Believe me, before taking on this project I didn’t know how to reupholster dining chairs, but if I can do it, you can do it!
It all started when this past weekend I finally had a chance to get back to focusing on my Dining Room Makeover.
The hubs didn’t even roll his eyes when out of nowhere I was painting the walls (which by the way, wasn’t even in the original plan!) Even without the eye roll, I know he thinks I’m nuts…but totally supportive of my need to be creative. Love him.
These reupholstered dining chairs were the first of the big projects on my to-do list. Just wait until I explain what a score these were!
After reupholstering the seat and back, I love the way they look and they’re going to add to the collected look that I am striving for!
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How I found these chairs…
I am a huge Craigslist junkie so when I was browsing one Saturday and saw these chairs for only 60 bucks (for all 6 of them) my hamsters started running at full speed!
I’d pinned a mid century dining chair that had almost these exact lines that I couldn’t get out of my head. And 10 dollars a chair! A no brainer!
So here is how the transformation went…
Restoring the Wood Frames
First I had to take the chairs apart which, in this case, was pretty easy because the screws were in plain sight. I made note of how they came apart, because I would have to put them back together the same way, and labeled baggies to store my screws based on where they came from.
I spent the afternoon, just my chair frames and I, in the backyard sanding (and scraping gum..so gross.)
I used an electric sander and 100 grit sand paper to remove the old finish but keep the wood nice and smooth. **Tip – The higher number sand paper is the finest, which takes off just a light amount of finish and keeps everything smooth.
Once that was done, I cleaned the wood chair frames using a damp towel and gave them a nice coat of stain. I used MinWax in Dark Walnut.
How to Reupholster The Chair Seat
It turns out that the gum situation on the wood frames was nothing in comparison to the yuck I found on the seat cushions. The previous owners of these chairs had invited some gum chewers with NO manners to dinner.
It kept me quite entertained as I took out one staple after another.
Remove the old piping and fabric if necessary
These dining chairs were covered in vinyl, which I decided to keep for the waterproof factor and because I didn’t want to have to get into replacing the cushions underneath.
I used a flat head screwdriver to lift out the staples that held on the cardboard cover and to remove the piping, which I reused later. (**if a staple gets stuck, use a pair of pliers to yank it out.)
Then, I gave each cushion a good cleaning with a paper towel and cleaner so they wouldn’t get the new fabric dirty.
Cut your new fabric
I found a simple grey and white scallop fabric on Fabric.com
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Before cutting decide which way you want your fabric to go on your finished product and be sure to check that it’s going the right way before cutting each piece.
Lay each seat cushion on your fabric as a guide for where to cut.
I cut about 3-4 inches away from the edge of each seat cushion and ironed out the wrinkles from the backside of the fabric.
Then, I laid the seat cushion back onto my piece of fabric, print side down, (double check the direction of the fabric again) and folded one edge up and over securing it using a staple gun in 3 places.
You’ll want to make sure not to staple too close to the corners.
To ensure there are not creases on the top side of the cushion I pulled the corner tightly right from the middle and secured it with staples.
Then I gathered a little bit of fabric at a time and moved it around until I only had creases on the underside of the cushion and stapled it in place. You’ll get the hang of this really quickly.
Repeat on the opposite corner making sure to pull the fabric tight across the seat cushion. Then, repeat for the other 2 corners.
When you’re done with the seat cushion the underside will look like a mess, but the top will be nice and clean!
Seat cushion #1 done…5 to go!
How To Reupholster The Seat Backs:
The seat backs required a little bit of sewing. I decided that I liked the piping detail on these and wanted to mimic the same thing so I had to create a pattern to use for each seat back. Now, you should know that I am not a master seamstress. I’ve pretty much taught myself through trial and error, but hey, it seams seems to work!
How to make a pattern:
Use a scrap piece of fabric (part of an old flat sheet will work) and lay your seat back on it.
Then, cut around it leaving about 3-4 inches.
Repeat the same steps to make a piece for the back, or you could just double the fabric and do one cut.
Sandwich the seat back between the two pieces of fabric and pinch the fabric together where you want the final seam to be, and pinning together as you go.
**Notice that my pins run along the back side of the top of the seat back. This is because I want my piping to be in this location, so I actually will have more fabric for the front pieces of my seat backs…see the picture below..to account for the rounded edge here.
When it’s pinned in place on 3 sides, double check to make sure it’s taunt and smooth, then remove the seat back.
Finally, cut out the shape, using your pins as a guide, and leaving about 1 inch for seam allowance.
Label each side (I used “F” for Front and “B” for Back…I know, so sophisticated) so that you know which one is which, but also so you know which side will be facing out. This side will ultimately be the side with the print on it.
