How to Reupholster a Chair Seat

Changing out the fabric on a piece of furniture is an affordable way to get a completely different look. Honestly, I have never done this. Any large upholstery projects are left to the pros. But in remodeling the pool house, the seats to antique chairs need a new look.

This very pretty Victorian bustle back chair is one of two. Popular between 1850 and 1900, the chair is open in the back to allow women to sit in it while wearing a gown with a large bustle. I find that some antique chairs are so well made that they are worth keeping. However, the fabric on the cushion does not go with the mostly blue theme of the new pool house re-do.

Here is a look at the chair before the fabric change. Initially, I thought I would remove the entire seat and recover it. But the seat did not detach from the base so the challenge is to recover it in place. The existing fabric is Sunbrella and in good condition, however, the color is not what I want.

Tools You Will Need

• Flat head screwdriver
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Staple gun
• Glue gun
• Fabric of your choice
• Trim of your choice

Removing the old fabric

First I remove the gimp braid trim, which pulls away rather easily. Surprisingly the trim does conceal all the staples where the fabric meets the chair frame.

Sorry for the blurry photo as it is difficult to work and photograph at the same time. Using the flat head screwdriver, I pull the existing staples out of the fabric. To assist, I use the pliers as some were more difficult to remove than others.

Under the fabric, the linen seat cushion is in good condition and will remain the same.

Making a Pattern

Using the old piece of fabric as a pattern, I cut a new one with the blue fabric adding an extra 1/4″ to all 4 sides. If you recall from HomeEc in 7th grade (am I dating myself?), it is important to note the cross grain/straight grain vs. bias of the fabric. Since I will be pulling this fabric taut across the seat cushion, I want to make sure the pattern doesn’t get distorted. So pulling on the fabric and making the pattern lay across the cross/straight grain is the goal.

Next, I fold over the edge, approximately 1/4″ and iron it in place. I do not want the edges of the fabric to fray as I am stapling it on the frame.

Recovering the Seat

After placing the fabric on the chair, with the pattern somewhat centered, I start on one side and staple the ironed edge of the fabric onto the frame. Before each staple, I make sure the fabric is in the right spot and that it is tight against the cushion.

It took a few passes with the staple gun as there were some issues with 3 staples coming out at once. But with a new set of staples, the problem is resolved.

What’s nice about using a trim is that it allows you to cover any mistakes you make. Some staples went in easily, others not so much. But the fabric is secure and it looks like this.

Adding the trim

I am surprised at how easy this project is~all done while watching a television show. Since I tend to be a bit impatient, I re-used the gimp braid trim. Since the color is a bit neutral, it does blend in with the chair frame. My first choice would be blue or white, and I may still do that, but I am living with the old trim for a while to see if I like it.

Using the hot glue gun, I apply an average amount of hot glue to the underside of the trim. Starting at one edge, I apply it to the fabric to cover the staples.

Caution: There is nothing worse than getting hot glue on your skin/fingers. So be very careful applying the glue. Take it from someone who burns her fingers every time I use it.

Here is the chair on its way out to the pool house. Let me know if you think I should replace the trim with blue or white braid. Or if it is fine the way it is. Now I hope to take some of this fabric and recover 2 small lampshades.

Happy Wednesday! I have been named an alternate juror for the grand jury. Keeping my fingers crossed that they do not need me as it would be 2 full days per week for 4 months commitment. Yikes.

If you need any of the items for this project, you can find them below.

Glue gun

Pliers

Multi-purpose Staple Gun

Upholstery Trim

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