also paint the chair when you remove the cushion. How cool would this baby look with a coat of crisp white paint, glossy black paint- or even pale sage green paint to play off the patterned fabric? The possibilities are endless. So go ahead and get stapling- and don’t forget to send us your before and after pictures! We’re total suckers for a fabulous chair.
Amanda’s Design Dilemma
When Amanda wrote to us for design advice, we couldn’t wait to cozy up her stunning and spacious new home. Here’s her letter:
Love your house. Love your style. You almost inspired me to sell my house and start looking for a rancher of my own. =) My husband and I have just finished a house and now that we’ve started moving furniture in, I’m realizing that we need some help making our first house feel like a real home! This big open room so reflects our life (the kitchen, dining room and living room are all open to each other) but right now it feels staged and not as comfy as I’d like. I want people to just feel like falling onto my couch and staying for a while when they walk through the door. That is why I chose the darker color for the walls. I’d probably call my style “rustic modern” but I also like the look of Pottery Barn and Pier 1. The wall color has to stay as well as the couches (but if the color is off I’m open to slipcovering). I would also like for the dining set to stay. Some of the main things I need help on are throw pillows, curtain ideas, accessories and accent colors. Thanks so much in advance for your help. No pressure, but I am counting on you guys! – Amanda
The soaring beams, rich wall color, and wide open space have so much potential, but we can definitely see the challenge that such an expansive space can pose. Without further ado, our handy dandy rustic modern mood board:
Here’s the mood board breakdown.
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Abundance, Redefined.
This quote from Claire Donohue- a decorator in July’s House Beautiful- really inspired us:
Get rid of stuff. Choose one set of dishes for all occasions, one saute pan, and one set of glasses- those stemless wine glasses work for juice, cocktails, wine, milk. Live only with what you love and use daily. Think of it as a different kind of abundance.
It’s easy to get caught up with wanting more than you need (and buying things you’ll never use), so even though we’re always posting about steals & deals, it’s nice to sit back and remember that the most peaceful places and spaces always demonstrate that less really is more.
Here’s to living light!