Making The Piping:
I ended up reusing the piping that I took off of the seat cushions. I don’t have a picture, but I took off the vinyl that you see below and used the piping inside.
Then measured out how long it needed to be by laying it along the existing piping on the seat backs and cut it to size.
I cut a 2 inch wide strip of my fabric (be sure it goes in the direction you want) so that when I fold it over the piping I will have 1 inch on each side. This will also act as my seam guide later….I know, sometimes I impress myself…hahaha!
Sewing The Seat Backs:
Time to cut out some pretty fabric for my seat backs!
Lay out your fabric print side down paying attention to the direction of your print and how you want it to go.
Then, lay your pattern piece face down also (your “F” or “B” will be face down) and cut right along the pattern.
Don’t bother pinning it together, but you could if you want to.
Repeat with the other piece of your pattern again paying attention to the direction of your pattern. Sorry I keep repeating this, but it is so important!
Adding The Piping
Fold back the edge of your top piece of fabric and lay your piping in place.
Remember how you cut 2 inch wide strips? Well now you can simply line up the edge of the piping (folded over it’s 1 inch) along the sides of the fabric and you’ll have your sewing line too! The rounded part of the piping will go inward as shown.
Pin all the way around, making sure that you line up the edges. Now you’re ready to sew them together!
So using the piping as your 1 inch seam guide sew away!
I used a zipper foot so I could get as close as possible to the piping.
In fact, I realized that I had to run each seat back through the machine twice (see the picture? The inner stitch is my second round.) The second time I was able to get much closer to the piping. You want your piping to be tight for the best look.
You can cut off some of the excess fabric so it doesn’t make your chair look lumpy.
Almost there!
After turning the cover right side out, put it on the seat back and adjust it so the piping is in the right spot and then to finish it off use a staple gun.
To do this pull the fabric tight down the front side and secured it with a staple then fold the corners sort of like you’re wrapping a present.
For the last seam I folded it under before stapling it so it had a finished look.
When I finished all of this, it was time for the big moment…putting them back together!
I’ll be honest, this project was a biggie…but so worth it!
Between mommyhood, and life, and some other projects, I had to work in stages but the end result was sooooo worth it!
I mean common’ where could you find dining chairs for about 20 bucks each? I.love.them.
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Nas Meah says
Thank you Corey for sharing. This is all new for me. I have just finished painting my porch which wasn’t as bad as I was expecting it to be as it was my first attempt at painting. My next job off my list is re-upholster my dining room chairs. I’m just a little worried as my chairs have cut-outs on the backs, which also need to be re-upholstered. I am not feeling too confident about doing this especially to 6 chairs 🤣 Can you advise me how much fabric and foam I might need and the tools to use please? I would very much appreciate your help. Thank you, Nas from England
Corey Willis says
Hi Nas, can you please email me a few pics of your chairs since it’s difficult to accurately guess how they look? Email to hello@heytherehome.com Thanks!
Jojo Frye says
Hi there. Did you use just a manual staple gun to secure the new upholstery fabric? or a air compressor w/ pneumatic staple gun attachment??
Also, Is it ok to upholster around the previous fabric for BOTH the seat AND the back??? I am aftraid to see what is under the seat…..
Thank you!
Corey Willis says
Yep I used a regular staple gun, Jojo. You can totally reupholster right over the existing fabric depending on the weight of the fabric you’re using. If you can see through it you may want to add a white or dark solid between so you can’t see the original fabric. Have a great day!
Sutton Turner says
I like how you mentioned that reupholstering can require some sewing. My mom is researching how to reupholster her couch. I appreciate the information on how to reupholster a chair.
Thomas says
Great post! Have nice day ! 🙂
Cicely says
Quick question. What did you use to cover the back of your seat cushion besides the fabric to give it shape? It look beautiful by the way!
Corey says
Hi Cicely. I actually didn’t use anything. I covered over the top of the existing vinyl so they already had that shape, but I supposed some firm foam cut to the right shape would work.
Matthew Morgan says
You did a great job! They look wonderful, and I love the look and colors of the whole area – thank you so much for sharing. You have inspired me to do the same to my dining room chairs, they are sadly in need!
Jenny says
Thanks Corey! That’s about what I had figured, but wanted to make sure.
Jenny Wade says
These look great! I scored almost the exact same chairs on craigslist! I was wondering how much fabric you bought in total? I have 5 chairs I need to do, and I have no idea how much fabric I need to order! Thanks!
Corey W. says
Hi Jenny. I ordered way too much fabric, but I think that you should be able to do 2 chairs with 1 yard. Measure the seat and back and add it up. A lot will also depend on the width of the fabric you choose. I would order just a little extra for mistakes too. Hope that helps!
Jennifer @ Brave New Home says
These are awesome! I’ve been eying some MCM chairs for a dining room redo myself. Thanks for the tips. I love that you left the vinyl on. Makes so much sense.
Corey W. says
Ha! Leaving the vinyl on was partly so that they would be smooth and partly because I was afraid of what I might find if I took it off. Second hand furniture can be scary!
Vanessa says
I love how your chairs turned out and great instructions too.
Reema @ Uratex Hospital Bed says
This is a great idea, turning old things into something new and having an awesome result. Thank you for sharing this one.
Bonnie says
Love the new look of those chairs. Reupholstering can be so intimidating but is usually easier than it looks. You did a fantastic job!
Dianna says
I still don’t understand how you finished off the chair backs…. don’t the final staples show? I am getting ready to do this same project, but unsure how to ‘hide’ the final staples 🙁
Corey W. says
I just emailed you directly. If you don’t see it, check your junk folder.
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flower delivery phoenix says
Thanks for the info. I am recovering two mid century chairs. Funny thing is I’m removing the new fabric someone put on with a yellows green vinyl like your before picture!
tinysidekick says
Haha! I didn’t know they even still made that fabric! Good luck with your project. Let me know how it turns out! I’d love to see a picture 🙂
angela says
HI there-I have very similar chairs (only 2 though…). I love your fabric. What is it??
tinysidekick says
Hi! The fabric is Michael Miller Bekko Home Decor Billow Slate. I bought it on Fabric.com. I actually have a lot of extra so if you are interested in my selling you a couple yards (for less than what they sell it for) email me and we can work it out! It is a really pretty fabric.
lydiaf says
Great tutorial! I’m sure it will come in handy in the future, so I’ve pinned it. I had to chuckle at the term “mid-century”…you’re talkin’ ’bout my generation! hahaha
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Sarah H says
Thanks for the info. I am recovering two mid century chairs. Funny thing is I’m removing the new fabric someone put on with a yellows green vinyl like your before picture!
Paula@SweetPea says
Great transformation! You really modernized these chairs! Thanks for sharing at this week’s Throwback Thursday party.
Alli says
I’m in love with your chairs! What a great job! I know all about the eye rolling! Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday!
tinysidekick says
Thanks so much Alli! Love that I found the link up so I can share some of my older posts! I’ll be back next week.
Doreen@househoneys says
You scored big time with those chairs Corey! I love their vintage look, and the fabric you choose really compliments them. I bet they’re super comfy too!
Stopping by via Throwback Thursday and happy to meet you!
Kayla Janachovsky says
Beautiful job. I love them! Don’t forget to link up to The DIY’ers! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-diyers-27.html
Chelsea @ Making Home Base says
Okay – you make this look WAY too easy! Love it girl – super cute!
Little Vintage Cottage says
These turned out so nice! Love the fabric you chose. :o)
Tania
Diana - FreeStyleMama says
Very nice!!
Brandi M says
Great job! I have a few chairs (more than I would like to admit) sitting in my work room waiting for me to learn to reupholster!
-Brandi @ Nest of Bliss
Katie Murphy says
Wow, these look great! Pinned 🙂
~Katie @ Upcycled Treasures
Krista thehappyhousie says
Super fabulous tutorial Corey, and an amazing job! Love this!! Thank you so much for sharing this at our first mega Work it Wednesday. I’m pinning this and will be featuring it on my facebook page this week! Hope to see you back next week:)
– Krista @ the happy housie
Selene @ Restoration Beauty says
You did a great job on those chairs! Love the fabric and color choice!!
Alexis Middleton says
What a find! These are great. I really need to spend some more time on craigslist. Love them! Good work
Cara Craft says
You did an amazing job on this! It doesn’t even look like the same chair! Come link up with us at Craft Frenzy Friday tomorrow at www.craftdictator.com!!
Jackie says
Such a great tutorial! I adore the fabric you chose. Now, I need to find a set of chairs to recover!
NeeCee says
Wow these look amazing…..what a find….all your work really paid off! NeeCee at pinecreekstyle.blogspot.com
Jenna LaFevor says
Wow!! They look great! I love that fabric!
Angela Conley says
Wonderful makeover! Kudos to you and your project—I don’t think I’d have the patience for all those chairs! Love the fabric too. It complements the angles of the chair frames quite nicely.
This Sarah Loves says
I just adore those chairs of yours! And the fabric is perfect. PS You should’ve seen my husband roll his eyes when I started decorating for a fake Fall dinner party yesterday! 🙂